Suspended NFL star now begging judge for help
When Aldon Smith first broke into the league in 2011 for the San Francisco 49ers, it looked like a star was born.
Despite not starting a single game as a rookie, he still notched a very impressive 14 sacks, two forced fumbles and a safety.
Comparisons to the great Lawrence Taylor were promptly brought up in 2012 when Smith racked up 19.5 sacks, 50 tackles, three forced fumbles and an interception.
His stellar sophomore campaign netted him a Pro Bowl, a NFC Defensive Player of the Year award and first-team All-Pro honors.
With Smith being 23 years old at the end of his second season, his career looked like a rocket ship ready to take off.
Based on the millions of dollars he was making, Smith was ordered to pay about $9,007 a month in child support to the mother of his infant son.
At the time, it was no problem because he was cashing in the hefty NFL checks of a top 10 first-round pick.
Considering the trajectory his career was on, $9,007 a month was going to be chump change for him when he signed an inevitable nine-figure extension.
Only that never happened.
Injuries and personal demons plagued Smith, and he was never able to reproduce the magic of his first two NFL seasons. He notched only a combined 14 sacks over the following three seasons.
The 49ers cut Smith in 2014 after a string of terrible off-field incidents, including three DUI arrests and a substance abuse issue that led to him voluntarily entering rehab.
Smith joined the Oakland Raiders in 2015, but couldn’t make it through the year before getting popped with a yearlong suspension for an alleged hit and run while driving under the influence.
Although he served his suspension, the NFL has yet to reinstate him. As a result, Smith missed the entire 2016 and 2017 NFL seasons.
Having to give up $9,007 a month when you’re making millions isn’t ideal, but it’s feasible.
Having to give up $9,007 a month when you’re unemployed is downright impossible.
Smith is now begging a judge to reduce that monthly payment, per TMZ Sports, after falling behind $79,000 in payments owed.
“I have had no income since November 2015,” Smith says in court documents. “I have done my best to stay current, but without an income I have fallen behind.”
Of note, TMZ reported that a “source connected to the case” says Smith is lying and that he continues to live a lavish lifestyle.
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