Friday marked the end of the line for former San Francisco 49ers pass-rusher Aldon Smith. After yet another arrest that included DUI, hit and run and vandalism charges, the franchise parted ways with the troubled player.
The fact that Smith denies that he was intoxicated after such reckless behavior is very disturbing. He needs to get some help. According to ESPN, his former teammates agree:
Anquan Boldin: “I’m just more concerned about him as a person. Football doesn’t come into play when it comes to a situation like that. My whole thought is just making sure he’s OK as a person.”
Eric Reid: “It’s tough. That guy might be the best pass-rusher in the league, but, like I said, it’s more than about football right now.”
Antoine Bethea: “Hopefully he gets some help.”
At the young age of 25, Smith has been in his fair share of off-the-field messes.
Aldon Smith's arrest Thursday is latest of off-field incidents dating back to 2012. pic.twitter.com/wUcLtui2Gn
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 7, 2015
Smith’s latest lapse of judgement leaves the 49ers defense with a gaping hole to fill once again. All the players can do now is stick together and work with whomever the team finds to help fill Smith’s vacancy.
“We’ve got to keep rolling,” Bethea said. “I mean, next man up, whoever that may be, they’ve got to come in, they’ve got to step in, they’ve got to play well.”
Smith getting the help he needs takes precedent over everything. And, he will be missed by his team.
Torrey Smith on Aldon Smith: "Aldon’s one of the best football players I’ve ever been around.” #49ers
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) August 8, 2015
Whether Smith, a first-round draft pick in 2011, will be given another opportunity from a different NFL team is in question.
Photo: USA Today Sports