NFL Suspends San Francisco 49ers’ Aldon Smith For Nine Games
After an offseason spent wondering what would happen to star outside linebacker Aldon Smith, the San Francisco 49ers found out today, and the news was not encouraging.
The NFL has suspended Smith for nine games for his off-the-field antics. NFL.com insider Ian Rapoport released the NFL’s official statement on the matter:
Full statement RT @RLiuNFL: 49ers Aldon Smith suspended 9 games. Full NFL statement here: pic.twitter.com/xPkck50yhX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2014
The punishment was much harsher than the 49ers believed would be handed down:
Safe to say, this 9-game suspension is way more than the #49ers believed was coming for Aldon Smith.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2014
Smith has apparently already appealed the suspension and was turned down, so the ruling will stand as official:
#49ers LB Aldon Smith has already appealed and lost. So the 9-game suspension is final.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2014
Smith was suspended for a long list of transgressions. This summer the troubled defensive wizard received 12 days in jail and three years probation after pleading guilty to three felony gun charges and two counts of DUI, one of which stemmed from a party at his home where he was stabbed.
Only 24 years old, the talented but troubled star also missed five games in 2013 after checking into a rehab facility following a DUI charge. Smith also ruffled some feathers by causing a scene at Los International Airport earlier this year, but he was never charged for allegedly making a bomb threat.
Despite his litany of charges and suspension, Smith will be allowed to spend time with the team at their facilities while suspended.
But not having him on the field is going to cost the 49ers dearly. They’ve already lost defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey for the season, linebacker NaVorro Bowman for at least six games, and safety Antoine Bethea to a concussion.
Now, they’ll be without Smith for more than half of the upcoming season. Can the 49ers contend in the ultra-tough NFC West without many of their key defensive cogs in place?
