Aldon Smith, a defensive end for the San Fransisco 49ers was arrested on Friday for a DUI, his second in the past year. Smith still ended up playing in niners' game on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts recording five tackles (one for loss). After the game was over it was announced that Smith would be suspended indefinitely, and will seek treatment.
It seemed like a bit of a curious decision that head coach Jim Harbaugh allowed Smith to play on Sunday, just 48 hours after the arrest occurred. 49ers CEO Jed York offered an explanation for why Smith played on Sunday.
"Sitting somebody down and paying somebody to sit down when they're going to seek treatment in the future, that didn't seem like appropriate punishment," said York according to CBS Sports.
The 49ers ended up losing the game 27-7 and fell to 1-2 but they suffered an even bigger loss, in Smith's indefinite suspension. Smith is a key cog to a very good niner defense. This is his third season in the NFL, and over his first two years he recorded 14.5 and 19.5 sacks respectively. So far this year he had 3.5 sacks through the first three games.
SI.com reports that Smith could check into drug rehab as soon as this week, after both he, the team and the NFL Players Association agreed that he needed to seek treatment.
It is unknown how long Smith will be out for, but after the game he completely cleared out his locker which is a sign that he won't be back any time soon. The 49ers will really miss Smith while he is away from the team as his absence leaves a huge hole in the pass rush of the defense.
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