San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York spoke with David Lombardi of The Athletic for about 30 minutes on Wednesday during the final day of the league's annual owners meetings. One of the topics of discussion was star linebacker Reuben Foster, who got in trouble twice within the span of a month early in the offseason.
The first incident was an arrest for second-degree possession of marijuana in Alabama in January. A month later, he was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of domestic violence, threats, and possession of an assault weapon.
The 49ers continue to wait and let the legal process work itself out before determining a course of action -- if any. Foster will undoubtedly face discipline form the league. Under the NFL's domestic violence policy, players are subject to a baseline suspension of six games without pay following the first incident and a lifetime ban from the league for a second infraction.
York warned that any further trouble could end Foster's time with the 49ers but hopes the young linebacker can turn things around.
"We'd love Reuben to be on this team," York told Lombardi. "We'd love him to participate for us. But if he's not doing things off the field that allow us to be able to rely on him ... then you're just going to have to move on. I know Reuben is very cognizant of where his position is right now. His time with the 49ers can potentially be over if he continues to do things outside the team that aren't what we want him to be a part of.
"Reuben is taking those steps to understand what it means to be a pro football player and part of the 49ers, but he's also cognizant that responsibility is on him and we're here to help in any way, shape, or form so he can be the right type of person for our team."
There has been no decision from the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office on whether or not to charge Foster in the latest incident. His next court date is currently set for April 12, according to the Sacramento Bee, with the 49ers' offseason program kicking off four days later.
Foster was the second of two first-round picks (No. 31 overall) by the 49ers in last year's draft. He started 10 games while registering 72 combined tackles and a pass defensed in 2017. Foster was named the Defensive Rookie of the Month for November and finished the season with the team's highest player grade (90.7), according to Pro Football Focus.
