Football 49ers sources say Aldon Smith 'probably' won't play for team in 2014

Big Poppa Payne · 04-16-2014, 04:34 PM

Bay Area columnist: 49ers sources say Aldon Smith 'probably' won't play for team in 2014

Talent excuses most actions in the NFL, but at some point teams reach their tipping point.

Judging by the Mercury News' Tim Kawakami's latest report on linebacker Aldon Smith, the 49ers have passed that line. They're fed up. And, as such, Smith is "probably" not going to play with the 49ers in 2014, Kawakami reported after speaking to team sources. Kawakami said the top of the organization, including owner Jed York and the York family, general manager Trent Baalke and coach Jim Harbaugh, are all embarrassed over Smith's arrest on Sunday for causing a scene at Los Angeles International Airport and allegedly saying he had a bomb.

And if Kawakami's report about Smith not being a 49er in 2014 comes to pass (and that's not discounting his report, but as far as the team goes, it's a lot easier to act tough in mid-April than it is when you're faced with the reality of losing an All-Pro pass rusher), it would be easy to understand why the team couldn't handle any more. They went out of their way to support Smith after his second DUI arrest last year, and drew criticism for it as he went off to rehab but returned late in the season. Sunday's incident included the detail that police thought he was drinking earlier in the day. That wasn't a factor in his arrest, but it could not have sat well with the 49ers.

There have been recent instances of teams becoming frustrated with extremely talented players and moving on. Philadelphia released receiver DeSean Jackson after a great season. Two teams traded receiver Brandon Marshall early in his career despite great on-field performance, at a lesser price each time. It happens, but it's rare. However, Kawakami wrote that he noticed "a weariness and frustration over Smith’s behavior that I’ve never heard involving any recent 49ers player."

The 49ers can take their time in deciding on Smith's 2014 status, as Kawakami notes. They have to decide to exercise Smith's $9.75 million 2015 option by May 3, and NFL Network reported that seems unlikely to happen even though that money won't be guaranteed and there's not a lot of monetary risk involved. But if the 49ers continue to be as angry about Smith as Kawakami says they are (it was telling on Sunday that the 49ers released a statement saying they were disappointed in Smith before the LAPD ever identified him as the man who was detained, basically announcing to the world that Smith was the one who did it), why even send the message that having Smith in 2015 is possible? It doesn't seem having Smith in 2014 is guaranteed.

If the 49ers were truly through with Smith, they'd have cut him already. By waiting around to see how the legal system treats Smith, they're leaving the door open for him remaining a 49er. Maybe sending out the message through a respected and widely-read columnist that they're this close to cutting Smith is a last-ditch attempt to see if Smith can be scared straight.

The 49ers obviously don't want to get rid of a player as good as Smith, seeing as how they're one of the favorites to win next year's Super Bowl. But no matter how it ends up playing out, it's obvious that the 49ers are at wit's end over one of the best and most high-maintenance players in the NFL.

Maybe we can trade some more of our draft picks away to SF to get him.

Simplicity · 04-16-2014, 04:37 PM

Bring him in for a look.

**BigMeatballDave** · 04-16-2014, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplicity

Bring him in for a look.

2015? Sure.

BlackHelicopters · 04-16-2014, 04:39 PM

Integrity?

NinerDoug · 04-16-2014, 04:41 PM

I am pretty sure he will play for the 9ers in 2014. Superstars like him don't come along that often, and no doubt the 9ers will try to work with him again. I sure hope he gets his shit together.

Big Poppa Payne · 04-16-2014, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NinerDoug

I am pretty sure he will play for the 9ers in 2014. Superstars like him don't come along that often, and no doubt the 9ers will try to work with him again. I sure hope he gets his shit together.

Maybe we can trade Hali for him straight up.

saphojunkie · 04-16-2014, 04:44 PM

If he is an outright free agent, I say sign him. Even if he sits all season. Perfect timing with Tamba Hali likely gone by 2015.

**BigMeatballDave** · 04-16-2014, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NinerDoug

I am pretty sure he will play for the 9ers in 2014.

Not if he gets time for this.

He committed a federal crime.

Sure-Oz · 04-16-2014, 04:55 PM

He's not involved in gangs right? Yes bring him in

Urc Burry · 04-16-2014, 05:08 PM

And the 3-4 linebacker going into that draft with character concerns remains clean. Von and Aldon need to get their shit straight

NinerDoug · 04-16-2014, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCD

Not if he gets time for this.

He committed a federal crime.

I sincerely doubt he does any time. It was stupid, but at the end of the day he was just ****ing around, and being an NFL player of his caliber carries a lot of sway, not to mention that he will have the best legal representation. He'll probably get community service, which he will satisfy by signing autographs for kids at some local park.

**BigMeatballDave** · 04-16-2014, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NinerDoug

I sincerely doubt he does any time. It was stupid, but at the end of the day he was just ****ing around, and being an NFL player of his caliber carries a lot of sway, not to mention that he will have the best legal representation. He'll probably get community service, which he will satisfy by signing autographs for kids at some local park.

****ing around?

Mr. Laz · 04-16-2014, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCD

Not if he gets time for this.

He committed a federal crime.

yes, but a federal crime that was just a nuisance.

He was a raging dumbass but making a smartass 'bomb' comment is hardly an offense worthy of anything more than a fine.

