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On Monday night, 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith kneed Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III in the groin. The NFL has not opted to knee Smith in the wallet.

According to the league office, Smith has not been fined for the maneuver.

It’s a surprising outcome, given that the lifting of Smith’s knee seemed like a grossly unnatural act at a time when he was being blocked. The swinging of the leg up toward Griffin could have only one plausible goal — to strike Griffin. While Smith may not have intended to strike Griffin in the crotch, that’s what happened.

Smith nevertheless remains in hot water with the league, thanks to his second DUI incident and felony weapons charges. Both cases are pending.

Smith had two sacks in the game. OK, two other sacks.