Raiders’ Aldon Smith Receives One-Year Ban From NFL

Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Aldon Smith is done for the season.

The NFL levied a one-year punishment on Smith due to his DUI arrest in early August, which resulted in him being cut from the 49ers. Oakland took a chance on the talented but troubled Smith, despite knowing that he would be suspended. For those wondering why the suspension took so long, sources say the NFL made a deal with Smith on the length of the punishment

Aldon Smith, 26, played in nine games this season, registering 3.5 sacks and 21 tackles. He hasn’t been able to return to the dominant player that recorded 44 sacks in his first three seasons, mainly due to substance abuse and legal issues. His suspension will certainly hurt the Raiders, who were already struggling on defense and vying for a potential playoff spot in the AFC. 

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