No, no. Not posting any Sonny and Cher here, but, Jesus Christ on a bicycle, what in the wide wide world of sports is going on here? 49ers are getting arrested at the rate of once a week these days. Are these you father’s Cincinnati Bengals? Or maybe your father’s Jail Blazers? Your brother’s Seahawks? Well, we had 2 ‘suspicious’es last week. Not quite an arrest, but an investigation. Culliver? Yeah. Anyhow, Aldon Smith is again under the microscope for uttering those verboten word in an airport, ‘la bomba!’
He was promptly detained by LAPD and posted his $20,000 bail. He now has a very busy schedule keeping all these court dates straightened out on his calendar. If it’s Tuesday, it must be the weapons charge case. Or is it the DUI? Uh, reckless endangerment? Now all the hooraw will swirl around the type of team this is. Why are they drafting all these criminals? Well, as good a question as that may be, no one so far as I can tell can see into the future to determine the future actions of any of these draft choices. I mean, Rae Carruth was a troubled guy, but I don’t think anyone saw him trying to kill his pregnant girlfriend when he was drafted. Aaron Hernandez may have had a checkered past, as do a lot of these players, but rarely does it get to the point of mayhem. DUI, aggro assault, or otherwise.
But where does the blame lie? Who knows? Is Aldon going to get preferential treatment by the team because he’s such a talented player? Did he already get it last year? You can say the Niners were trying to help the guy out. Or they merely put him out there and said ‘kill kill kill!’ 2 days after his DUI arrest. Even Aldon seemed to be doing well after his stint in rehab. But therein lies the problem. These guys are grown-ass men. They have personal lives outside the game. They are people like you and me (if you happen to be 6’3″ 275, and faster than a f*cking gazelle). They get into normal human trouble. Alarmingly so, at times. Plus, you know Seahwak fans are already roasting Harbaugh over last year’s comments regarding the Seahawks and all their drug/PED-rel;ated issues these past couple years. My thought has always been, let sleeping dogs lie. No reason to stir the shit unabated. That shit usually comes back to bite you squarely in the ass. Little breezy in the khakis all of a sufdden, Jimbo?
Should they merely cut Smith and let him fend for himself? Doubtful given the money they’ve already invested in him. And the talent he carries around with him. But it sure makes the contract negotiation parameters a little better for SF here. Lost in this arrest was the fact that there was no test done for alcohol. This is something the 49ers would like to know, but now that isn’t going to happen. The LAPD said he was drunk earlier but it wasn’t an issue at the time of arrest. Unfortunately they didn’t specify a time frame. How’s that for prognosticating? They could have been referring to him drinking 6 months ago. Smith was acting hung over? Or was Smith just pissed off at the TSA for being weenies? WTF does that even mean? Yet another tid-bit fo squirrely info to file away for the upcoming back-and-forth.
As usual, the instant news cycle gives us the news before the squad cars even leave the airport. I mean really, TMZ has people that just hang out at the airport waiting for shit to happen. Surprise, surprise, it did. Within 15 minutes of his arrest, the video was posted of him being led away in cuffs. At some point in our self-saturated lives, everyone will walk around with GoPros strapped to their heads. All thewnews will soon be coming from live feeds from witnesses (and victims). And even perps.
Let the spin cycle begin. Again. And so it goes, Tralfamadorians . . .
Forty Niners Forever 
Actions not words from the Niners. Jed can beat his breast and snivel platitudes that “Of course you don’t know I know this but this ain’t the Niners way, so now you know I know I’m sorry”. Baloney, he would be a fool to act like this is not already understood and is unacceptable behavior. Next time (next week) some Niner bozo pulls this crap he would be a double fool: “Now I’m really really sorry. Yep I’m a sorry son of a bitch”. “Apologies” are irrelevant. This is NOT about ‘Perceptions’ mother superior. Nor is it about guilt by others for someone elses dumb behavior. Apologies, guilt = irrelevant bullcrap. Guilt trip much mother? Useless.
THIS IS about addiction, immaturity, piss poor decisions and logical consequences fer same. Alldumb is in line for some consequences I imagine. Legal and/or NFL consequences, fine. But cut him, suspend him out of some moral outrage due to perceptions? More knee jerk, self-defeating reactions that will not work. But those suffering from guilt over perceptions will feel better…for a few minutes. Meanwhile the team continues to disintegrate.
We’ll know a lot more regarding the Aldon Influence come May 3.
If his option is picked up or not.
For all the embarrassment he’s created, he needs help.
Beyond that, he’s still a valuable commodity with the pads on.
