Aldon Smith is no longer a member of the Seattle Seahawks. The team has released Smith before he'd take a single snap for them in 2021. The 31-year-old turned himself in back in April after a warrant was issued for his arrest on allegations of second degree battery in the New Orleans area, according to the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office.
The alleged battery occurred on Saturday, April 17, at the French Press Coffee House in Chalmette, Louisiana. The Seahawks were aware of the allegations at the time and issued a statement on the matter. After turning himself in, Smith was released on bond.
Smith was conditionally reinstated to the league in 2020 after having been sidelined by an indefinite suspension since 2015, joining the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year deal. He and the Cowboys parted ways this offseason and the former All-Pro went on to sign a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks in mid-April -- only days ahead of the aforementioned arrest warrant being issued.
Details of the encounter in question have not been revealed, but given his history with the league, it seems a foregone conclusion league commissioner Roger Goodell would be interested in reviewing the facts of the case to determine if there was any violation that would lead to Smith again being suspended.
Smith's arraignment is reportedly scheduled for late August.
Formerly one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, the former seventh overall pick burst out of the gate with the San Francisco 49ers in 2011 before his promising career began to run ashore due to alcohol addiction. He'd go on to spend time with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders before his latest suspension completely paused his career, threatening to end it altogether -- if not for the Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy (at the nudging of defensive line coach Jim Tomsula) giving him a chance. With Tomsula lasting just one year in Dallas, a continued relationship with Smith devolved from likely to highly unlikely, and the signing of defensive end Tarell Basham was the proverbial nail in the coffin; considering the Cowboys named Randy Gregory starter opposite DeMarcus Lawrence in 2021.
For Smith, it meant he'd have to locate a new home in the NFL, and he did with a Seahawks team that tried unsuccessfully to trade for him in 2020. Their patience paid off in being able to sign him outright this offseason without having to give up assets in the process, but they've now decided -- only four months later -- that the risk is not worth the potential reward.
