49ers’ Aldon Smith suspended nine games for violating personal conduct policy

San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith has been suspended for the first nine games of the 2014-15 NFL regular season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, the NFL announced on Friday afternoon.

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The NFL announced Smith’s suspension with a statement.

“Aldon Smith of the San Francisco 49ers has been suspended without pay for the first nine games of the 2014 regular season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse and the league’s Personal Conduct Policy,” the statement read.

“Smith will be eligible to return to the 49ers’ active roster on Monday, November 10 following the team’s November 9 game against the New Orleans Saints.”

That means Smith could make his return on the road against the New York Giants if everything goes according to plan.

Smith’s suspension will cover ten weeks of the NFL season, with the San Francisco 49ers holding their bye week in Week 8.

According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, Smith received such a stiff suspension for violating both the personal conduct policy and substance abuse policy.

The league has stated that the appeal process has concluded, so Smith will definitely miss nine games. He will be able to be around the team facilities, however.

There is no doubt that Smith is one of the most talented young pass rushers in the NFL, but he will need to get his life in order if he wants to truly reach his full potential. Hopefully he can continue that process during his nine game suspension.

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