The San Francisco 49ers have released the following statement following the decision by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office to charge linebacker Reuben Foster with domestic violence with an allegation that he inflicted great bodily injury, forcefully attempting to prevent a victim from reporting a crime, and possession of an assault weapon — all of which are felonies.
"The 49ers organization is aware of today's disturbing charges regarding Reuben Foster," the 49ers said via a statement issued to the media. "We will continue to follow this serious matter. Reuben is aware that his place in our organization is under great scrutiny and will depend on what is learned through the legal process."
The charges, which were announced on Thursday, came two months after a February 11 incident that found Foster booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of domestic violence, threats, and possession of an assault weapon.
"Foster, 24, physically attacked the 28-year-old woman during a February argument at their Los Gatos home, leaving her bruised and with a ruptured eardrum," read the release by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.
RELATED Reuben Foster charged with felony domestic abuse, faces more than 11 years in prison
If convicted, Foster faces more than 11 years in prison.
Bay Area News Group reported that Foster had been allowed to work out at the 49ers' facility since the arrest while the team awaited word from the District Attorney's office. The 49ers begin their offseason program on Monday.
"On February 11, the victim flagged down a stranger's car driving on Shannon Road to call 911," read the release. "She called police. The victim told responding sheriff's deputies and Los Gatos police that Foster dragged her by her hair, physically threw her out of the house, and punched her in the head 8 to 10 times."
The February arrest was the second of the offseason for Foster. He was arrested in Alabama on January 12 for second-degree possession of marijuana.
Foster finished the season with the team's highest player grade (90.7), according to Pro Football Focus. The rookie was the fourth-highest graded linebacker behind only Bobby Wagner (Seahawks), Luke Kuechly (Panthers), and Lavonte David (Buccaneers), and was the highest-graded rookie linebacker this past season.
