San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster has domestic violence charges DROPPED after his ex-girlfriend admits to lying to police
- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster had his two felony domestic violence charges against him dismissed by a judge Wednesday
- The judge cited insufficient evidence to believe the charges rose to the level of probable cause after listening to Foster's ex Elissa Ennis recant her accusations
- Ennis originally told police that the 24-year-old Foster hit her in the head eight to 10 times, causing facial bruises and a ruptured eardrum
- Testifying against the advice of attorney, Ennis said Foster never put his hands on her and that she said he did in an attempt to sue him after he dumped her
- Ennis admitted to stealing more than $8k and two Rolex watches from Foster after their breakup and falsely accusing a previous boyfriend of a similar crime
- Foster had been away from the 49ers, but will now be allowed to rejoin the team
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster had his two felony Domestic Violence charges against him dismissed by a judge Wednesday after his former girlfriend previously admitted under oath to lying to police.
Santa Clara County Judge Nona L. Klippen made the decision, citing insufficient evidence to believe the domestic violence charges rose to the level of probable cause after listening to Foster's ex-girlfriend, Elissa Ennis, recant her accusations last week.
Ennis testified at the Santa Clara Hall of Justice last Thursday that she initially lied to police about Foster hitting her on February 11 and did so in an attempt to ruin Foster's career and 'end him.'
Foster, 24, pleaded not guilty last week to three felony charges stemming from the incident: domestic violence with an allegation of great bodily injury, forcefully attempting to prevent a victim from reporting a crime and possession of an assault weapon
Elissa Ennis, testifying against the advice of her attorney, said Foster never put his hands on her and that she said he did in an attempt to sue him for money after he broke up with her
Ennis originally told police Foster hit her in the head eight to 10 times, causing facial bruises and a ruptured eardrum. Ennis had since recanted that statement, and in her testimony she said she 'lied a lot' to authorities about the incident.
Ennis, testifying against the advice of attorney Stephanie Rickard, said Foster never put his hands on her and that she said he did in an attempt to sue him for money after he broke up with her the morning of February 11. She also admitted to stealing more than $8,000 and two Rolex watches from Foster after their breakup.
'I was pissed and I wanted to end him,' Ennis said in her testimony.
Ennis also testified that she falsely accused a former boyfriend of domestic violence in 2011 after he attempted to break up with her.
Foster was in attendance throughout the testimony.
He also had the gun charge against him reduced to a misdemeanor, and the pretrial for that case is scheduled for June 6.
49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters in April that Foster would not remain on the team if the charges against him are proven true. When police arrived at Foster's residence in February, they found a SIG Sauer 516 short-barreled rifle and a loaded .38 caliber revolver
Elissa Ennis also testified that she falsely accused a former boyfriend of domestic violence in 2011 after he attempted to break up with her
The 24-year-old pleaded not guilty earlier this month to three felony charges stemming from the incident: domestic violence with an allegation of great bodily injury, forcefully attempting to prevent a victim from reporting a crime and possession of an assault weapon.
Foster has not participated in the 49ers' offseason program since he was charged in mid-April. He is scheduled to appear in court for his marijuana possession arrest in January on June 20, according to a report from NFL Network.
Foster remains subject to discipline by the NFL under the league's personal-conduct policy.
49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters in April that Foster would not remain on the team if the charges against him are proven true.
Lynch released another statement on Wednesday.
'The organization is aware the domestic violence charges against Reuben Foster were dismissed earlier today,' the statement read. 'As a result, he will have the opportunity to rejoin the team tomorrow. It has been made clear to Reuben that his place on this team is one that must continue to be earned. We will continue to monitor the remaining misdemeanor charge.'
A first-round pick in 2017, Foster won a national championship and the Butkus Award as the country's top linebacker while playing at the University of Alabama.
As a rookie last season, he finished with 72 total tackles and was named to the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie Team.
49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters in April that Foster would not remain on the team if the charges against him are proven true
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