Colin Kaepernick denies reports of altercation with Aldon Smith
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick denied various reports that he and former 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith had an altercation last week.
One report claimed that Smith vandalized Kaepernick’s Mercedes-Benz after an altercation over a woman last Thursday.
Kaepernick made it clear that the reports were false, citing the fact that he has a deal with Jaguar which would prevent him from driving a Mercedes. The team was also off on the day of the alleged altercation.
“I feel like anyone that believes that and goes about reporting that, just doesn't have the best integrity,” Kaepernick said.
“To try to prey on athletes' livelihoods while one is going through a tough time is embarrassing to me. To put that out there and jump on that bandwagon just to get Internet clicks and get attention to their website, it really is embarrassing that people do that.”
Kaepernick says that he and Smith are good friends.
“He had just come to my camp, to my golf tournament for Camp Taylor this past June. He showed support and helped the kids out," Kaepernick said.
Smith was released by San Francisco on Friday after he was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run, driving under the influence and vandalism, his fifth arrest in the past three years.
Smith apologized for his actions, but said that there wasn’t a DUI. Santa Clara, Calif., police are still investigating the case.
“It's really tragic,” Kaepernick said. “I wish him the best. I hope he's doing well. I hope everything turns out all right for him and he can get back on track. I know this team misses him and misses his presence here.”
Kaepernick and the 49ers open their preseason slate on Saturday against the Houston Texas.
- Scooby Axson
