Santa Clara County Judge Nona L. Klippen announced Wednesday afternoon that two felony charges pertaining to an alleged domestic violence incident have that were levied against San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster have been dropped. The domestic violence case will not proceed to jury trial.
Two felony charges related to domestic violence against 49ers LB Reuben Foster will not proceed to a jury trial, Santa Clara County Judge Nona L. Klippen announced Wednesday afternoon.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) May 23, 2018
The judge cited several reasons for dropping the charges, including but not limited to the accuser's having previously gone to jail for falsely reporting domestic violence incidents. (The accuser, ex-girlfriend Elisa Ennis, recanted her allegations in explosive testimony last week, when she admitted that she had made up the domestic violence allegations against Foster in order to make money.)
Judge dropped domestic violence charge against #ReubenFoster by citing how accused “unusually calm” in 911 calls, no photo evidence of injuries from being punched as opposed to street fight, and accuser previously going to jail for false DV claim against another ex-boyfriend pic.twitter.com/6PTMdHQaRc
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) May 23, 2018
Foster's agent took to Twitter to issue the following statement:
We are pleased with the judge’s decision this afternoon to drop the charges against Reuben Foster. Excited to see our client back on the field with the 49ers and he’s ready to show that he is best linebacker in the league. #FreeTheInnocent #FRM
— malki kawa (@malkikawa) May 23, 2018
The 49ers, who had previously stated that Foster would be released from the team if the charges were proven true, released the following statement announcing that Foster would re-join the team on Thursday.
— Jed York (@JedYork) May 23, 2018
The remaining misdemeanor charge to which the team refers is a weapons charge, for which he must answer on May 6. According to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group, Foster is likely facing a fine, community service, and weapon surrender in that case. He could also still be punished by the league under the personal conduct policy.
