Aldon Smith has used up his last chance.
Smith, the talented but troubled 49ers pass rusher who was arrested overnight for DUI, has been released.
There was little doubt that had to happen: The 49ers have given second and third chances to Smith and he has repeatedly made them regret it, and at some point they simply had to say enough is enough.
“This organization has tried very hard to help Aldon fight his issues,” the team said in a statement. “Although he is no longer a member of this team, our support and concern for him will continue.”
In his only season as a full-time starter, in 2012, Smith was a sensational player, finishing the season with 19.5 sacks. But in 2013 he missed five games while in alcohol rehab, and in 2014 he missed nine games because of an NFL suspension. Now his 49ers career is over, and his NFL future is in doubt.