49ers release LB Foster after latest domestic violence arrest

[November 26, 2018]  San Francisco linebacker Reuben Foster was released by the 49ers on Sunday morning, hours after he was arrested in Tampa, Fla., on suspicion of domestic-violence battery.

General manager John Lynch told reporters Sunday morning that he and head coach Kyle Shanahan were disappointed in Foster, who was arrested Saturday night on domestic violence charges.

"It's extremely disappointing for me, for Kyle, for ownership, for everybody in here," Lynch said. "We care a lot about Reuben and I can tell you it's a situation where we laid out some very specific ground rules for Reuben, as we do for all our players."

Lynch continued: "What transpired yesterday - this isn't a comment on what happened there because that would be mere speculation on our part - it's more of a comment on him not living up to what we have communicated, and to the energy and the time we've invested in him," Lynch said.

The former first-round pick will be subject to waivers on Monday.

The arrest occurred at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, where the 49ers were staying before Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A custody report from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office noted that the arrest occurred just after 9 p.m. Eastern time and that Foster was booked into jail about two hours later, with bond not immediately posted.

Two people who work at the Hyatt said an ambulance was summoned to the hotel earlier Saturday evening, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Foster, 24, has a history of recent legal difficulties.

A second-degree charge of marijuana possession stemming from an arrest in Alabama in January was dismissed when he finished a first-time offender program.

49ers linebacker Reuben Foster (56) looks on following the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In February, he faced several felonies, including domestic violence, making criminal threats and weapons possession. Those charges stemmed from his ex-girlfriend's accusation that he assaulted her in his home in Los Gatos, just south of San Jose, Calif.

When the woman recanted her allegations, only the weapons charge remained, and Foster pleaded no contest to misdemeanor weapons possession.

Foster was sentenced in July to two years' probation, 232 hours of community service, and $235 in fines.

The NFL suspended Foster for the first two games this season, citing the league's conduct and substance-abuse standards.

Foster has not played in the last two 49ers games because of a hamstring injury, and he was listed as doubtful for Sunday's game.

A first-round draft pick in 2017, the 31st player selected overall, Foster has no sacks, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries or interceptions in the six games he has played this season.

--Field Level Media

[© 2018 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2018 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.