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Reuben Foster is currently awaiting a verdict on three felony charges, including domestic violence against his girlfriend at the time, Elissa Ennis. After a Feb. 11 incident between the two, Ennis later recanted accusations that Foster hit her in the head eight-to-10 times, rupturing her eardrum, meaning she lied to police. She claimed her injuries, which included a swollen lip, came during an altercation with another woman, not Foster. The Santa Clara District Attorney office is currently reviewing a video of this fight.
Tuesday morning brought more important news in the Foster saga. According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, Ennis is expected to testify Thursday in court that Foster did not hit her. Thursday’s court hearing will determine whether deputy district attorneys will pursue criminal charges against Foster if Ennis stands by her latest story that Foster was not the perpetrator.
Barrows writes: “(Legal analyst Steven) Clark said Ennis would be putting herself at risk of prosecution by admitting she fabricated her initial story but that he didn’t think the district attorney’s office would file charges against her.”
All of this spirals back to a series of Feb. 11 incidents at Foster’s house in Los Gatos. One month later, the Santa Clara District Attorney Office charged Foster with three felonies: 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. If he is convicted, he could face more than 11 years in prison.
Foster appeared before a San Jose courtroom Apr. 30. The hearing was pushed back to last Tuesday, May 8, to give prosecutors additional time to review evidence. Foster pleaded not guilty.
The 49ers have not released the linebacker, though he has been denied access to team facilities during the legal process. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan have both said Foster will be released if the charges are proven true, but for now, they are preaching patience.