No harm in picking up the option, simply as insurance, because they keep his price tag affordable.
Should he become a model citizen, SF is covered.
If he fails the test, he’s a future Comp Pick or, a Trade option, to someone who believes he can be productive and rehabilitated.
A future Contract, if offered, will certainly contain behavioral language that provides protection too, I’d guess.
He’s a talented kid, with what appears to be, a major problem when not engaged with the rigors and involvement with the team activities.
Too many guys in his situation, rich and unsupervised, find time to get involved with ridiculous, if not illegal, activities.
Idle hands…..
Yessir NJ, agree.
A kid I’d consider, as a possible Pick to compete as an Aldon replacement is, Kareem Martin from UNC.
6’6″ 272
He’s going to fly under the radar in comparison to some better known guys like Jeffcoat and Ealy but, he’s got the long arms, (35″) that Baalke seems to shop for and, the size to play on the edge.
This Draft is going to be important to our future depth anyway, with or without Aldon.
I like the measurables that DE Larry Webster from Bloomsburg possesses too.
6’6″ 252, 4.58 40 and a 36.5″ vertical.
Good size to add some weight to also.
He’s been more of a Basketball player in College then Football but, he got after the QB pretty well, 26 Sacks in 24 games.
He’s also the Son of former Miami Dolphin DE Larry Webster, so we know he’s got some familiarity with the position.
I’m actually penciling him in as a TE conversion on my Wish List, simply because I’d expect him to have the good hands and athleticism needed to succeed on the Court.
Could find him after RD4?
A good/great draft will make a lot of this angst survivable so thanks for keeping us abreast of who is out there for us to possibly pick
Sure don’t need Dick head Brandon Lloyd to add more cancer to the clubhouse!!
Oh Brandon Lloyd same college as our other WR Bust AJ Jenkins.. Illinois Nuff said!!!
Lets hear it for metal detectors. Man how did we exist before these things came online?
Yeah, NJ, I have Kareem Martin on my radar as well. Great looking kid. The draft is still weeks away. Fucking Rockettes.
LMJ on the trading block according to Barrows.
So 12 is Baalke a ‘Liar’ because he recently said James is ‘a Niner and will stay a Niner’? How about Baalkes denial of Niner interest in DSJ? Is there a different criteria for Baalke vs Jimi? What’s the diff? Personally I don’t see either as being ‘liars’- each just trying to explain an always evolving process of fielding best possible team.
“Asked in February if he was shopping James, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said, “No discussions. LaMichael is a 49er. He’ll continue to be a 49er.”
From what I read LMJ has demanded a bigger role in the backfield. Since it is patently clear this scheme does not have a place for LMJ’s skillset they are likely to trade him rather than keep a disgruntled return guy on the roster.
Don’t see what any of that has to do with Baalke lying or Harbaugh. Frankly I don’t blame LMJ for wanting playing time or being traded, the best years of his playing career are being wasted.
You have stated several times “Harbaugh is a liar”
Don’t understand what your driving at Phil? Is your point that the GM and HC don’t tell Joe public the real deal? I would have thought that was obvious. Not a single GM in this league is honest about their intentions with players and drafting, not one.
A month ago Baalke wanted to keep LMJ on roster, I think he would still like to but in light of LMJ’s demand for playing time, something Baalke has no control over, I presume he figures to try to get something out of a bad situation and that’s his job.
Some HC are more open and forthright than others IMO. Harbaugh is not one of them.
Brandon Lloyd’s the first guy I’ve really disagreed with the 49ers bringing in. Eric Wright, Perrish Cox and drafting Lattimore were risky, but Lloyd is a different kind of risk Baalke and Harbaugh haven’t flirted with yet. Hopefully they figure out their mistake within a week or two of him being in camp and cut him. The longer he’s with the team, the more he destroys the team.
And Barrows reporting LMJ is on the block is no surprise. Trent Baalke came out and used CSN Bay Area to refute claims, but nobody believes any ultra spin CSN Bay Area reports. We all look there from time to time, but it’s not like we trust Maiocco. Maiocco is more bought than Congress, and so is CSN Bay Area. You need damage control? CSN Bay Area is there for the taking.
LMJ is another high pick Baalke whiffed on recently.
My take on that is LMJ is a decent player that Baalke thinks should have more playing time but the coaches haven’t played him much. Philosophical difference of opinion between GM and HC. Happens all the time.
You knew it was true Niners were very interested in DSJ when Maiocco and Lynch, TK (I believe) said ‘there was no way they are, would be, could be’. Slam. Dunk. Maiocco snarks “No way” = hell yeah Niners are interested. Proven fact.
