San Francisco 49ers News & Rumors: Colin Kaepernick Denies Rumored Rift With Aldon Smith
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick denied that he had an altercation with former teammate Aldon Smith before the linebacker was released on Friday.
Multiple reports indicated on Thursday that Smith and Kaepernick fought in practice because of a woman. Reports also added that Smith damaged Kaepernick's Mercedes following the altercation.
Kaepernick said that reports about the rumored fight in practice are false because they did not practice on Thursday. He also pointed out that news about the Mercedes that was allegedly smashed by Smith are not true as well, as the quarterback pointed out he has a live endorsement contract with Jaguar.
Kaepernick blasted the media for the report about his alleged altercation with Smith.
"To try to prey on athletes' livelihoods while one is going through a tough time is embarrassing to me," Kaepernick told reporters via ESPN. "For people to report that and put that out there and jumped on that bandwagon, just to get Internet clicks and get attention to their website, or reports, it really is embarrassing for people to do that."
Kaepernick also insisted that Smith is a good friend and they developed a strong relationship since they were drafted in 2011. In fact, Kaepernick revealed Smith attended his charity event in June.
"I was good friends with Aldon," Kaepernick insisted. "He had just come to my camp, to my golf tournament, for Camp Taylor this past June. Showed support and helped the kids out."
Smith, who was selected seventh overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, was released on Friday after he was arrested for hit-and-run, vandalism and driving under the influence charges. It was the third DUI-related arrest since he entered the league.
Smith is not expected to stay a free agent for long, though, as recent reports indicated that several teams are interested in acquiring the 25-year-old linebacker, including the New York Giants. Kaepernick said that losing Smith will be a big blow to their team, but he is hoping for the best for his former teammate.
"I hope he's doing well," Kaepernick said of Smith. "I hope everything turns out all right for him and he can get back on track. I mean, the biggest thing is, I know this team misses him and misses his presence here."
Kaepernick and the 49ers will go up against the Houston Texans on Saturday at NRG Stadium.
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