San Francisco 49ers: Reuben Foster cleared of domestic violence charge
San Francisco 49ers’ linebacker, Reuben Foster has officially been cleared of the domestic violence charges that were previously being held against him. While this is good news for him and the team, this story has not yet come to a conclusion.
The San Francisco 49ers may now let out a sigh of relief as last year’s first round pick, Reuben Foster, has officially had his looming domestic violence case dropped.
The case was dismissed by Santa Clara County Judge Nona L. Klippen on Wednesday. This came shortly after the accuser, Foster’s now ex-girlfriend, testified saying she made up the allegations.
It was originally alleged that Foster abused the accuser and prevented her from reporting the incident. The case ended up being dismissed due to what boiled down to a lack of evidence.
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The judge said that there was no evidence that any violence on the part of Foster occurred.
This is not the only good news that the San Francisco 49ers and Reuben Foster received today. As well as dismissing the domestic violence charge, the judge reduced the illegal weapon possession charge Foster had hanging over his head from a felony to a misdemeanor.
That decision was made based on the fact that Foster obtained the gun legally, purchasing it in Alabama.
It seems that things will work out in the end for Foster, who’s future with the team was made uncertain after these charges were first placed on him. Many pushed for General Manager John Lynch to release Foster as soon as he was accused. Lynch, of course, did not do this and opted to wait it out and let the legal process ensue before making any decision on Foster’s future.
This turned out to be the correct decision. Foster will now rejoin the team on Thursday to participate in OTAs.
Foster is not totally in the clear yet, according to Lynch. Lynch had the following to say on Wednesday afternoon:
"“The organization is aware the domestic violence charges against Reuben Foster were dismissed earlier today. As a result, he will have the opportunity to rejoin the team tomorrow. It has been made clear to Reuben that his place on this team is one that must continue to be earned. We will continue to monitor the remaining misdemeanor charge.”"
This has made it clear that Lynch wants no one to think that the team is going to overlook the misdemeanor charge still at play for Foster. But given everything that has ensued, one would think that Foster will end up keeping his position with the team, but will likely be given a suspension by the NFL.
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Regardless, this story is one that will be interesting to continue monitoring in the coming months leading up the regular season.