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Raiders' Aldon Smith reportedly applies for reinstatement to the NFL
A 27-year-old pass rusher who should be in the prime of his career is trying to salvage his life in the NFL.
Aldon Smith, who is suspended by the league following a series of substance-abuse violations, is applying for reinstatement according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The Oakland Raiders have retained Smith’s rights during the suspension, and GM Reggie McKenzie confirmed Smith’s intentions in the report.
Smith’s one-year suspension is set to end Nov. 17.
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“Aldon is doing well,” McKenzie said on Wednesday. “That situation is going to be totally up to the league because he’s been in the program and they’ve monitored him. It’s up to [NFL commissioner Roger] Goodell to say yah, nay or when. And he could say no to everything. … That part is out of our hands.
“The league will take everything into consideration and Aldon will have to meet with Goodell at some point.”
Smith entered rehab following the release of a suspicious video on Periscope that featured a man off camera believed to be Smith (he was never pictured) apparently smoking an unknown substance and discussing a “fire-up session.” Although Smith denied on Twitter that it was him in the video, he checked into rehab shortly thereafter.
But the report states Smith is now out of rehab and ready to continue playing. The Raiders have not been able to communicate with Smith during the suspension but are able to speak with him through his agent. If Smith truly has addressed his myriad issues following multiple DUIs arrests and stays in rehab, then he could provide the Raiders an unexpected boost — if the NFL signs off on allowing him back onto the field. Smith posted 47.5 sacks in 59 career games with the Raiders and San Francisco 49ers.
“Aldon is working out and getting ready,” McKenzie said. “He is in a great place and that’s the main thing. Whether Goodell lets him out or not, that’s the important thing — that he’s healthy and happy. But I would hope that we as a league reward a guy — with stipulations — who goes through the right steps and wants to get better and get his life in order.”
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!
