NFL suspends 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The NFL suspended San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith for nine games after a series of off-field legal issues.

A statement today from the league said Smith had violated the NFL's substance abuse and personal conduct policies.

Smith won't be eligible to return until Nov. 10, the day after the 49ers' game against the New Orleans Saints.

"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. "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."

The 24-year-old Smith, one of the NFL's top pass rushers, missed five games last season to undergo treatment at an in-patient facility following his DUI arrest Sept. 20.

Just before training camp began last month, the 24-year-old Smith was sentenced to serve three years of probation and to spend 11 days with a work crew after he pleaded no contest to drunken driving and weapons charges.