Aldon Smith excited to be with team that ‘looks out for their players’

Oakland Raiders pass rusher Aldon Smith spoke to reporters after his team debut on Sunday.

Oakland Raiders pass rusher Aldon Smith spoke to the media Sunday for the first time since signing a one-year contract on Friday. 

Smith, who saw limited action in Oakland’s season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, said he was glad to be a member of franchise. 

“I’m just excited to be here, have this chance with this team, be a part of a bunch of guys who work hard and an organization who looks out for their players,” Smith said after the game, according to the San Jose Mercury News. “Just a fresh start.”

Smith recorded one solo tackle and assisted on another stop in his Oakland debut. He was a Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selection in 2012 with the San Francisco 49ers but was released last month after being arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. 

On Friday, Smith was charged with three misdemeanors stemming from his August arrest.

- Dan Gartland