Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster will not be suspended by the NFL for his most recent off-the-field incident in November, according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports. He was arrested on a domestic violence charge in Tampa, Florida the night before a regular-season game against the Buccaneers.
The 49ers promptly waived Foster after he proved to continually show poor judgment in his off-the-field decisions. The Washington Redskins ended up claiming Foster off of waivers and the charges against the linebacker were dismissed on January 3.
No suspension expected for Reuben Foster, per source. Great news for retooled Redskins defense
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 12, 2019
While Foster will not be forced to miss playing time, the NFL is fining him two game checks, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
NFL is fining Washington LB Reuben Foster two game checks but not suspending him.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 12, 2019
The NFL issued the following statement:
"Today, the NFL notified Reuben Foster of the Washington Redskins that he will be fined two game checks following a review of recent incidents and an assessment of his adherence to obligations arising from previous violations of league policies. Following a thorough investigation, the evidence did not support a finding that Foster violated the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy in connection with the Tampa incident in November 2018. The NFL has returned Foster to the active roster from the Commissioner Exempt list. He may fully participate in all team activities."
The statement goes on to say that any future incidents involving Foster will likely result in more substantial discipline.
Foster said the following via a statement:
"I am grateful to the Washington Redskins and the NFL for giving me this second chance. I appreciate the support I have received from the league, my team, and my union to help me succeed. I want to thank Commissioner Goodell for the time that he has spent with me and for his understanding of me as a person. I accept the NFL's decision and want to say that I am truly sorry for my past actions and the people who may have been hurt by them. Going forward, I will follow the plan outlined for me and work hard to earn back the trust of my teammates, the NFL, NFL fans, and the community. I know that my success is all up to me, and I am committed to not letting you down."
Meanwhile, the 49ers have moved on by signing former Buccaneers linebacker Kwon Alexander to replace Foster on the defense. Alexander, who is coming off of an ACL injury, was rewarded with a four-year deal worth up to $54 million.
"There was a huge void there," general manager John Lynch said in March. "We had drafted Reuben in our first draft thinking, 'Wow, this is the answer right here,' at an extremely important position in our scheme ... Things didn't work out, and so you have to own that, and then move forward. We had a void there, and we needed to fill it."
Washington paid Foster $257,350 over the final five weeks of the season even though he was unable to practice or attend games while on the commissioner's exempt list.
The NFL's fine for the 2019 season will cost Foster a total of $151,134 in salary.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) April 12, 2019
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.
