Aldon Smith is awaiting a hearing relating to his arrest at LAX over the weekend and the San Francisco 49ers are so frustrated with him, they may not have him on the team next season.
San Jose Mercury News columnist Tim Kawakami says that after speaking to several sources within the organization, he does not think Smith will play for the team this season.
Kawakami says everyone in the organization is embarrassed over Smith’s behavior, which includes DUI arrests in 2012 and 2013, and felony weapons charges relating to an incident at a 2012 party, in addition to the airport arrest. He says there is “weariness and frustration” unlike any other he has seen before.
Smith’s arrest is the latest negative incident involving a 49ers player this offseason. Colin Kaepernick has been mentioned in connection with a potential sexual assault case, while Chris Culliver was arrested for an alleged hit and run incident late last month. The team supposedly supports Kaepernick and is not planning to release Culliver, but their feelings are different with Smith.
Kawakami says the Niners likely will wait through the legal and NFL process before making any decision on Smith, who will likely be disciplined by the league for his off-field problems.
San Francisco owes Smiths over $3 million guaranteed and have a May 3 deadline to pick up his $9.75 million option for 2015. Smith has recorded 42 sacks since being drafted in 2011.
