Aug. 07--San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith might have lost the biggest bet he has made on himself during a troubled NFL career with his latest arrest.
Smith, who was suspended for nine games last season, restructured his contract in the spring to reportedly feature incentive-based, month-by-month pay instead of guaranteed money. The fifth-year pro's rookie contract runs through 2015, when he was set to make $9.75 million.
He was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of drunk driving, vandalism and hit and run, Santa Clara police said.
The former All-Pro pass rusher faces a possible suspension by the NFL for the 2015 season. He was released by the 49ers Friday morning.
"The thought behind it is that Aldon realizes he's been his own worst enemy," Smith's agent Doug Hendrickson said about the restructured deal in the spring. "He has come a long way since he was suspended. Ultimately his goal, my goal, and the team's goal is for him to sign a long-term contract with the Niners.
"He's basically saying, 'I'm willing to bet on myself.'"
Smith, a 6-foot-4, 265-pounder out of Missouri, missed nine games last season for violating the league's policy on personal conduct and substance abuse stemming from a DUI and weapons case in 2012 to which he pleaded no contest.
In 2013 he was suspended five games following a DUI arrest and voluntarily checked himself into a treatment facility.
The 49ers released the following statement on it website: "This organization has tried very hard to help Aldon fight his issues. Although he is no longer a member of this team, our support and concern for him will continue."
UPDATE
12:25 p.m.: This report has been updated after the San Francisco 49ers released Aldon Smith.
This report was originally published at 11:30 a.m.
