Report: Aldon Smith to pay San Francisco 49ers to play this season
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith will pay his team to play this season after he returns from his nine-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct and substance abuse policies, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
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Schefter reports that Smith's salary after suspension will be $1.099 million, but he will keep just $525,000 after taxes.
From ESPN:
The 49ers will take all of that from his game checks this season for money he owes due to signing bonus forfeiture, according to sources.
But what he makes this season won't be enough to cover what he owes the 49ers, so the team will take another $661,000 after this season, the sources said.
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Last week, Ed Werder of ESPN reported that Smith's suspension would not be reduced. On Sunday, he said it was because Smith "did not fulfill the obligations assigned him in terms of his counseling protocol."
Smith's agent later told Pro Football Talk that Werner's report was not true.
“He upheld all requirements,” agent Doug Hendrickson told PFT by phone.
Hendrickson also said that Smith had no specific requirements for counseling, but that Smith did indeed engage in counseling provided both by the league and externally. Smith also engaged in more than 280 hours of community service.
“He will be reinstated [Monday],” Hendrickson said.
Smith was suspended before the season and his ban is set to end Nov. 10 after San Francisco plays the New Orleans Saints.
During his suspension, Smith has been allowed to attend meetings and work out, but he has not been allowed to practice.
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Last season, Smith missed five games while undergoing treatment at an inpatient facility after a DUI arrest last September. He still recorded 8.5 sacks while playing in 11 games.
Smith pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of illegal possession of an assault weapon in November on charges stemming from a June 2012 party at his home. No charges were filed when Smith was arrested April 13 at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly making a bomb threat.
During his three NFL seasons, Smith has recorded 42 sacks in 43 games, becoming the fastest player in NFL history to reach 30.
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