Over the weekend San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith was detained at LAX for allegedly indicating he was in the possession of a bomb.
The San Jose Mercury News‘ Tim Kawakiami believes Smith’s tenure with the 49ers will end following his latest misstep.
Smith faces NFL punishment and more troublesome for the 49ers is that he is guaranteed $3 million this season. That amount will be paid by the 49ers whether or not he plays for them this season.
It has not been a good week for the 49ers as both Smith and quarterback Colin Kaepernick have been involved in incidents. Still Kawakiami notes the difference between the two saying:
I’m also told that the weariness and frustration is mostly focused on Smith, and that team management supports Colin Kaepernick through the “suspicious incident” that Miami police are still investigating and that the 49ers are not planning to release Culliver despite his felony and misdemeanor hit-and-run charges recently.
It is hard to believe that anything will happen prior to the NFL handing down any punishment. That punishment could come before any legal charges are filed.
“With respect to repeat offenders, the Commissioner may impose discipline on an enhanced and/or expedited basis,” the league’s Personal Conduct Policy states. “In such cases, the timing and nature of the discipline will be determined by the Commissioner based on several factors including, but not limited to: the severity of the initial charge and the later charge, the facts underlying the later charge; the length of time between the initial offense and later charge; and the player or employee’s compliance with counseling and other programs.”
Just a year ago Smith was charged with the possession of illegal weapon. He also missed time last season after checking into rehab following a DUI.
The 49ers have until May 3 to pick up Smith’s option for 2015 but that figures to be declined.
