49ers released Aldon Smith on Friday after recent arrest

The San Francisco 49ers released linebacker Aldon Smith on Friday after his arrest on accusations of hit and run, driving under the influence and vandalism, a move that continues the foundering of an organization that reached the Super Bowl just three seasons ago.

Since finishing a desultory 8-8 last season, which led to an edgy end to coach Jim Harbaugh’s tenure, the 49ers have witnessed an exodus: the retirements and departures of key players and now, after his latest troubles off the field, the release of one of their biggest stars.

“It’s a sad day,” coach Jim Tomsula said at a news conference. “This is a day that doesn’t have anything to do with football.”

Smith, who was released after his arrest Thursday night, was suspended for nine games last season for violating the NFL’s policy on substance abuse and personal conduct. In April 2014, he triggered a bomb alert at an airport. Smith missed five games in 2013 after an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.

“This organization has tried very hard to help Aldon fight his issues,” the 49ers said in a statement. “Although he is no longer a member of this team, our support and concern for him will continue.”

Trent Baalke, the 49ers’ general manager, told reporters this week that the team would consider signing Smith, a first-round draft pick in 2011, to a new contract if he stayed out of trouble.

According to the Santa Clara Police Department, Smith drove into a parked car, then damaged it again when he opened his car door. Smith did not report the accident and left the scene. When he returned to the car, officers gave him a sobriety test. Smith was then taken to the county jail. He was released Friday after posting $26,000 bail, according to media reports.

“Simple as this: Justice will be served, and the truth will come out,” Smith told reporters after his release. “There’s no DUI.”