San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has been detained at a Los Angles airport after he allegedly told police he had a bomb, the US media reported.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith, pictured in California on September 22, 2013, has been detained at an LA airport after he allegedly told police he had a bomb
Police said in a statement Sunday that Smith was "being uncooperative with security personnel and stating he had a bomb."
The 24-year-old was apparently then transported to the booking area of the airport, the San Jose Mercury News reported.
The Mercury News said Smith was going through security screening when he was randomly chosen for a more thorough search which caused him to become "belligerent" with the airport officials.
"We are disappointed to learn of the incident today involving Aldon Smith," said 49ers general manager Trent Baalke. "As this is a pending legal matter and we are still gathering the pertinent facts, we will have no further comment."
Last year, Smith took a leave absence from the 49ers to seek help for a substance-abuse problem. He left the team just days after a September 20 arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.
In November, Smith pleaded not guilty to three counts of illegal possession of an assault weapon.
On the field, Smith has been one of the National Football League's premier pass rushers.
San Francisco made him the seventh overall pick of the 2011 entry draft.
He recorded 14 sacks during his rookie season, then ranked second in the league with 19 1/2 sacks in 2013 while helping the 49ers to an appearance in Super Bowl.