49ers LB Aldon Smith might have to pay to play for not completing his obligations
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter
49ers LB Aldon Smith might be first player to not only not be paid during season but to pay to play – $661,000.
This happened because Aldon Smith did not fulfill his obligations according to Pro Football Talk.
Ed Werder of ESPN reports that the reason the suspension wasn’t shortened is that Smith didn’t fulfill his obligations when it came to counseling that the NFL told him he needed. Smith missed five games during the 2013 season to undergo substance-abuse counseling, but he and the league are apparently at odds over counseling the NFL believes he still needs.
Smith was also required to perform community service during his suspension, and according to Werder, Smith actually did more than required of him on the community service front.