Raiders release Aldon Smith following domestic violence accusation

Oft-suspended linebacker Aldon Smith, who reportedly checked into a rehab facility following domestic violence allegations Saturday night, was released by the Raiders Monday, according to the team.

Smith, 28, became an All-Pro with the San Francisco 49ers after being drafted with the 7th overall selection in the 2011 draft, but was released after his fourth arrest in 2015. His legal issues did not end after signing a free agent deal with Oakland less than one month later. Since joining the Raiders, the Kansas City, Missouri native has been detained and investigated by police four more times.

The latest of those issues came on Saturday, when the San Francisco Police Department issue a statement saying they were in search of Smith, who “fled the scene” of reported domestic violence. Smith’s girlfriend, who reported the crime, said he bit her arm before climbing out the window of his residence in San Francisco, according to The Mercury News.

After evading police for more than 24 hours, Smith was taken to a rehab facility at his request, according to TMZ Sports.

Due to his extensive legal issues, and three resulting suspensions, Smith has not played a full season since 2013 and has not competed in an NFL game since Nov. 15, 2015. In December 2016, his request to be reinstated by the NFL was denied, according to the Sporting News.

The Raiders have not yet provided commentary regarding Smith or his release, stating simply that he has been released.

Kalama Hines is SFBay’s sports director and Oakland Raiders beat writer. Follow @SFBay and @HineSight_2020 on Twitter and at SFBay.ca for full coverage of Raiders football.