According to a police affidavit of Smith's arrest, an argument led to the 49ers linebacker hitting a neighbor's car - resulting in minor damage.
"I want everybody to understand this wasn't a DUI. The situation that happened could have been handled differently," said Smith in the interview as he left the jail.
After confirming the news, Tomsula said during the press conference that while he will no longer be with the 49ers, he will not have to walk this path alone.
"From our perspective, for him, there are things that need to be addressed with 100% of what he has. From the team perspective, that's the football. These are completely different and they don't mix," said Tomsula.
Tomsula was clearly emotional about Smith, saddened that he will no longer be with the team after working so hard and showing genuine concern for him as a person.
When asked if he thinks Smith would play football again, he said that "He has been turning his life around" and added that "People stumble." Tomsula stated that he hopes that Smith plays football again.
Tomsula stated that the media will not be able to meet with players until after today's practice, simply saying, "They're hurting."
It didn't wind up making a huge difference in the end, but the decision on the 49ers' end to not challenge what was incorrectly called a catch by Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith on the first drive of Sunday's NFC Championship game could have resulted in a healthy amount of second-guessing towards 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, had the game wound up being much closer than it was.
But, as Shanahan explained after the game, the 49ers didn't see the angle of the play that would have overturned the original call, and the Eagles were able to get their next play off before anyone had a chance to review the play.
Smith made what originally looked like a dazzling one-handed 29-yard catch on a 4th-and-3 play of the game's opening possession, setting up the Eagles with
49ers Notebook: Mike McGlinchey hopes to stay in the Bay; Jimmie Ward reflects on his time with 49ers; A Jimmy G sighting; Nick Bosa describes injury vs. Eagles; A Joe Staley - Kayvon Thibodeaux Twitter battle
By Kirk Larrabee
Jan 29
The end of the 2022 season brings a whole new set of questions for the San Francisco 49ers -- questions that will start to get answered in the weeks and months ahead after looming large in the locker room following their NFC Championship loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
The 49ers have a number of players slated for free agency and will have to make some tough decisions on who will stay and who will go. Two of those players -- offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey and defensive back Jimmie Ward -- spoke about their futures on Sunday while also reflecting on their time with the 49ers.
We'll talk about what McGlinchey and Ward said Sunday, as well as a number of other topics in this version of 49ers Notebook. We'll also dive into what happened to Nick Bosa
49ers mailbag: Will 49ers sign a big-name QB? Who will Ryans take to Houston? Who will replace Ryans? Will Garoppolo return?
By Marc Adams
Feb 1
There's not much going on with the San Francisco 49ers. Not unless you count these small bits of news:
Brock Purdy has a UCL tear and will likely need surgery. If they can repair the tendon, he'll need six months of recovery time (which is August). If they have to replace it (Tommy John surgery), it will be decidedly longer.
Trey Lance says he is three to four weeks from being cleared to practice, and that he should be 100% by OTAs (organized team activities).
Trent Williams was walking with a crutch on Tuesday (locker cleanout day) and had a walking boot on. But he said it's nothing.
DeMeco Ryans was hired to be the next head coach of the Houston Texans.
Tom Brady announced his retirement Wednesday morning, so those hoping he
Key stats from the 49ers' 31-7 NFC Championship Game loss vs. the Eagles
By Site Staff
Jan 29
The San Francisco 49ers lost 31-7 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Below are several statistics and notes from Sunday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
Christian McCaffrey
RB Christian McCaffrey registered 14 carries for 84 yds. and 1 TD to go along with 4 recepts. for 22 yds. He has now registered at least 50 scrimmage yds. and 1 TD in all 4 of his career postseason games.
He is the 8th player and 6th RB since 1970 to accomplish the feat in at least each of his first 4 postseason games (RB Marcus Allen, LAA/KC - 7 games, RB Terrell Davis, Den. - 7, RB Curtis Martin, NE/NYJ - 5, WR Randy
