San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith faces the prospect of another spell on the sidelines after being charged Friday with drunk-driving for the third time in three years.

Smith, who missed nine games last season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy for substance abuse, was booked on Friday after being arrested in Santa Clara, California, on suspicion of hit-and-run, driving under the influence and vandalism.

It is the 25-year-old millionaire's latest brush with the law in recent seasons.

In 2013, he was suspended for five games following a DUI arrest and entered a treatment facility.

He was also given a 12-day sentence and three years of probation in July following a no-contest plea to felony weapons charges and DUI charges in relation to a 2012 incident at his home where he was stabbed.

Smith, the number seven pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, has registered 44 quarterback sacks in 50 games since he joined the 49ers, although his sack rate has tailed off dramatically in recent seasons.

He registered just 15 tackles and two sacks in seven games in 2014.
Source: AFP