Most people wouldn’t be happy with 12 days in jail. But 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith, who was given that sentence for gun and DUI convictions, is thrilled.
“I know he’s very happy with what transpired,” Smith’s father, Thurston Smith, told the San Jose Mercury News.
It’s easy to see why Smith is happy. He could have been given a much longer jail term, and even the 12-day sentence isn’t as bad as that sounds: He’ll get credit for one day served, and the other 11 days will be served on a work crew on 11 consecutive Mondays, starting July 28. Smith also gets three years of probation, and Thurston Smith thinks that will be good for his son.
“Probation is really good because you can’t get in anymore trouble,” he said. “We don’t want that to happen at all.”
As for the other discipline Smith is facing, from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Smith’s father said he doesn’t know what to expect.
“We don’t have any idea,” Thurston Smith said. “[Weapons convictions] being reduced felony to misdemeanor was huge, and we hope it carries much weight with what Mr. Goodell does. We’re praying for four [games] or less but it’s beyond our control.”
There was some talk in recent months that Smith might miss the entire season, either because he would be suspended or because he would be in jail. If Smith just gets a short suspension and doesn’t have to miss any games because he’s behind bars, he will continue to be very happy.