The San Francisco 49ers decision to release Aldon Smith is naturally garnering plenty of reactions around the league. Some of the reactions began after his arrest early Friday morning, and others are coming out now that the team has decided to release the troubled outside linebacker.
Jim Trotter spoke with Charles Haley Friday morning before the Smith release happened. Haley has served as a mentor to Smith recently. Haley is in Canton, Ohio for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and considering his own troubles during his NFL career, it is a sad coincidence to see Smith find more trouble on this weekend.
Haley on Aldon: "The kid has got a big heart. He's got some things he's got to work thru & I'm just mad I couldn't help him get thru it."
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) August 7, 2015
Haley: "I laid everything I've done in my life on the line for him (to see), the troubles. I had. I was hoping to be an example for him."
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) August 7, 2015
Haley said Aldon called him last night, but that Smith did not mention any troubles.
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) August 7, 2015
Charles Haley still wants to help Aldon Smith. Said that if called/asked, he would hop on a plane and miss tomorrow's HOF ceremony.
— Tyler Emerick (@TylerEmerick) August 7, 2015
Charles Haley also spoke with Clark Judge and had plenty more to say. You can read that interview here.
Out in Denver, Von Miller spoke to the media about Smith. He and Smith were drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and both have dealt with their share of issues. Miller was suspended six games for trying to cheat on a drug test back in 2013.
Von Miller on Aldon Smith:"That's my guy. I'm going to be with him till the very end." #9news #9Sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) August 7, 2015
Von on Aldon-"He's going through tough time right now. He's in same boat I was before. He was there for me I'm going to be there for him"
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) August 7, 2015
There were other responses as well. Anthony Davis commented before the 49ers released Smith, and Ronnie Lott and Osi Umenyiora both commented after news of the release.
Everyone feels so good when discussing other people's demons. Sadistic
— Anthony Davis (@BamDavis_) August 7, 2015
— Anthony Davis (@BamDavis_) August 7, 2015
Ronnie Lott, here in Canton, reacts to Aldon Smith news with emphathy. "One of the challenges is: How can we help?" #49ers @RonnieLottHOF
— Daniel Brown (@mercbrownie) August 7, 2015
Ronnie Lott wants to tell Aldon Smith: "Hey, man, you can beat this. Whatever it is, you have to find a way to come back." #49ers
— Daniel Brown (@mercbrownie) August 7, 2015
That had to be tough for the 49ers. Aldon Smith is a TERRIFIC player. Unbelievable. Just wish the best for him
— Osi Umenyiora (@OsiUmenyiora) August 7, 2015