New York: Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith was suspended a minimum of one year by the NFL on Tuesday violating the league’s substance abuse policy. The Raiders voiced support for Smith, saying they were committed to back him “as he gets the help that he needs”. Smith said in a statement released by the Raiders that he would use his enforced time off “to work on myself and become the man I need to be, my team and organisation needs me to be, and I know I can be.” Smith, who can apply for reinstatement 60 days before the one-year ban is up, was released by the San Francisco 49ers in August after a string of off-field incidents. He pleaded not guilty in September to hit and run, drunken driving and vandalism. (AFP)