49ers' Aldon Smith arrested for hit-and-run, DUI, vandalism
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith was arrested Thursday night for hit-and-run, driving under the influence, and vandalism, according to Santa Clara County police.
Police said an official press release would be provided later Friday.
Smith spoke to KGO News upon being bailed out, denying there was a DUI, and issuing an apology.
"The people who are faithful remain faithful," Smith said, according to Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk. "Simple as this: Justice will be served, the truth will come out, there’s no DUI. I'm sorry for anybody I let down, I'm sorry for the way this whole thing ... I need to speak and I want everybody to understand, this wasn’t a DUI, the situation I had could have been handled differently and I apologize for everybody I did let down and I apologize for how it all played out. But as far as everything is concerned, it will work out the way it’s supposed to work out. That’s all."
By adding to his growing list of run-ins with the law, which already included multiple arrests on suspicion of DUI and weapons charges stemming from an incident at his home, Smith's future playing status will be brought into question.
The 49ers won't rush to judgement on Smith, making it clear the franchise will not simply cut him without knowing further details, reports Josina Anderson of ESPN, citing a team source.
"He was on a track and he was making good decisions." The source told Anderson. "But I'll say one thing, there shouldn't be a rush to judgment. We need to figure out what happened and not go into a instant panic. There is usually much more to a story. Let's not overreact and say his career with the 49ers is over just yet."
The standout pass rusher sat out the final five games in 2013 after entering rehab, and was suspended the first nine games of 2014 for violating the league's policy on personal conduct and substances of abuse.
Smith signed a restructured contract with the 49ers this offseason, converting guaranteed money into monthly roster bonuses in an apparent effort to prove himself and regain trust with the team.
While he likely would've been a candidate to receive a long-term deal if all went well under his new deal, the pay-as-you-go structure gives the 49ers the ability to cut Smith at any point.