Niners Aldon Smith’s rehab stint may help avoid stiffer penalties from league

aldon-smith

49ers DE Aldon Smith’s decision to enter rehab will probably help his job situation when he’s ready to return to work.

Speaking to reporters in London, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Smith’s entering rehab would be considered when determining possible discipline.

“Yes, it will be a factor, for sure,” Goodell said.

Sunday’s game against Jacksonville will be the fifth game Smith misses after entering treatment Sept. 23.

“Certainly, the issue here isn’t to discipline players. It’s to stop the behavior,” Goodell said. “Aldon has voluntarily said, ‘I need help.’ We’re obviously there to support him, and the 49ers did a great job getting him into a facility to try to get help. We support that.”

 

Smith’s willingness to get a handle and seek treatment before having to be told to do so, could reduce his suspension or lower a potential fine. Smith was charged with three felony weapons’ counts stemming from a 2012 party shortly after his Sept. 20 arrest for DUI.