San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith has had a nightmare of an offseason that has included the Pro Bowl pass-rusher possibly facing jail time after pleading no-contest assault weapon and DUI charges. Further, the former first round pick is under investigation for allegedly calling in a bomb threat to Los Angeles International Airport, but despite all of this, Smith insists he is a good person.
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“I’m a good person, and the people who know me know I’m a good person,” Smith told CSN Bay Area. “Maybe after this is over, you can tell your friends I’m a good person. Anybody who hangs around me can tell that. A lot of these things are being painted in a picture that’s not true.”
Smith, 24, who has been stabbed and spent time in a rehab facility during his first three years in the NFL had his fifth-year option exercised earlier this offseason as the 49ers remain steadfast in their support of the former All-Pro who has 42 career sacks in 43 games.
“The 49ers have supported me, said Smith. As you can see, the option got picked up. And if I was a thug or something, I don’t think they’d take those chances. I’ve handled a lot of things about me, especially things that are not true. My life is good. I have a son at home. My family is doing good. I’m living day by day and enjoying life.”
It remains to be seen what the punishment will be for Smith from the law and from the NFL and the team as a lengthy suspension could be the best-case scenario for Smith who hopes to avoid time behind bars.
In the meantime he is working out with the team and hopeful of regaining the form he displayed his first two years in the league when he was virtually unblockable off the edge.
Whether you believe Smith is a good person or not, the hope is that his legal and personal problems are in the rear-view mirror and he won’t make the 49ers regret supporting him through his troubles and he can show them and the league he is in fact a good person.