Troubled linebacker Aldon Smith has been suspended for one year without pay, under the NFL's substance-abuse policy, the league announced this week.
The 25-year-old, who signed with the Oakland Raiders in September, was arrested on multiple charges (including hit and run) in early August, which he has pleaded not guilty to. However, the league has handed down their punishment.
"Under the terms of the policy, Smith will be eligible to apply for reinstatement no sooner than 60 days before the one-year anniversary of the suspension," the NFL said in a statement.
Smith signed a one-year deal with the Raiders on the day charges were announced, in the wake of Smith's fifth arrest since 2012... after he was released by the San Francisco 49ers.
Now, the Raiders, who were in need of a pass rusher, must move on without him... despite praising him for his contribution.
"Aldon has been a positive addition to the Raiders," the team said in a statement. "He remains prominently in our long-term plans, and we will continue to support this member of our family as he gets the help that he needs."
Smith's one-year deal with the Raiders contained a $1.25 million base salary, though Smith could have earned up to $8 million, a source tells ESPN. The contract included a $250,000 per-game roster bonus and a $2.75 million bonus if he recorded at least 10 sacks.
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