Aldon Smith, 49ers linebacker, was arrested yesterday, August 6th.
From the PIO: SCPD arrested Aldon Smith last night for Hit&Run, DUI, and vandalism. A press release will be provided later this morning.
— Santa Clara Police (@SantaClaraPD) August 7, 2015
In an interview with KTVU after leaving jail, he apologized to his fans, however, he said that it was not a DUI and the situation “could’ve been handled differently.”
He met with the 49ers general manager, Trent Baalke today. However, because he refused to take responsibility, he was released from the team.
What caught my eye was the response from the coach, Jim Tomsula.
49ers coach Jim Tomsula canceled the team’s morning practice Friday, saying his players were hurting. Tomsula was emotional himself in talking about Smith’s situation.
“It’s a sad day,” the first-year 49ers coach said at a news conference. “We’re not worried about football. This has nothing to do with football. … If one person out there reads this and you’re struggling, get help. Go get it. You’re worth it. We value every human being. Get the help. You don’t have to walk alone. Find it. It’s there.
This touched my heart because of the sincerity and the concern about Aldon Smith the man, and not just Aldon Smith the football player.
The struggle with substance abuse and addiction is REAL. It is a daily battle. And to see that this coach is hurt by this and spreading the word of getting help makes me feel as if this was a team who really tried to work with Aldon.
“Although Aldon will not be playing football here, he will be supported. He will not be alone. … We saw a man fighting, working and trying. … Once again, real life, everyone has struggles. They’re just in different ways. … From our perspective, from him, we need the things that need to be addressed with 100 percent of everything he has.”
The struggle with substance abuse and addiction is REAL. It is a daily battle. This is the first year of coaching this team for Tomsula. To see this coach, and team, hurt by this and spreading the word of getting help makes me feel as if this was a team who really tried to work with Aldon.
Here’s some history:
Smith was arrested on suspicion of DUI in January 2012, a charge that was later reduced to reckless driving. Later that year, he faced three felony weapons charges stemming from a June 2012 party at his home. Police said several shots were fired, two partygoers were injured and Smith was stabbed. Smith pleaded not guilty, and the weapons charges were later reduced.
Smith was arrested and charged with DUI again after a car accident in September 2013. He voluntarily entered rehab and missed five games that season. In July 2014, Smith was sentenced to 11 days of work release for that DUI in Santa Clara.
In August 2014, Smith was suspended for the first nine games of last season for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct and substance-abuse policies, in connection to the 2013 drunken-driving arrest.
Smith also was arrested April 13, 2014, at Los Angeles International Airport. Police said he was randomly selected for a secondary screening and became uncooperative, telling a TSA agent he had a bomb. No charges were filed in that incident.
All is not lost for Smith. He is a free agent. Redemption and a second (or fifth) chance IS an option. However, he really must get himself together.
All the best to him.
UPDATED: 4:10pm
So this is from Terez Owens’ website:
Could the interweb about to explode? I’m pretty sure this is about as real as it gets for teammates, or now former teammates. Via our insider, “I have a source placed within Realativity sports in San Franisco, which is the agency that represents Aldon. He’s telling me that Aldon drove his car into Colin Kaepernick’s car over a girl, Nessa (who happens to be Aldon’s ex) He’s going to keep me updated as the day goes on/ if he hears more so if its something you wished to stay posted on let me know. Guy with a history of bad decisions and alcoholism…. Been drinking gets upset over his ex, hits Kaps car freaks out and takes off.” You can’t make this stuff up, feels like the HBO show Ballers.-TO

via TerezOwens.com
There may be some truth to this because Smith and Kaepernick got into a fight on the field earlier this week…
Aldon Smith got into a scrap with 49ers star Colin Kaepernick earlier this week … which may have been fueled by ongoing rumors about Smith’s ex-girlfriend and the QB.
Multiple Niner locker room sources tell TMZ Sports … Aldon and Colin had an altercation on the field during a practice on Tuesday, and “players had to pull them apart.” It’s interesting because there’s been a lot of Internet buzz Smith’s ex-gf is now with Kaep.
Smith and Hot 97 host Nessa broke up in recent months, and even though she and Kaep have not been photographed together … rumors they’re together have persisted.
It’s crazy because earlier this morning I saw a tweet about Kaep and Nessa making it official. I just didn’t put it all together.
Whew.
UPDATED, 4:25pm:
OKAY. So I’m back…and…..
First:
This is out there RT @TerezOwens: Update: Aldon Smith Crashed Into Colin Kaepernick’s Car http://t.co/kAJB90D5oW pic.twitter.com/5v4cGy2yZI
— Jason Cole (@JasonColeBR) August 7, 2015
Then:
I am told by a source close to Aldon Smith that the car he hit does NOT belong to #49ers QB Colin Kaepernick.
— Jason Cole (@JasonColeBR) August 7, 2015
Jason Cole is a reporter for Bleacher Report.