Reuben Foster's arraignment started at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. The young linebacker is facing charges of 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.
An arraignment is merely a formal reading of the criminal charges against the defendant in the presence of the defendant. The accused can then enter a plea, but Foster won't do so until a hearing on April 30, according to NFL Network.
Foster was arrested on February 11 on suspicion of domestic violence, threats, and possession of an assault weapon. The incident took place between Foster and his live-in girlfriend.
Foster appeared at the arraignment on Thursday and was seen by Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group entering the courthouse accompanied by new 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman. Safety Jaquiski Tartt was also present.
#ReubenFoster wearing suit and tie as he enters court with new #49ers teammate Richard Sherman
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) April 12, 2018
Fellow #49ers teammate Jaquiski Tartt also showed up outside courthouse as #ReubenFoster gets in car to leave, 10 minutes after his arraignment on domestic violence, making threats and weapon possession felonies
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) April 12, 2018
Attorney Joshua Bentley told Inman that he would not make a statement after the arraignment and, like with other 49ers cases recent years, will not disclose information to the media.
"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 news release issued by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.
The release also states that the alleged victim told officers that Foster had dragged her by the hair, physically threw her out of the house, and punched her in the head eight to 10 times.
.@SantaClaraDA says it is prepared to prosecute Foster even if reported victim ends up not testifying, an issue that has stymied previous cases against players, including ex-49er Ray McDonald pic.twitter.com/JGzbofJqpw
— Robert Salonga (@robertsalonga) April 12, 2018
Foster's future with the team is uncertain with a potential release a real possibility. At the minimum, the linebacker faces a minimum of a six-game suspension from the NFL in accordance with the league's domestic violence policy.
"I know Reuben is very cognizant of where his position is right now," 49ers CEO Jed York told The Athletic last month. "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."
The 49ers issued the following statement on Thursday following the announcement of the charges against Foster.
"The 49ers organization is aware of today's disturbing charges regarding Reuben Foster. 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."
Following his introductory press conference last month, Sherman was asked by NBC Sports Bay Area if he can be somebody who can act as a mentor for Foster.
"I can only do my best," Sherman told Matt Maiocco. "Obviously, I haven't had a conversation with Reuben, and I've heard nothing but positive things about him. He's a great man; he's a great kid. If I can help him, I'll do my best. I look forward to meeting him, and being a teammate of his, and helping him in any way I can."
Tartt was criticized by several fans on Thursday for showing support for his teammate and friend via Twitter.
