The complicated legal docket of 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith could be getting streamlined. Considerably.
Per multiple reports, Smith is in court for a status conference on his pending weapons and DUI charges. There’s widespread belief that a plea deal could be coming for one or both cases.
Any acceptance of responsibility by Smith on either charge will open him up to scrutiny. The DUI situation falls under the substance-abuse policy; the weapons charges land under the personal conduct policy.
His past alcohol-related offense could result in a suspension this time around, and the weapons charges could result in a separate suspension. Smith also faces potential criminal charges for the incident at an airport security line, where he joked about having a bomb after receiving extra screening.
Smith has 42 sacks in 43 career regular-season games, a fact that surely has prompted the franchise to be far more patient than it would have been with a lesser player.