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49ers' Aldon Smith suspended 9 games for substance-abuse, conduct violations

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL brought down the hammer on San Francisco 49ers rush linebacker Aldon Smith on Friday, suspending him for nine games for multiple violations of the league's policies governing substance abuse and personal conduct. 

The official statement:

ESPN's Chris Mortensen notes that the suspension term is the result of a "unique combination" of the NFL's substance abuse and personal conduct policies. 

It's a huge blow to the 49ers defense, as Smith is one of the NFL's premier pass rushers - he's second in the NFL with 42 sacks since 2011. There was belief among some in the organization that Smith would miss only six games, eight was floated as the maximum punishment he was likely to face. 

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