The San Francisco 49ers could begin the regular season without linebacker Reuben Foster as he could be suspended by the NFL for multiple offenses.
Foster could receive multiple suspensions from the league in relation to a marijuana possession charge and his recent plea of no-contest to a misdemeanor weapons charge.
Foster was arrested and charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana in January in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. However, the case was dismissed after Foster completed a diversion program where he underwent education and periodic drug testing.
However, the dismissal will not spare Foster from suspension. Under the league's substance-abuse policy, Foster could receive a one-game suspension from the NFL for being placed in a diversion program. The penalty could also be enhanced as the 24-year-old Foster is already under the league's substance-abuse program because he tested positive at the 2017 Scouting Combine.
In addition, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could also levy additional suspension on Foster under the league's personal conduct policy. Earlier, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy reveals in a statement that the league will continue to monitor all developments in connection with Foster.
Foster Sentenced To 2 Years Probation
Recently, Foster entered a plea of no-contest to a misdemeanor weapons case stemming from his arrest in February. Foster was sentenced to two years of probation. The court also mandated Foster to conduct 232 hours of community service and pay $235 in fines. In addition, Foster is barred from owning a gun during the period of his probation.
After his February arrest, authorities filed two felony domestic violence charges and a felony weapons case against Foster. However, the domestic violence case was dismissed by California Superior Court Judge Nona Klippen after his former girlfriend withdrew her accusation against the linebacker. The court also downgraded the felony weapons case to a misdemeanor offense.
49ers Allow Foster To Rejoin Team
According to 49ers general manager John Lynch, the team was aware of the recent development in proceedings involving Foster. After the dismissal of his domestic violence case, the 49ers allowed Foster to rejoin the team on May 24. He missed the team's early offseason program due to his legal woes.
Foster was expected to be drafted early in the 2017 NFL Draft, but his stock dropped due to off-field issues. Foster was sent home from the NFL Combine and was tested positive thereafter.
Despite his issues, the 49ers took a chance on Foster, using the 31st overall pick to select the former Alabama linebacker. In his rookie year, Foster played 10 games, recording 72 combined tackles.
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