The NFL opted not to shorten 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith’s nine-game suspension for violations of the league’s substance-abust and personal conduct policies, but Smith says it wasn’t because of a failure to comply with their guidelines to return to the team.
A report from Ed Werder of ESPN over the weekend claimed Smith didn’t fulfill counseling requirements mandated by the league was refuted by Smith’s agent and the NFLPA and Smith said Tuesday that he did “everything that was necessary” to gain early reinstatement. He didn’t get it and doesn’t know why, but says that it’s a moot point now that his suspension has come to an end.
“Not really, nothing that was clarified. But that’s not important any more. I’m happy I’m back and I’m ready to go,” Smith said, via CSNBayArea.com.
Smith was allowed to attend meetings at the team’s headquarters during his suspension, but he wasn’t permitted to practice. He filled his time by fulfilling community service obligations through work with children and shied away from making any big pronouncements about being a changed man, opting instead to say that time will prove whether he can make the needed changes in his life.
“I’d say, honestly, time will show,” Smith said. “I’m not going to sit here and give you some, whatever, crazy answer. Time will show, you know.”
Smith is eligible to play this week and the 49ers said last week his work in practice will determine how much he plays against the Giants.