Whores.
Baalke denied interest in DSJ when asked at the league meetings. As I said at the time, of course he denies it, it would be tampering to admit it, no brainer.
Point here is the lap dogs in the local press are his mouthpiece not to be taken as “independent, objective sources” in most cases.
I confess I took a look at Kawakamis article on Niner FO exasperation with Alldumb and also saw it on Barrows blog. Yep I can imagine Niners have drawn a line with Mr Smith = “No more bozo; you deal with this yer own self. We’re done standing with you”. But cutting him is out IMO. Extending him and trading him I could see. Fact that Culliver, another problem child, was with Alldumb at airport does nothing to make situation better for either. Timing piss poor with star Kap in a caper in Miamah so do believe Smith has pushed too far to be in good standing until (if ever) he proves he’s a changed man. Ball in his court but doesn’t look like he’s playing same game. Also the article mention some “other incidents” regarding Alldumb we haven’t heard about but team is well aware of = pattern of behavior detrimental to team and this guy.
They will not cut him. Baalke’s way will be to maximize the value of the player and score a bunch of draft picks. Dennis (and Tim K) may be right he will not play for Niners again pending 1) Court hearings 2) NFL consequences 3) Smiths own behavior.
Could be Phil but I doubt it. Aldon is one of the premier pass rushers ever. They can pick up his 5th year option that costs nothing until 2015 and is voidable at any time between now and then. They lock him up to the team at no risk, except it is guaranteed for injury.
I presume he will face some league discipline of some sort but will be available at some point this season. My best guess is he gets a slap on the wrist and plays for the Niners this year. With Bowman out for half the season losing Aldon too would be a big blow to the overall D.
I don’t like his behavior and have no idea if he can get on the straight and narrow or not but I remember Eddie regretting letting the last great pass rusher Haley go for also being crazy.
Hope you’re right. I’m just relaying what Kawakami said and DM seconded: ” He may not play for Niners again”. Also talked about cutting him which is just nuts. Oh and Jed needs to make a public apology. Jaysus that’s nuts too, lol. IF Niners were to go so far as dumping Alldumb I believe it will be a trade after extending him.
Jed has nothing to apologize for. I agree they don’t just cut him, even with his rap sheet he has big value. Bigger people than me get paid to make these decisions but I don’t see the sense in cutting ties with him now or giving up on him either. Too talented. There is obviously a limit but I doubt they have reached it yet.
Same with Cully, he stays.
Yeah all the tizzy around Smith is just that. He’s possibly under contract for two years. It behooves them to take the high road, and also the one that keeps him here for the time being. If he hits the straight and narrow they look good and keep the premier guy he is.
Jed? Shit, it’s April. He don’t need to say shit. Except to cheer that Kilgore Trout was exonerated in the Tralfamadorian courts recently
LMJ just isn’t a good fit here. Which means he’s as good as a bust. Somewhere, wires were crossed for that pick But, they may be able to get what, a 6 for him? He hasn’t shown or done much, but a lot of that isn’t his doing . . .
Coffee looked good in TC, too. Coaches know why he doesn’t get on the field and they ain’t talking. But you can bet there’s something he does/doesn’t do that keeps him off the field and expendable. A change of scenery/scheme may help or not.
I still haven’t heard exactly what Aldon did that has him suspended and/or cut by so many. Got pissed off at his treatment by the clowns at TSA pushing their weight around? BFD. Lots of good people are guilty of that. I haven’t heard of him being charged with anything criminal from this ‘incident’.
At least he didn’t go all stupid like his pal “knuckles”.
Who (Culliver) was in attendance at the incident. Bad company for both. I think it’s the straw that has the Niner brass saying “Enough! Alldumb, jackass, deal with it on yer own son”. Like when yer supposed best friend finally goes too far-again- but for the last time. He is alleged to have been drinking. Niners also have info on his poor behavior it is said in press that we the public are not privy to. Apparently an uninterrupted history of poor decisions and piss poor behavior. With no sign of improvement or desire to improve. Not good for this guy. Alldumb has a court date regarding the weapons charge(s) and I won’t be surprised if 49ers fail to plea for him with the court or with the NFL.
He is dragging the Niners through his own personal pig pen and they are now angry at one Aldon Smith for his ongoing behavior from what I gather.
