NFL Suspends 49ers Reuben Foster For Two Games
SANTA CLARA (CBS SF/AP) -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster was suspended for two games by the NFL Tuesday for violating the league's conduct and substance abuse policies, the league announced.
The suspension comes in the wake of weapons possession and a misdemeanor drug charges, both of which were resolved earlier this year.
He will be eligible to return to the 49ers' active roster on September 17 following the team's game against the Detroit Lions. Foster will be able to participate in all preseason practices and games.
In a written statement, Foster accepted the suspension and thanked 49er fans for their support.
"I accept the League's decision and am sorry that my mistakes have hurt my team," he wrote. "I have a responsibility to the 49ers, our fans and our community, and I am committed to learning from this situation and making better choices in the future. The support I have received over the last five months has been humbling, and I do not take it for granted."
49ers General Manager John Lynch said the club supported the NFL's decision.
"Our organization understands and supports the League's decision," he wrote. "Although we are disappointed that Reuben will not be with our team for the first two games of the season, we will continue to work with him on making better decisions and eliminating unnecessary distractions. We are encouraged to see Reuben take responsibility for his mistakes, and hopeful that he has learned from them as well."
Foster was charged in January in Alabama with second-degree marijuana possession. That charge was eventually dismissed after he completed a first-time offender diversion course.
Foster then faced more serious charges for an incident in California in February. He was initially charged in April with felonies for domestic violence, making criminal threats and weapons possession after being accused of beating up his ex-girlfriend.
A judge ruled there was no probable cause on the first two charges after the ex-girlfriend recanted the allegations and the judge found no other evidence to support the charges. The weapons charge was reduced to a misdemeanor and Foster pleaded no-contest to that in June.
He was sentenced to two years' probation, 232 hours of community service, and $235 in fines. He will not be allowed to own guns while he's on probation.
The 49ers initially told Foster to stay away from the offseason program after the felony charges were filed in the domestic violence case before welcoming him back after that was resolved in May.
The 49ers drafted Foster 31st overall last year after questions about his health and character caused him to drop from being a possible top 10 pick.
Foster delivered on the field, ranking second on the team with 72 tackles in 10 games as a rookie and looking like a key part of San Francisco's defensive future.
© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
