Aldon Smith: “I think we can all look into our lives and find something that we need to work on.”

SANTA CLARA — Aldon Smith spoke at his locker Tuesday afternoon. Here is a transcript.

Q: What has all of this been like for you?

ALDON SMITH: It’s been a process since I left and being back now.

Q: Do you feel healthy in mind and body and everything?

ALDON SMITH: I’m getting there. Every day is a step closer to getting where I want to be.

Q: Did you get the sense from the organization that they cared about you as a human being and not just as a football player?

ALDON SMITH: Yeah, I’ve gotten a lot of support from my family, friends, the organization, teammates and everything. It really says a lot that people care about me outside the field and they care about me as a person.

Q: Did you feel that there was something in your personal life you needed to get in control?

ALDON SMITH: I think we can all look into our lives and find something that we need to work on. I’ve taken my time and I’ve done that. If anything it’s just one day at a time and just working toward that goal.

Q: When you say you’re getting to where you want to be, where do you want to be?

ALDON SMITH: To maximize my potential. I’ve got a lot of things I can do and a lot of goals I want to reach. Just taking those steps to get where I want to be is the goal of mine.

Q: What facility did you go to and how long were you there?

ALDON SMITH: I was out of state. I was there for I want to say, I got back on the 28th so I was gone for a while but I’m back now.

Q: You do not want to disclose where you were?

ALDON SMITH: No.

Q: Did it take a while for you to accept being away from the team?

ALDON SMITH: I mean of course I don’t want to be away from where I live. But it was good for me to get away and get my mind together and work to get to the positives that I need to be at.

Q: Did you watch any of the games the 49ers played without you?

ALDON SMITH: I caught some of the game, some that were broadcast over there. I was able to keep up with the guys and chime in here and there and wish them good luck.

Q: Could you workout?

ALDON SMITH: I was actually able to get a real good workout in a couple times a week. We’ll see how it works out.

Q: You might be able to play Sunday?

ALDON SMITH: It’s crossing my mind. I’m taking it one day at a time, getting back here, being around the guys, just getting my life back at home. I’ve got a 10-month-old son so I’m doing the father thing. I’m just trying to make sure I’m all ready to go.

Q: We’ve heard you say this before that you’ve grown up and you’ve fixed things. Was having football taken away from you for five weeks what it took?

ALDON SMITH: I’ve said I’ve grown a lot and I’ve been growing. I came in the league on the young side of things. I’ve taken every free chance I’ve gotten to get better and grow. I think everybody should take time just to grow and get to where they want to be.

Q: How did make the decision to go away?

ALDON SMITH: It was a combination of what was best for me and once again, where I wanted to get at and bettering myself as a person. That’s what seemed like that best thing to do at the time.

Q: Was it difficult?

ALDON SMITH: Like I said, being away from football and being away from my teammates, the guys who are here in this locker room, that’s difficult but it worked out and I was able to get away and clear my head.

Q: This team took some criticism for letting you play in that game against the Colts. Was playing in that important to you?

ALDON SMITH: As far as that, I don’t call those shots. Any time I’m able to play, I’m going to play.

Q:  We know you have some court appearances coming up. Will that affect your practice schedule?

ALDON SMITH: I should be here. If I’m able to put on the cleats and snap the helmet up, I’m here.

Q: How have you felt the past couple of days in practice?

ALDON SMITH: I felt good.

Q: Have you talked with the Commissioner?

ALDON SMITH: Not directly.

Q: Did you have to commit to anything?

ALDON SMITH: An agreement.

Q: Such as?

ALDON SMITH: Making sure this doesn’t happen again.

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