San Jose

‘If You Need Help, Go Get It' — 49ers Coach Tomsula's Emotional Plea to Public After Aldon Smith's DUI Arrest

Moments after news broke Friday that the San Francisco 49ers had released linebacker Aldon Smith following news of his DUI arrest, head coach Jim Tomsula made an emotional plea, urging people with alcohol problems to get help.

“I understand the platform that we are on, I understand where this goes on the news … If one person out there reads this, and you’re struggling, get help, go get it, you’re worth it … Get the help, you don’t have to walk alone. Find it, it’s there.” a visibly upset Tomsula told reporters.

Smith was arrested late Thursday night on suspicion of DUI, hit-and run and vandalism after he failed a sobriety test late Thursday night. The player has had a string of alcohol-related incident over the course of his career with the 49ers. His brushes with the law include a 2012 DUI arrest in Florida, a party that ended in gunfire the same year, a 2013 DUI arrest in San Jose and a 2014 incident when he was arrested for making a bomb threat at LAX.

Last year, Smith denied drinking alcohol at former teammate Ray McDonald’s house, after court documents in connection with a sexual assault investigation involving McDonald suggested that.

Smith also checked into rehab last year. (Help for those struggling with alcohol/drug addiction)

"It's a sad day, “Tomsula said. “This is a day that has nothing to do with football. Although he won’t be playing football for the San Francisco 49ers, he will be supported and helped. That comes from our ownership down. He will not have to walk this path alone. “

Tomsula said that Smith had been “fighting and working and trying” to turn his life around. “You’ve been to practice to watch him, and the energy about him, where he’s at,” he said. “Once again, real life. Everybody has struggles, they are just in different ways. “

When a reporter asked why Smith had disputed the notion of a DUI when he came out of jail Friday morning, Tomsula declined to comment.

Tomsula repeatedly stressed during the press conference that the 49ers would continue to support and help Smith, despite all his trouble. “The guy is working really had, and he had a pitfall," he said

Help for Bay Area residents looking for support dealing with alcohol/drug addiction:

Alameda County
(510) 839-8900

San Mateo County
(650) 577-1310

Santa Clara County
(408) 374 - 8511

San Francisco
(415) 674-1821

Marin County
(415) 499-0400

Solano County
(707) 745-8822

Sonoma County
(707) 544-1300

Napa County
(707) 500-7001

Contra Costa County
(925) 939-5371

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