Sources To Enquirer: Smith Didn't Have Knowledge Of A Handgun In Belongings

Following his arrest on Thursday for bringing a handgun to the Hartsfield International Airport, Bengals right tackle Andre Smith was released on Friday after his $3,000 bond was set. Scratching your head, thinking: "How in the world could something like this happen?". It's not like he accidentally forgot to pack his Spiderman toothbrush. Wouldn't someone with possession of a .380 caliber pistol be aware of the location of said .380 caliber pistol?

Maybe most of us. But not Smith.

According to sources "familiar with the case" via Joe Reedy with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Smith "did not have knowledge that there was a handgun in his belongings." Reedy continued:

Bengals public relations director Jack Brennan said: "The team is aware of the incident. However it would inappropriate to comment until the matter is resolved through normal legal channels."

Smith's agent, Ben Dogra, told The Enquirer Friday afternoon that they have retained an attorney in the Atlanta area and that they will go through the legal process. Dogra said that both he and Smith are hopeful it will be resolved in a timely manner.

Perhaps it was a moment of confusion. "So you're saying I'm not allowed to bring this on the plane?"

Naturally this poses the question, how does this impact Smith's potential to earn in 2013? Smith is entering the prime of career, scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent early this March, at a position that pays handsomely. Obviously the potential for a negative impact is there, even if Smith's arrest turns out to be a bone-headed mistake. However keep in mind that along with Thursday's event, he has some undesirable history on his resume, mostly related to weigh issues and work ethics earlier in his career.

That being said, we're thinking more bone-headed mistake than anything else.