Raiders' Aldon Smith checks into rehab following suspicious video
Suspended Oakland Raiders pass rusher Aldon Smith, who must sit out the 2016 season, has checked himself into rehab, according to TMZ.
This news broke after a Periscope video surfaced with a man believed to be Smith (although he was never pictured) appears to be smoking an unknown substance and discussing a “fire-up session” off camera. Smith then went to Twitter to say it wasn’t him in the video.
Perhaps not, but he’s clearly addressing some issue. It’s not evident what Smith is being treated for this time. He previously went to rehab in 2013 following two DUIs. Smith also was in court on a probation violation in June.
The NFL is looking into the video, according to an ESPN report. The NFL’s substance abuse policy prohibits players who are suspended from participating in any illegal activity, and if they’re found guilty they are subject to even stiffer punishment.
Will Smith, still only 26 years old, ever get the help he needs? The Raiders hold out hope after Smith’s brief flashes of brilliance with them, but Smith’s first team, the San Francisco 49ers, already gave up on him after a string of concerning incidents.
His NFL career hangs in the balance, and Smith has to decide if his well being is important and he ever wants to play in the league again.
The positive developments for suspended players Josh Gordon and Dion Jordan returning to the league bodes well for Smith — but only if he sees his treatment through fully.
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
