49ers release linebacker Aldon Smith after arrest in California

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Aldon Smith received second chance after second chance with the San Francisco 49ers, who parted ways with their troubled linebacker today after his fifth run-in with the law.

Only a few days earlier, general manager Trent Baalke expressed his desire to keep Smith beyond this season, which would have been a contract year. Instead, Baalke and coach Jim Tomsula met with Smith at team headquarters after he left jail to inform him he was no longer part of the team.

"It's a sad day," Tomsula said during an emotional news conference. "This is a day that doesn't have anything to do about football."

Smith was arrested Thursday night – on a day off from training camp for players – the fifth legal run-in since the team drafted him in 2011. Tomsula spoke to a couple of players but planned a team meeting later this afternoon.

"Guys care about him, we care about that guy, deeply," he said.

Smith had said when camp began he was healthy and in great shape, "ready to go."

Santa Clara police arrested Smith, and accused him of drunken driving, hit and run and vandalism.