49ers decade in review: Ranking the 15 most infamous moments

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 19: Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks tips the ball up in the air as outside linebacker Malcolm Smith #53 catches it to clinch the victory for the Seahawks against the San Francisco 49ers during the 2014 NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on January 19, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

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San Francisco 49ers defensive end Aldon Smith (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

No. 9: Aldon Smith’s Multiple Run-Ins with the Law

While Reuben Foster pained the 49ers and their fans, it’s pretty safe to make the argument another premier Niners draft pick, linebacker Aldon Smith, had a far more tragic route and path to his departure from the team in 2015.

Smith had plenty of chances with San Francisco, sure. After all, he set a franchise record for most sacks by a rookie with 14, then recorded an NFL-best 33.5 sacks for a player’s first two years at the pro level and also threatened Hall of Famer Michael Strahan’s 2001 single-season sack record, too.

There was no denying Smith’s on-field talent. Off the field, however, it was an entirely different story.

Smith was arrested on DUI charges in 2012, then again on another charge the same year. He was then arrested three more times between 2013 and 2015, the final one resulting in San Francisco releasing the talented-yet-troubled pass-rusher right in the middle of the preseason.

Sadly, Smith’s legal troubles and problems with alcohol abuse followed him to the Oakland Raiders, where he signed next.

Unfortunately, those have continued well into 2019. One can only hope he gets whatever help he needs.