These days, social media has given fans of celebrities and athletes the opportunity to get first hand information from the timelines of Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram rather than waiting on Sportscenter or E!
Sometimes that information isn’t quite accurate, even coming from the horse’s mouth. Suspended Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith seemed to give fans of the Black & Silver a glimmer of hope regarding his reinstatement via Khalil Mack’s live IG video.
Following Sunday’s game in San Diego, Smith appeared in Mack’s video and commented “I’m back” on the post. Although IG live videos come and go, a few fleet fingered followers captured the following screenshot.
The NFL says: Not so fast! According to an NFL spokesperson, Smith’s status is still under review. Smith’s suspension for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse has lasted more than 13 months. The linebacker has expressed his frustration as he waits for the league to make a decision. Language in Appendix B to the substance abuse policy states that the Commissioner should be enabled to make a decision within 60 days of receipt of a reinstatement application; however, he is not required to do so.