It took a second arrest for him to seek treatment, but San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has finally done just that. Â Smith was arrested last week on suspicion of DUI at 7:00 AM after crashing his car into a tree. Â Allegedly prescription pills were found in his car. Â This is Smith’s second DUI arrest in less than two years. Â He was also involved in a shooting at a house party he threw where he was stabbed. He is still facing a lawsuit for that incident.
Smith checked into the rehab facility to be treated for alcohol abuse and will remain there for at least a month. Â The 49ers placed him on the NFI, Non-Football Injury, list. Â Smith did play in the 49ers blowout loss at home to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday which caught many people by surprise. Â It seemed as though the team cared more about winning than doing the right thing. Â Before checking into the facility, he issued an apology to everyone he let down.
“I am taking a leave of absence to address my health,” Smith said. “I am sorry that I have affected my team, my family and the organization. I will do everything in my power to handle this situation the best way possible. I appreciate the support of the 49ers and our fans.”
Smith is allowed to take all the time he needs as he tries to fight his demons. Â Hopefully, he will do just that so he will no longer be cast in such negative lights to the public. Â It would be nice to see a player go through addiction struggles and come back mentally tougher and stronger. Â If anyone has the physical talent to do it, it is Aldon Smith.
