Judge drops domestic violence charges against 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster, SF says he can rejoin the team
Reuben Foster’s legal battle appears to be nearly over.
A judge ruled on Wednesday afternoon that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with domestic violence charges against the San Francisco 49ers linebacker. The charge of making criminal threats was also dropped.
BREAKING: Judge rules there is insufficient evidence to proceed with domestic violence charges against Reuben Foster. He no longer faces those charges, seemingly clearing way for his return to the #49ers.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) May 23, 2018
Foster was initially arrested in February and charged with domestic violence after his former girlfriend, Elissa Ennis, told police Foster “dragged her by the hair, physically removed her from their house, and punched her in her head at least eight times.” Among her injuries, Ennis suffered a ruptured eardrum.
Last week, though, Ennis recanted her entire account. She said that Foster never hit her, and that she made up the story for money.
Foster also faced a charge for possession of an assault weapon. That has been reduced to a misdemeanor, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. Pre-trial for that charge has been set for June 6.
Reuben Foster’s charge of possession of assault weapon reduced to misdemeanor. Pre-trial set for June 6.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) May 23, 2018
Foster played in 10 games in his rookie campaign last season for the 49ers, recording 59 tackles.
After the ruling, the 49ers said Foster can rejoin the team on Thursday:
Niners GM John Lynch announces in a statement via the team LB Reuben Foster is free to rejoin the team. pic.twitter.com/fCDNfKyOhi
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 23, 2018
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