Aldon Smith Released By 49ers Due to DUI Arrest

The San Francisco 49ers released Linebacker Aldon Smith after he was arrested for driving under the influence. Smith had vandalism charges and was charged with a hit and run. This was Smith third arrest for DUI and his fifth time being arrested since entering the league in 2011. Smith was suspended nine games last season and missed five games while in rehab in 2013.

Smith was one of the best pass rushers in the league and combined for 33.5 sacks his first two seasons. His sack numbers only dropped the last two seasons, due to missing a combined 14 games. Smith turns 25-years-old next month and still can make an immediate impact on any team in the NFL. The 49ers have lost four players to early retirement and a lot of key players to free agency this offseason.

Losing Smith now is another huge blow for the 49ers and could be a bigger blow to Smith if he has to retire early due to his off-field issues.

Photo: BaySportsNet.com