49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith Suspended 9 Games

ESPN is reporting that San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has been suspended for the first nine games of the season for violating the NFL's personal-conduct and substance-abuse policies.

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Smith will be eligible to return to the 49ers' active roster on Nov. 10 following the team's Nov. 9 game against New Orleans.

"Our organization has known this decision would come and we have prepared for it as a team," 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement Friday. "Aldon has taken responsibility for his actions and has continued to show growth personally and professionally. We will continue to support him, but it is time to put this matter behind us and focus on the season ahead."

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Smith's suspension follows a myriad of off-the-issues that included felony gun charges.