Aldon Smith is ready to get back on the field and put his troubles behind him.
The embattled pass rusher has dealt with a plethora of off-field incidents since being drafted No. 7 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He has been stabbed at a house party he hosted, charged with suspicion of driving under the influence and accused of making a false bomb threat at Los Angeles International Airport.
Now, Smith appears to face an uncertain future in the league, and although he wouldn't comment on the allegations specifically, Smith said he believes the accusations against him are false.
"I feel good," Smith told CSN Bay Area on Friday. "I've handled a lot of things about me, especially things that are not true. My life is good. I have a son at home. My family is doing good. I'm living day by day and enjoying life.
"I'm a good person, and the people who know me know I'm a good person," Smith added.
The Niners seem to believe Smith's story after picking up his 2015 fifth-year option at $9.754 million on May 3. The option, however, is only guaranteed against injury.
Smith missed five games last season after voluntarily entering treatment for substance abuse following a DUI arrest on Sept. 20. The 49ers won all five games during Smith's absence.
"The 49ers have supported me," Smith said. "As you can see, the option got picked up. And if I was a thug or something, I don't think they'd take those chances."
The Niners' support will be tested in the near future. Smith faces felony weapons charges along with the DUI charge. His next date in court is scheduled for May 21, per CSN Bay Area.
What has Smith learned throughout this process?
"You got to control your situations better," Smith said. "That's one thing I have learned. Make better decisions on things like that."
The 49ers hope that their backing of Smith will not only lead San Francisco to a sixth Super Bowl title, but allow Smith to learn from his mistakes.
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