Aldon Smith expected to serve full suspension

“Aldon fulfilled all of his obligations to be considered to return from his suspension early,” a union representative said. “The NFL chose not to make that decision.”

That statement counters a report by ESPN’s Ed Werder, who said Sunday that the full suspension was upheld because Smith failed to fulfill counseling obligations. Smith’s agent, Doug Hendrickson, also denied that report.

The outside linebacker has been one of the league’s best pass rushers since his debut four seasons ago, totaling 42 sacks from 2011-13, the second-most by any player in that span. His 42 sacks are also the third-most by any player in his first three NFL seasons (since sacks became official in 1982), behind only Derrick Thomas (43.5) and Reggie White (52).

The possibility of a reduced suspension had not previously been mentioned publicly, but the league has been lenient on Smith in other ways. The outside linebacker has been allowed to enter the team facility during his suspension, contrary to how the NFL has handled personal conduct suspensions in the past.

Smith was suspended in August after being sentenced on weapons and DUI charges stemming from separate arrests in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Smith also was involved in a bizarre incident at LAX airport, during which he reportedly became disorderly with authorities and stated he had a bomb.