Aldon Smith May Get Help From 49ers, NFL For Substance Abuse Problems

Aldon Smith was arrested for driving under the influence this week, but instead of facing the wrath of the NFL the San Francisco 49ers linebacker may instead be getting help.

Sources within the NFL and NFL Players Association say there is a consensus that Smith needs to receive treatment for his substance-abuse issues. The situation will reportedly be addressed after his game this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts.

The 23-year-old Smith was picked up early Friday morning after being involved in a car crash. Police arrested Smith after the 7 am crash, charging him with driving under the influence.

The San Francisco 49ers are barred from banning Aldon Smith under the current collective bargaining agreement and the NFL’s policy on substance abuse. The case must also go through the adjudication process before Smith could be suspended under the personal conduct policy.

A suspension would have been a major blow to the 49ers. The Colts this week acquired running back Trent Richardson from the Cleveland Browns,

So with punishment still days away, the league and 49ers are reportedly first focusing on getting help for Aldon Smith. There is no word on whether he would enter a treatment program or if he would miss any playing time as a result.

Aldon Smith has three and a half sacks this year, and said he has a goal to reach 30, which would crush the single-season record of 22.5 set by Michael Strahan.