The San Francisco 49ers will not wash their hands of Aldon Smith after releasing the troubled pass rusher.
That was the message from Jim Tomsula at Friday's press conference, on the heels of Smith's third DUI arrest.
"Although Aldon won't be playing football here," Tomsula said, "we will be supporting him. ... He will not have to walk this path alone."
Asked why Smith was released, Tomsula replied, "There are things that need to be addressed with 100 percent of everything he has. ... We're not worried about football. It has nothing to do with football."
An emotional Tomsula emphasized that his overwhelming feeling is one of sadness.
"That's what it is. Sadness for a person. We care about that guy -- deeply," Tomsula stressed. "... The guy is working really hard, and he had a pitfall. ... He is in that process of turning his life around. People stumble."
Tomsula also pleaded with anyone watching who is similarly troubled: "You're worth it. ... The value in every human being -- get the help. You don't have to walk alone. Find it; it's there."
As far as Smith's future in football, Tomsula hopes he gets a chance to play in the future.
"I sure hope so. I think he can," Tomsula said. "And I want him to."
The latest Around The NFL Podcast features Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo sharing his thoughts on the upcoming season.
