Aldon Smith Cut From 49ers After Arrest

Following Aldon Smith’s arrest Thursday night, the San Francisco 49ers decided to release the 25-year-old linebacker. Smith was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, hit-and-run, and vandalism.

The 49ers released a statement Friday afternoon.

“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.”

According to ESPN, Trent Baalke, the 49ers general manager, met with Aldon Smith after he was released from Santa Clara County Jail on Friday, where Smith refused to take responsibility for his latest arrest. It was at this time that the decision was made to release him from the team.

On Friday afternoon, the Santa Clara Police Department held a press conference about Smith’s arrest. The incident involving Smith happened at the 500 block of Moreland Avenue. Officers arrived to investigate a hit-and-run that was reported when Aldon Smith returned to the scene. Smith submitted to an alcohol test, but the Santa Clara police are not releasing his blood alcohol levels at this time.

According to the Santa Clara Police Department, the vandalism charges that Smith is facing occurred when he backed into another car, then opened his door and hit another car, causing significant damage.

Lt. Kurt Clarke of the Santa Clara Police Department said, “He [Aldon Smith] was attempting to park his vehicle and collided with another vehicle.”

This is the fifth time that Smith has been arrested and his third time for a DUI. Earlier in the week, Baalke told reporters that he was hopeful that Smith would continue with the team after his contract was up next season. Smith has played for the 49ers since he was drafted back in 2011.

Jim Tomsula explained his decision to release Aldon Smith.

“I think you’re all aware. The San Francisco 49ers released Aldon Smith today. It’s a sad day. This is a day that doesn’t have anything to do with football. Although he won’t be playing football for the San Francisco 49ers, he will be supported, and he will be helped.”

Tomsula continued to explain that Smith will not be alone through this tough time.

“He won’t have to walk this path alone. We’re not worried about football. It has nothing to do with football. If one person out there reads this, and you’re struggling, get help. Go get it. You’re worth it. There’s a value in every human being. Get the help. You don’t have to walk alone.”

When news began circling the locker room, Tomsula said that the mood in the room was “unique.”

“It was sadness, that’s what it was, sadness for a guy, a person. We car about that guy. Deeply.”

Without Smith on the team, the 49ers have to look to Ahmad Books, Aaron Lynch, Corey Lemonier, and Eli Harold to help get them through the upcoming season. According to Bay Area Sports Guy, Books is accused of sexual assault in a civil suit, Lynch has been hurt through most of the off-season and isn’t in the best of playing shape, and Lemonier just isn’t good, so the 49ers might have a hurdle to get over before the season even begins.

[Photo by Jed Jacobson/ Getty Images]