Report: Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith checks into Rehab

Days after a controversial video surfaced showing someone who may or may not be Aldon Smith smoking a hand rolled cigarette that may or may not have been marijuana, Aldon Smith has entered into a Rehabilitation Program. The Raiders linebacker has star potential on the field, but he has been battling substance abuse issues for years and is currently suspended by the NFL.

Now Aldon Smith has entered rehab, reported by TMZ who says it was confirmed by multiple sources close to Smith. This is bad news because obviously Smith is still battling his personal demons, but it is also good news because entering rehab is an attempt to keep control over the substance abuse issues plaguing him.

No substance has been identified for why Aldon Smith has entered rehab, but he it is his second time entering a rehab program. The first time was in 2013 following his 2 DUI arrests when he was a member of the San Francisco 49ers. Hopefully Aldon Smith is able to get the help he needs to regain control over his substance abuse issues.

This is another reminder of the dangers of removing a player from his support system for substance abuse issues. The NFL should reconsider it's zero contact policy with suspended players because it removes the players from people who care about their well being and can help them during troubled times.

Best of luck in this rehab stint to Aldon Smith, some things are just bigger than football.