Aldon Smith has been overly supported by the San Francisco 49ers. Although Smith appeared to be fighting and working to stay on the right path, he just has been obviously unable to fight his ongoing battle with alcohol abuse. This is not the first time Smith has faced trouble while employed with the 49ers. Since 2011, Aldon has had several encounters with the law stemming from being arrested on suspicion of drunk driving leading to DUI charges that were reduced to reckless driving. In 2012, he faced three felony weapons charges and team suspension. A car accident in September 2013 led to Smith being charged again with another DUI, which led to him voluntarily entering rehab and missing five games that season.
Spinning the wheels forward, as late as August 2014, Smith missed the first nine games of last season from a suspension related to yet another DUI charge. Smith violated the NFL’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies. This battle seems to be bigger than Smith, which explains why the 49ers are hellbent on supporting him, on or off the team.
The team released the following statement:
“This organization has tried very hard to help Aldon fight his issues. Although he is no longer a member of this team, our support and concern for him will continue.”
Smith has been seeking help and although making significant improvements, he is just having a hard time staying out of trouble with the law. Smith’s failure to admit his role in the recent arrest on Thursday for hit and run, DUI and vandalism are the reasons the general manager and the 49ers organization made the decision to release him.
From the team prospective, coach Jim Tomsula claims the team needs 100% of Smith’s committment in regards to football. Both the head coach and the general manager have been in conversation with Smith since his release from jail and the team is fully committed to supporting him, according to Tomsula.
In a recent press release, Tomsula shared the team’s position:
Aldon Smith will be supported and he will not have to walk this path alone. Tomsula urges anyone in the NFL who is struggling to get the help you need. Find the help! It’s there. Although Aldon will not be playing football for the 49ers, the team will absolutely be supporting him.
The 49ers organization has tried very hard to help Smith fight his demons off the field. However, how much support do you think the coaches and GM’s can give these players that are repeat offenders? Please share your opinions below.
