NFL confirms it is investigating Aldon Smith's domestic incident

Aldon Smith's NFL career is in jeopardy as the league takes a closer look at his recent run-ins with the law.

“We are investigating the matter,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email, according to The Mercury News.

TMZ Sports reported Tuesday that the Oakland Raiders outside linebacker was recently involved in a “domestic incident” in San Francisco, but was not arrested.

The offseason has begun for the Oakland Raiders. Want the latest news about the team delivered straight to your inbox? – Sign up now for our FREE Raiders newsletter!

Smith, 27, is currently banned from the NFL. On Super Bowl Sunday, it was reported that his reinstatement, which he requested over three months ago, would be granted in March – provided he stays out of trouble until then.

The latest news about Smith's off-field issues obviously calls his reinstatement into question. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell likely delayed Smith's request for reinstatement in December because he anticipated the possibility of such an event.

Smith was originally banned in November 2015 after multiple arrests, suspensions and violations of the league's substance abuse policy. His behavior outside of the NFL first came into question last summer when he allegedly smoked marijuana in a video posted to social media. That incident followed an alleged stint in rehab.

Before his life went haywire, Smith was a dominant pass rusher. The former seventh overall pick of the San Francisco 49ers recorded 14 sacks as a rookie, then added 19.5 more sacks in his second season en route to a Super Bowl appearance and first-team All Pro honors.

In the four seasons since then, he has missed a combined 37 49ers and Raiders games. His chances of reversing that trend will be significantly reduced if the NFL determines that he violated his suspension due to this latest incident.

Follow Kevin Boilard on Twitter: @247KevinBoilard