The hammer of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has fallen hard on 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith. Goodell suspended Smith for nine football games due to his violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy and substance abuse policy. Smith will start his suspension this Saturday and will finish on November 10th, the day after the 49ers play the New Orleans Saints.
The heavy suspension came shortly after Smith wrapped up his criminal cases involving DUI, possession of marijuana, and possession of weapons. Just before the start of training camp, the 24 year-old plead no contest to the DUI and weapons charges and was sentenced to three years of probation and 11 days of work crew.
After his DUI arrest back in September 2013, Smith was suspended indefinitely from the team and sought out help with substance abuse. He enrolled himself in an in-patient treatment center and has claimed he has remained sober ever since. When deciding Smith’s punishment, Goodell said he considered Smith’s time in rehab and that it was in his favor.
Niners general manager Trent Baalke supported his star athlete when he released this statement on Friday, “Our organization has known this decision would come and we have prepared for it as a team. Aldon has taken responsibility for his actions and has continued to show growth personally and professionally. We will continue to support him, but it is time to put this matter behind us and focus on the season ahead.”
And yes, they better focus on their season ahead, because the Seahawks are ready to be the World Champs again! Go Hawks!!
Written by Senior DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney David O
Co-written by Sarah Ann