NFL PLAYER NEWS

LB Smith may not play for 49ers in 2014

The Sports Xchange

April 16, 2014 at 3:54 pm.

In addition to his latest run-in with the law, Smith has had other run-ins with police since joining the 49ers in 2011. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith, who was arrested over the weekend for making false bomb reports at a Los Angeles airport, likely won’t play for the team in 2014, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News also reported Tuesday that several sources involved with the team’s decision-making said the 49ers will unlikely release Smith. They still owe him $3 million guaranteed.

The 49ers have until May 3 to decide whether to extend Smith’s contract from four years to five.

Exercising the option would guarantee his 2015 salary of $9.75 million for injury only. As of next March, it would be fully guaranteed.

In addition to his latest run-in with the law, Smith has had other run-ins with police since joining the 49ers in 2011.

Last September, Smith was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence following an accident. Smith also faces three felony counts of possessing illegal assault rifles, which were found after a June 2012 party at Smith’s San Jose home. Smith sustained stab wounds at the party, and two partygoers were wounded by gunfire from alleged gang members.

On Sunday, Smith was detained at Los Angeles International Airport after suggesting he had a bomb in his possession while in the security line.

A police report said the following:

“At approximately 1400 hrs, a 25-year-old male resident of San Jose, California, was going through Terminal 1 screening and was randomly selected for a secondary screening. The suspect then became belligerent and uncooperative with the process and with the TSA agent, making a comment indicating that he was in possession of a bomb before proceeding towards the gate area. Los Angeles Airport Police made contact with him at the gate and he was positively identified as the person in question. Once again the male subject became uncooperative and he was detained and taken into custody by Airport Police and is currently being transported to LAPD for booking.”

Smith, who turns 25 on Aug. 25, was at Gate 6 of Terminal 1 when confronted by several police, who then led Smith away.

“We are disappointed to learn of the incident today involving Aldon Smith,” 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement Sunday. “As this is a pending legal matter and we are still gathering the pertinent facts, we will have no further comment.”

Smith had 19.5 sacks in 2012, but slipped to 8.5 sacks in 2013, when he played in 11 regular-season games.

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