NFL star going to jail, team cuts him
When NFL teams cut veteran players this time of year, it’s almost always done with salary cap implications in mind.
That might appear to the case at first glance when people see the Oakland Raiders are reportedly going to release defensive back Sean Smith.
Source: #Raiders releasing Sean Smith @RaidersSnakePit
— Bill Williamson (@BWilliamsonNFL) March 12, 2018
But there’s more behind this move than just money.
The move would clear $8.5 million in 2018 salary cap space for the Raiders, two days before the start of free agency.
But reports also suggest Smith is about to be on his way to prison.
The Los Angeles Times reported Smith is likely to serve at least one year in jail for his role in an altercation that took place last year in Pasadena, California.
Raiders cornerback Sean Smith will plead guilty Tuesday to a felony count of assault with great bodily injury related to an altercation in Pasadena last year, per a person familiar with the matter.
— Nathan Fenno (@nathanfenno) March 12, 2018
Smith was arrested last Aug. 17 for allegedly assaulting his sister’s then-boyfriend, Christopher Woods, on July 4. He was charged with felony assault by means of force to produce great bodily injury, and battery with serious bodily injury.
The Times reported Smith will serve one year in prison and five years of probation as part of a plea deal expected to be finalized on Tuesday.
“He’s pleased that [Smith] is admitting guilt, but the sentence is light,” Jonathan Dennis, the attorney for Woods, told the Times.
Because of the injuries inflicted by Smith, Woods had to have a metal plate and screws implanted underneath his right eye. He also underwent reconstructive surgery on his left eye socket to repair five fractures.
Two witnesses testified during a preliminary hearing in December that Smith stomped the head of Woods as he lay bleeding and unconscious.
Smith, 30, has played nine seasons in the NFL. He was a second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2009 out of Utah.
So long pic.twitter.com/uZQh6hKczF
— Billy Bob (@PapaChango36) March 12, 2018
Smith spent his first four seasons with Miami, then played three years with Kansas City. He signed a four-year contract with the Raiders prior to the 2016 season.
He has 14 career interceptions. He also scored one touchdown while a member of the Chiefs.
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