An arrest warrant issued Wednesday by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office gave Brandon Aiyuk’s already complicated NFL situation another unwanted chapter.
Former NFL linebacker and media personality Emmanuel Acho weighed in on Speakeasy Thursday and went straight to the core of why this matters for the 28-year-old receiver’s future.
Acho said he genuinely isn’t sure Aiyuk plays again.
“I don’t know that BA will play again because he no longer is worth a headache,” Acho said, per Speakeasy on X. “People don’t realize, your favorite athlete, when they don’t get signed even if there’s something extracurricular, it’s ’cause their talent no longer makes room for them. That’s really what it comes down to. Brandon Aiyuk, he’s not one of ones anymore.”
Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
The warrant stems from a YouTube video Aiyuk posted in late December showing him driving a Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing at speeds up to 111 mph on Tasman Drive, the road running directly past Levi’s Stadium.
Santa Clara police forwarded the case to the District Attorney’s Office on January 15. The charge, exhibition of speed, is a misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine, per TMZ Sports. Aiyuk apologized shortly after the video circulated.
“Sorry ya’ll, my car content won’t come with speeding anymore,” he wrote. “Was praying with my son tonight and wouldn’t want anybody else to miss out on an opportunity to do the same with their loved ones.”
“I don’t what kind of fool would take a chance on this version of Brandon Aiyuk”
– @EmmanuelAcho weighs in on Brandon Aiyuk’s recent arrest warrant that was issued for excessive speeding
WE ARE STILL LIVE DISCUSSING MICAH PARSONS INJURY ⬇️ https://t.co/HfU7NkG0A3 pic.twitter.com/72p2iCTJh9
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) June 4, 2026
What Acho said about talent, teams, and why this version of Aiyuk is a different calculation
Acho broke down the decision any potential suitor now faces with clarity.
“If they’re not one of ones, your talent not gonna make room for you anymore. Realistically speaking, why would you want him on your team? For what? For the distraction within the locker room? For him to potentially be a cancer in the receiver room? What contribution is he showing you he can make over the last two years? Furthermore, you’re still coming off an ACL injury and if he’s willing to throw 60 million dollars away, do you think he cares that much about your organization?”
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Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
The $60 million reference is the guaranteed money the San Francisco 49ers voided in Aiyuk’s contract after he stopped participating in team activities last season. The 49ers have been trying to trade him since the offseason, with GM John Lynch saying the market has been “futile” while leaving the door open.
Acho acknowledged the mental health angle before landing his final point.
“I’m always gonna err on the side of caution of his mental health crisis based upon the age we live in. But how stupid do you have to be to be driving 40 miles over the speed limit, record yourself doing it, and post it? I just don’t know what kind of fool would take a chance on this version of BA until we see him get help.”
Aiyuk has 294 career catches for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns since being drafted in the first round in 2020. He hasn’t played since October 2024.