The NFL hits Aldon Smith with his toughest suspension to date!
Since 2012, Aldon Smith has been arrested four times, which has put a huge hindrance on the furthering of his career. Last year, we saw Aldon serve a 9-game suspension for violating the league’s substance and personal conduct policies, but was reinstated for week 11.
However, soon after, the former Pro Bowler and NFC Champion was released from the San Francisco 49ers, following an arrest for his third DUI in August. Their rival, the Oakland Raider, quickly picked him up and looked to refresh his career on the other side of the Bay Area.
Unfortunately, the NFL decided to suspend the troubled former star a full year for substance abuse. In comparison to previous suspension, Smith isn’t guaranteed a reinstatement into the NFL, following his hit-and-run, DUI and vandalism arrest previously mentioned.
After productive play this season thus far, Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzi felt Aldon was an intricate piece into the franchise’s future and planned to sign him to a long-term deal.
While it’s unsure whether Oakland will take a risk on Smith remains to be seen, but his effective pass-rush play alongside Khalil Mack definitely made the team overlook his off-the-field issues.
This obviously the last we’ve seen of Aldon in the NFL (unless Roger Goodell feels otherwise), so whoever picks him up next November will have a bargain player on their roster.
