It took a second arrest for him to seek treatment, but San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has finally done just that. Smith was arrested last week on suspicion of DUI at 7:00 AM after crashing his car into a tree. Allegedly prescription pills were found in his car. This is Smith’s second DUI arrest in less than two years. 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. The 49ers placed him on the NFI, Non-Football Injury, list. Smith did play in the 49ers blowout loss at home to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday which caught many people by surprise. It seemed as though the team cared more about winning than doing the right thing. 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. Hopefully, he will do just that so he will no longer be cast in such negative lights to the public. It would be nice to see a player go through addiction struggles and come back mentally tougher and stronger. If anyone has the physical talent to do it, it is Aldon Smith.
