Aldon Smith: Stint In Rehab Not Ideal, But A Positive On Multiple Fronts

Aldon Smith, days after a controversial video posting surfaced, has checked into a rehab facility – a move that despite appearances, is a positive in several ways.

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With news breaking that Oakland Raiders pass rusher Aldon Smith has checked into a rehab facility, people of course, are lining up to scream “I told you so!” from the rooftops. The “I told you so,” moment being the insistence that the unseen person in the now infamous Periscope video was indeed, Aldon Smith. While definitive proof of the identity of the man in the video is still outstanding, Smith is apparently taking steps to pre-emptively combat the fallout that is rocking the Raider Nation.

Despite being banned for a full calendar year for a wide variety of offenses, Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie signed him to a two year deal this offseason. It’s a very team friendly deal that has zero guaranteed money and, should things go completely sideways, allows the Raiders to part ways with Smith without a financial burden on the team.

It was a low risk, potentially high reward signing – and given the fact that Smith appeared to be on the straight and narrow, and doing everything he needed to do to get back into the league – it was a move hailed by many.

But with the revelation of the video that appeared to show somebody many believe is Smith smoking what may or may not be a hand rolled cigarette containing marijuana, everything is now up in the air.

With the league offices confirming that they will be investigating the video and Smith’s role in it, many are already clutching their pearls, preparing for Smith to be banished for life and sent to Mars. It’s easy to understand why, given Roger Goodell’s penchant for imposing the electric chair for the most minor of offenses.

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But barring confirmation that it is A) Smith in the video, B) marijuana in the cigarette, and C) that Smith actually ingested the alleged substance, Goodell’s case is weak and would most certainly be challenged in court by the NFLPA if he attempted to keep Smith on the permanent banishment list.

However, knowing what a petty, two bit tyrant Goodell is, Smith is taking the steps he needs to combat his arguments and re-cast the entire narrative about the incident.

By getting himself into rehab, Smith is taking ownership of his struggles. According to sources “close to him,” they are happy to see him take the steps he needs to get some help for his addictions. Obviously, there are things bigger than football in this life – overcoming your struggles, beating back your demons, and emerging healthy and of sound mine are among them.

However, because Smith is who he is and does what he does for a living, everything will be magnified through the lens of football.

And through that lens, Smith entering rehab shows that he’s still very serious about getting back into the league. It will blunt Goodell’s argument that Smith is doing nothing to address the issues that landed him on the suspended list to begin with. And it will further show compliance with the league’s mandated steps for his reinstatement.

In other words, Smith seeking out help and entering a facility – from a football and suspension-related standpoint – is just good optics.

Though some people point to his entering rehab as proof of guilt, without concrete evidence to the contrary – such as a failed drug test or a confession – the argument is and continues to be without merit.

On a personal, human level, all we can – and should do – is hope for the best for Smith. Applaud him for seeking help with his issues and wish him all the best in his recovery efforts. As fellow human beings, we should hope that Smith is able to finally conquer his demons once and for all, and go on to live a fruitful, healthy life.

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From a football and suspension-related standpoint, entering a rehab facility now – while there is still plenty of time before he can even apply for reinstatement – certainly couldn’t hurt his chances in the eyes of Goodell and the league offices.

Whether it was Smith in the video or not, seeking out help of his own volition can only be considered good optics and help his chances when he applies for reinstatement come mid-September.

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