49ers linebacker Reuben Foster charged with domestic violence against girlfriend

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. (KTVU) - 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster, a professional football player is accused of attacking his girlfriend at their Los Gatos home. 

According to the Santa Clara District Attorney's Office, Foster, 24, physically attacked his 28-year-old girlfriend last February.

The couple was arguing and the attack left her with a ruptured ear drum.

The 49ers issued a statement on Thursday morning: “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.”

According to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, the victim flagged down a stranger’s car driving on Shannon Road to call 911. The victim told responding sheriff’s deputies and Los Gatos police that Foster dragged her by her hair, physically threw her out of the house, and punched her in the head 8 to 10 times. She was taken to the hospital and later released. 

Prosecutor Kevin Smith said: “Our focus is on holding accountable those who hurt their intimate
partners. Our Office handles between 4,000 and 5,000 domestic violence cases each year.
We only hope that this case illuminates the tragic regularity of the rest.”

Foster faces 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 – which are all felonies.

He is also charged with misdemeanor possession of large capacity weapon magazine.

During their search of Foster’s home, officers found the weapon – a Sig Sauer 516 – along with its
large capacity magazine – both of which are illegal to possess in California.

Foster was scheduled arraigned on Thursday. He was released on $75,000 bond and ordered not to have any contact with his girlfriend. He is scheduled back in court on April 30 at 9:00 a.m. to enter a plea.