San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith will take an indefinite leave of absence due to his recent DUI arrest despite playing Sunday against the Colts.
Smith said that he will seek help for his off field problems and apologized but did not take any questions. He was arrested on Friday for suspicion of driving under the influence and marijuana possession.
"First off, I wanted to apologize to the team, the organization, my family and everybody I let down," he said. "I also wanted to let it be known that this is a problem and it's something that I will get fixed, and that I'll do everything in my power to make sure that this never happens again. I also wanted to let everybody know that once again I'm sorry."
Sports Illustrated reports that Smith was arrested after crashing into a tree registering a .15 blood alcohol level. Team CEO Jed York made the announcement that Smith would not play in Thursday's game against the St. Louis Rams and that there is no timetable for Smith's return.
“We support Aldon and Aldon’s willing to fight for himself and try to make this right,” York said. “And I will stand here and I will take any shots that anybody wants to write [about] the organization, you can direct them to me and I will support Aldon as long as he’s willing to work at this and fight to get better.”
According to FOX Sports York also said that Smith will get help on his own and the 49ers organization will not intervene.