Just days after denying an alleged social media misstep, suspended Oakland Raiders pass rusher, Aldon Smith, checked himself into a drug treatment facility on Friday, according to TMZ's sources. Smith also voluntarily checked himself into a treatment center in 2013.
Smith, who re-signed with the Raiders this offseason, was already scheduled to serve a year suspension from the NFL for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
A lack of confidence
While the Raiders weren’t expected to see much of Smith until November, this latest news doesn’t inspire confidence for his employer. The team began practices on Friday in Napa Valley, and the defense is expected to play a big role in the team’s ascension into the postseason.
Last season, Smith played across from All-Pro Khalil Mack and tallied three and a half sacks in nine games. Given his limited time with the team, Smith’s played in important role on the right side of the defense and improved considerably as the season progressed.
Still, Smith has chased the success of his sophomore year when he amassed 19.5 sacks as a 49er. In 2014, Smith was suspended nine games for violating both the NFL’s substance of abuse and conduct policies.
Consequences going forward
Re-signing Aldon Smith was seen as an embarrassment of riches for a Raiders team already well stocked with pass rushers. Even if the NFL decides to extend Smith’s suspension into the realm of indefiniteness, the Raiders should still have a capable three man rotation of Bruce Irvin, Khalil Mack, and Shilique Calhoun.
Considering the unripeness of the information, the league hasn’t released statements regarding added consequences for Smith. The league may have a hard time corroborating the Periscope video in question, but Smith’s pursuit of outside help may put him in better graces with the powers that be.