I'm not a MU or a 49ers fan but if nobody is hurt than the penalty needs to fit the offense.

This country needs to get a grip about laws.

**BigMeatballDave** · 04-16-2014, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

yes, but a federal crime that was just a nuisance.

He was a raging dumbass but making a smartass 'bomb' comment is hardly an offense worthy of anything more than a fine.

I'm not a MU or a 49ers fan but if nobody is hurt than the penalty needs to fit the offense.

This country needs to get a grip about laws.

20 years ago? Sure.

This day and age? After 9-11?

Totally different ballgame.

Mr. Laz · 04-16-2014, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCD

20 years ago? Sure.

This day and age? After 9-11?

Totally different ballgame.

bullshit

a smartass remark no matter how stupid is still just words unless someone was really hurt.

04-16-2014, 04:34 PM
Big Poppa Payne Escalades Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Lee's Summit, MO Casino cash: $10012188	49ers sources say Aldon Smith 'probably' won't play for team in 2014 Bay Area columnist: 49ers sources say Aldon Smith 'probably' won't play for team in 2014 Talent excuses most actions in the NFL, but at some point teams reach their tipping point. Judging by the Mercury News' Tim Kawakami's latest report on linebacker Aldon Smith, the 49ers have passed that line. They're fed up. And, as such, Smith is "probably" not going to play with the 49ers in 2014, Kawakami reported after speaking to team sources. Kawakami said the top of the organization, including owner Jed York and the York family, general manager Trent Baalke and coach Jim Harbaugh, are all embarrassed over Smith's arrest on Sunday for causing a scene at Los Angeles International Airport and allegedly saying he had a bomb. And if Kawakami's report about Smith not being a 49er in 2014 comes to pass (and that's not discounting his report, but as far as the team goes, it's a lot easier to act tough in mid-April than it is when you're faced with the reality of losing an All-Pro pass rusher), it would be easy to understand why the team couldn't handle any more. They went out of their way to support Smith after his second DUI arrest last year, and drew criticism for it as he went off to rehab but returned late in the season. Sunday's incident included the detail that police thought he was drinking earlier in the day. That wasn't a factor in his arrest, but it could not have sat well with the 49ers. There have been recent instances of teams becoming frustrated with extremely talented players and moving on. Philadelphia released receiver DeSean Jackson after a great season. Two teams traded receiver Brandon Marshall early in his career despite great on-field performance, at a lesser price each time. It happens, but it's rare. However, Kawakami wrote that he noticed "a weariness and frustration over Smith’s behavior that I’ve never heard involving any recent 49ers player." The 49ers can take their time in deciding on Smith's 2014 status, as Kawakami notes. They have to decide to exercise Smith's $9.75 million 2015 option by May 3, and NFL Network reported that seems unlikely to happen even though that money won't be guaranteed and there's not a lot of monetary risk involved. But if the 49ers continue to be as angry about Smith as Kawakami says they are (it was telling on Sunday that the 49ers released a statement saying they were disappointed in Smith before the LAPD ever identified him as the man who was detained, basically announcing to the world that Smith was the one who did it), why even send the message that having Smith in 2015 is possible? It doesn't seem having Smith in 2014 is guaranteed. If the 49ers were truly through with Smith, they'd have cut him already. By waiting around to see how the legal system treats Smith, they're leaving the door open for him remaining a 49er. Maybe sending out the message through a respected and widely-read columnist that they're this close to cutting Smith is a last-ditch attempt to see if Smith can be scared straight. The 49ers obviously don't want to get rid of a player as good as Smith, seeing as how they're one of the favorites to win next year's Super Bowl. But no matter how it ends up playing out, it's obvious that the 49ers are at wit's end over one of the best and most high-maintenance players in the NFL. Maybe we can trade some more of our draft picks away to SF to get him.
Posts: 1,841

04-16-2014, 04:37 PM	#2
Simplicity Iowa B1G West Champs Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Front Range of Colorado Casino cash: $9600151	Bring him in for a look.
Posts: 3,693

04-16-2014, 04:39 PM	#4
BlackHelicopters Spiraling down the Drain Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dante's Ninth Circle Casino cash: $2760588	Integrity? __________________ "We're both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family." "Fredo. You are my brother, and I love you. But never take sides against the Family again. Ever." 2019 Adopt a Chief - Travis Kelce #87
Posts: 31,659

04-16-2014, 04:41 PM	#5
NinerDoug hoc impetu faciendo non stabit Join Date: May 2013 Location: Los Angeles, California Casino cash: $4949675	I am pretty sure he will play for the 9ers in 2014. Superstars like him don't come along that often, and no doubt the 9ers will try to work with him again. I sure hope he gets his shit together.
Posts: 38,022

04-16-2014, 04:44 PM	#7
saphojunkie MVP Join Date: Aug 2011 Casino cash: $4786250	If he is an outright free agent, I say sign him. Even if he sits all season. Perfect timing with Tamba Hali likely gone by 2015.
Posts: 12,514

04-16-2014, 05:08 PM	#10
Urc Burry Veteran Join Date: Jan 2011 Casino cash: $9041048	And the 3-4 linebacker going into that draft with character concerns remains clean. Von and Aldon need to get their shit straight
Posts: 2,449