Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith has officially served his one-year suspension as of Thursday for repeated offenses of the league’s substance abuse policy and, while he hasn’t yet been reinstated, he’s already looking forward with positivity and resolve.
Raiders LB Aldon Smith says he ‘won’t be defeated’ by off-field troubles
Smith’s one-year suspension ends Thursday, but now he has to wait to be reinstated.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
In an interview posted on YouTube, Smith talks about the training he’s done during his suspension and responded when asked what he’d tell someone feeling down or defeated.
“I’m going to speak for myself because I’m in that situation,” Smith said. “I won’t take no for answer. I won’t be defeated. You’ve got to understand that it’s your life. You control it. You can’t let nobody else control it. It doesn’t matter what they try to do to you. And most importantly, God put you here for a reason so make the best out of your life, your situation and be a blessing to somebody else and show the world what you’re worth.”
While Smith is now eligible to be reinstated, it’s up to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to rule if/when the linebacker can return to the Raiders. But the team is already looking forward to adding the pass rusher to the mix.
Smith began his career with the San Francisco 49ers after he was selected No. 7 in the 2011 NFL Draft. He racked up 33.5 sacks in two seasons with the 49ers, but was arrested in 2013 for suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana, and later entered rehab.
He then served a nine-game suspension in 2014 for violation of the NFL’s substance abuse and personal conduct policies, and was released by the 49ers after his third DUI arrest.
Smith joined the Raiders a month later and tallied 3.5 sacks in nine games with the team, but received a one-year suspension on Nov. 17, 2015 for the DUI arrest that resulted in his release from the 49ers.
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