The San Francisco 49ers appear to be out of the loop as it relates to knowing about Aldon Smith’s potential suspension. The star linebacker was sentenced to 11 days work crew and three years probation over a month ago stemming from DUI and weapons charges that he pled no contest to earlier in the year.
He also met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this month.
But the NFL, seemingly dragging its feet on a decision, has yet to impose a suspension on the sack artist. For his part, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh is not sure whether the likely suspension ruling will come prior to their Week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys (via Pro Football Talk).
A: “I have not gotten any indication.”
Q: Are you sure?
A: “I’m sure I haven’t gotten any indication, yes.”
Q: No, that was another question, I’m sorry. I’ve got a follow up.
A: “Follow up.”
Q: Is it going to happen before the regular season starts?
A: “I don’t know.”
Q: Wow. Shouldn’t you?
A: “I haven’t had any indication, so, I don’t know. . . . My crystal ball, I don’t have it.”
The NFL is widely expected to suspend Smith for his numerous off-field incidents, but San Francisco needs to know exactly how long said suspension is going to be when making a decision on its 53-man roster. Without a ruling prior to the start of the regular year, the 49ers are put behind a proverbial eight ball. And it’s not fair to the organization.
The same can be said for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon, who met with Goodell regarding his appeal of a year-long suspension over three weeks ago.
Photo: USA Today