Reports: Aldon Smith Suspended For One Year

Raiders defensive end Aldon Smith will be suspended by the NFL for one calendar year, according to numerous reports. The suspension stems from Smith’s Aug. 6 arrest for DUI (his third DUI arrest and fifth overall), hit and run, and vandalism. That arrest was the straw that broke the camel’s back and caused the 49ers to release him, only for the cross-bay Raiders to pick Smith up.

According to the reports, Smith is being suspended under the league’s Substances of Abuse policy. Albert Breer reports that the appeals process involved is essentially finished—meaning we likely won’t see an appeal and reduction of the suspension—and that Smith isn’t guaranteed reinstatement in a year.

Smith has played in all nine of the Raiders’ games this season, tallying three-and-a-half sacks, eight QB hits, and 21 tackles.

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