Former NFL player Aldon Smith has been arrested again, derailing a promising career in the NFL. A top-ten draft pick in the 2011 draft, the first-team all-pro player registered 33.5 sacks over just two seasons. The rising star was suspended indefinitely from the NFL for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. He has now been arrested for violating a court order of alleged domestic violence in California.
Aldon Smith is accused of assaulting a woman earlier this year. He pleaded not guilty to assault, domestic violence and false imprisonment. After posting bail, Smith received a protective order that prohibits him from having any contact with the victim. He violated that order recently and turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Smith was initially drafted by the San Francisco 49ers but was released in 2015. He was picked up by the Oakland Raiders and was subsequently permanently suspended. He has not played in a game since 2015. He was officially released from the Raiders this year when his contract expired. Since entering the NFL, Smith has been arrested multiple times for offenses ranging from DUI, weapons charges, making bomb threats at an airport and now domestic violence.
The emotional and physical pain caused by domestic violence can be devastating, especially in cases where a protective order has been violated. California residents who are exposed to such abuse can seek support from a variety of local agencies. Victims can empower themselves, taking that first step by seeking advice and guidance from an attorney. A lawyer who is well seasoned in domestic violence cases can carefully evaluate a victim’s circumstances to determine the most applicable legal protective measures that could help to alleviate such a frightening situation.
Source: The Washington Post, “Aldon Smith is arrested for the second time this month in California“, Matt Bonesteel, March 23, 2018