Well who is left from the ’12 draft if LMJ be gone? Looney. Anybody else? The ’11 was good minus recent screw ups- which we hope subside. The ’13 could be good too if Lattimore, Carradine, Dial contribute. If so then the 2012 is survivable with a good draft next month. We can’t afford busts, injured redshirts, non-functional draftees. The looming draft is going to be crucial. Then our prize winning coaches will have to develop these guys AND figure out effective ways (schemes) to use the talent. Hello LMJ.
Nothing new pending draft
Far as I know, LAPD isn’t charging him with anything. And won’t. Thing is, Goodie Goodell is judge, jury, and head-chopper in the NFL. His rule of law supersedes that of the real world. In other words, he can suspend Smith even thought the airport incident won’t amount to anything that he is charged with.
It’s good to be da king.
I think what killed LMJ was his fumble in the Super Bowl. Remember… for those remembering impaired due to toxic toxicology reports…. James was called upon to be the change of pace answer in the Super Bowl to Frank Gore when Kendal Hunter went down with his Achilles injury. LMJ got quite a few carries in the Falcons’ game and the Super Bowl, until James fumbled. From there on out, James has been a non-factor. Coincidence? And I don’t think for a second it’s a GM / Head coach disagreement. I think Harbaugh completely was on board with the pick, might have even asked for James. But I think the fumble in the Super Bowl for whatever reason made the 49er coaching staff feel that LMJ couldn’t hold onto the ball because of his size. If it were me, I’d have given James a lot more opportunities in 2013, along with Hunter, and that way James would have more value. But Roman and Harbaugh fell in love with Gore last season, probably to protect Kaep.
The best case scenario for the 49ers would be to trade James on draft day. Package LMJ up with a pick and move up to draft another head case. We don’t have enough on this team. Unca!!! That’s quote of the day material right now. I’m going to start writing with POTD in mind just so I can get post of the day. It means that much to me. My people demand my greatness is recognized by all.
It’s purdy good but ya know Chuck rules this place like he’s the king which he is. POTD will arrive when you least expect it . Be pithy. Be patient. Tell yer people to bag it
Just my opinion Spit but, the LMJ SB fumble is likely about Rathman too, as much as anyone.
Bill Walsh called Tommie out as a Rook for losing the handle too.
I recall him being very conscious about keeping his job by hanging onto the pigskin.
Walsh had zero tolerance for turnovers so, I agree with your SB fumble-itis take.
Tommie demonstrating his inner Walshian teachings.
Add to that, LMJ isn’t much in terms of size, and blocking capabilities.
So, you have the necessary ingredients to bypass him as an option, especially when our scheme doesn’t involve the screen game and quick hitters commonly associated with a more WCO oriented attack.
We’re saddled with a QB that isn’t polished as a pocker passer and, isn’t ready to carve up a Defense with his eyes/mind yet either.
This smacks of a lack of Coaching creativity and, when it comes to attacking with a passing game, we aren’t there by any stretch of the imagination right now.
Our OLine is about mauling on the ground before Pass Pro.
What I wouldn’t give to see Kaep develop some touch in the Screen game and, quicken the pace with his intended targets.
The fact that there’s been a noticeably publicized interest in RBs, is also sending a message that will diminish LMJs Trade value.
Would’ve been better to keep these visits quiet but, the Press is in limbo for something to pounce on this time of year.
Makes a ton of sense to me to look for a RB with some quicks that can handle Blitz Pick Up duties.
Several guys will be there after RD2 that could fill the bill.
I’d prefer to see the Top 6 Picks address DL, WR, DB and interior OL.
No guarantees of retaining Iupati and, I think we could steal a top tier Center too.
Plenty of value in the Top 3 RDs.
With depth at the back end to develop down the road.
Baalke has plenty of ways to attack this Draft Board.
Love that optimism NJ!
I’m still waiting for a big scandal not this knucklehead stuff by dumb jocks. It doesn’t impress me at all! …….BLEEP!
I can’t help you with any major scandals. Not from me, no way. I lead a pure life, almost saintly so I’m out. Give us an example of a big scandal. Then maybe we can come up with a few.
Is there life on Mars? Dunno. How ’bout life after Alldumb? Yeah could be sez this feller:
http://www.49erswebzone.com/commentary/1274-aldon-san-francisco-decisions-impact-troubled-human-being/
NJ, they’ve talked about all this already regarding the pass plays. My concern is getting the plays TO Kappy faster. The fact it takes the entire play clock to get the plays off plays a part in how teams can attack us defensively. We never get the jump on teams since we take so long getting plays off. Throw in the no quick hitters.
sob…..sniff…..sniff….
woof! bleep! What, Dennis won’t roll over?