According to NBC Bay Area, it looks like 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith received preferential treatment while he was being booked for suspicion of drunk driving.
Smith enjoyed an expedited trip through the Santa Clara County Jail, according to court records and information uncovered by the NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit, and was released several hours earlier than standard procedure is supposed to allow.
The Investigate Unit has also confirmed Smith was invited to the sheriff’s shooting range more than a year after three illegal assault weapons were found at his South Bay home.
Court records obtained by the NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit show that Aldon Smith was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on Friday, Sept. 20, 2013, at 9:40 a.m. on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The 49ers player was released from jail at 11:20 a.m., after spending about an hour and 40 minutes in the jail, according to a voicemail left by Sheriff Laurie Smith in response to questions by the NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit.
During an on-camera interview, one Santa Clara County Jail deputy, who asked to remain anonymous, said the expedited release of Aldon Smith did not follow typical jail protocols and procedures. In addition to the deputy, other current and former jail staffers have told the NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit that individuals arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol are typically held in the jail for a minimum of five hours and a maximum of eight hours.
No one should be surprised by this at all. Not that it’s right, but I’m sure many athletes who get into trouble get special treatment.
The biggest problem with this is that Smith and other players who are given special care when they get in trouble may feel like they can get away with breaking the law.
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