On Friday night, 49ers rookie linebacker Aldon Smith, who had 14 sacks in the regular season and two in a pair of playoff games, was arrested for DUI in Miami.
Since our first item on the issue, Smith has been released from custody. But he remains in hot water, both with the authorities and with his team.
The Niners addressed the situation in a statement posted earlier today on the team’s official Twitter page.
“The 49ers are aware of the recent matter involving Aldon Smith,” the team said. “We take these issues very seriously but will reserve further comment at this time, as this is an ongoing legal matter. The 49ers will continue to gather the facts and monitor the developments closely.”
Technically, the team can take no action against Smith. Matters of this nature fall within the jurisdiction of the league’s substance-abuse policy. Unless and until Smith resolves the situation with a finding of guilt, he won’t be subject to punishment.