OAKLAND – Raiders cornerback Sean Smith had a rough week. He's losing grip on a starting spot, but that concern pales in comparison to mounting legal issues that put him in a Los Angeles County jail Thursday morning.
He was formally charged with felony assault and battery for beating his sister's boyfriend on July 4 in his hometown of Pasadena, surrendered to authorities and was released on an $80,000 bond.
He was back in the East Bay to play Saturday's exhibition against the Los Angeles Rams, where he was a third cornerback entering in sub packages. Smith had two tackles and a nice pass defensed in the end zone.
Smith's legal issues shouldn't stop him from playing and practicing with the team in the near future. He has an arraignment sent for Sept. 29, where will plead not guilty and fight the charges levied against him.
"We'll let him battle what issues he has legally," Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio said. "I don't have much to add to it. You hear the story of him defending his sister, and things occurred that have been taken issue with, so he's having to defend himself right now."
An NFL spokesman said the league is looking into the matter, but didn't have further comment at this time. It's possible the league could place Smith on the commissioner's exemption list, an option for players charged with violent offenses. He would essentially go on paid leave if that were the case. Smith will make $9.5 million in guaranteed money this season.
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Smith will battle TJ Carrie and first-round cornerback Gareon Conley – he remains on the PUP list with a shin injury – for playing time in the Raiders defense. He practiced better last week, but must show consistency to get back in the team's good graces.
