The San Francisco 49ers released All-Pro linebacker Aldon Smith on Friday after he was arrested Thursday night on charges of hit and run, suspicion of driving under the influence and vandalism.
Smith, who last year missed more than half the season while serving an NFL suspension for violations of the league’s substance-abuse and personal-conduct policies, was booked into Santa Clara County Jail and released on $26,000 bond.
“This organization has tried very hard to help Aldon fight his issues,” the team said Friday in a short statement. “Although he is no longer a member of this team, our support and concern for him will continue.”
The arrest is the lastest in a troubling sequence of off-field incidents for the 25-year-old standout, who has emerged as one of the NFL’s top pass rushers since being drafted seventh overall by San Francisco in 2011.
- In April 2014, he was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport after being selected for a secondary screening, becoming uncooperative with the process and telling TSA agents that he was carrying a bomb. No charges were filed.
- In October 2013, he was charged with three felony counts of illegal possession of an assault weapon stemming from a June 2012 party at his home. Investigators said multiple shots were fired, two partygoers were injured and five unregistered weapons were found on the property. The chargers were subsequently reduced to misdemeanors.
- In September 2013, he was arrested on suspicion of DUI and marijuana possession after hitting a tree and pleaded no contest. He voluntarily missed five games and checked himself into a treatment facility.
- In January 2012, he was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Miami Beach. That charge was later knocked down to reckless driving.
Earlier this week, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said the team hoped to keep Smith after this season, when his contract is due to expire.
“We’re going to work hard to make sure that he remains here,” Baalke said during Tuesday’s first padded practice. “Aldon’s like any young player, he’s growing up, he’s maturing. You see that with a lot of these guys.”
