On February 11th, 49ers standout linebacker Reuben Foster was arrested for the second time this offseason, this time for allegations of domestic violence, threats, and possession of an assault weapon. Over two weeks later at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, general manager John Lynch made his first public comments on the matter, but didn’t say all that much.
“With this, we’ve been a little quiet. And that’s for a reason. There’s places I can’t and won’t go,” Lynch said via the San Jose Mercury News. “We’re actively following protocols with both law enforcement and the NFL.”
Lynch added that the organization made it very clear what the organization expects of Foster.
John Lynch says that the 49ers brass met with Reuben Foster and “made it very clear” what the organization expects from him
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) February 28, 2018
According to the Mercury News: The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office has not announced whether it will file charges against Foster, and it has until March 13 to decide on those offenses which can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies.
It is likely that Foster will at least receive a suspension from the NFL not only for this incident, but for a string of incidents dating back to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he gave a diluted sample, and was then sent home for an altercation with an employee. Foster was also arrested earlier this offseason in Alabama for marijuana possession.
If Foster is indeed found guilty on charges of domestic violence, it seems likely that he would be released by the team. Here’s what Tim Kawakami of The Athletic said about the team’s response on KNBR Tuesday:
“Now, if he gets processed on felony charges, Gary, and he’s found guilty I can’t imagine him being on this team,” Kawakami said. “If he’s on this team, they will get destroyed for it and they should get destroyed for it. They’re already walking that line by delaying it this long, but delay means they don’t know. Delay means they’re trying to figure out a way of keeping him on the team and maybe they will.”
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On a lighter note, the 49ers also announced two changes to the front office and coaching staff. Former 49ers linebacker Keena Turner has been promoted to be the special advisor to John Lynch, while DeMeco Ryans was promoted to linebackers coach.
