By Sally Fahey
Reuben Foster has been fined two game checks and reinstated to the Washington Redskins’ active roster after an NFL investigation into an incident of domestic violence found that the linebacker had not violated the league’s personal conduct policy.
The league announced Foster’s fine for two games this season and his new status on Friday. Foster will be allowed to participate in all team activities, including Washington’s off-season program, which begins this week.
Foster avoided being suspended in the aftermath of a November domestic violence arrest, which set off a review by the N.F.L. based on his previous violations of league policies.
Prosecutors in Tampa, Fla., decided in January not to pursue a domestic violence case against Foster, 25, dismissing a first-degree misdemeanor battery charge.
Foster served a two-game suspension in 2018 in connection with an off-season misdemeanor gun possession charge in California. He pleaded no contest to that charge. He was also charged that year with a misdemeanor related to marijuana possession in Alabama, a case that was dropped.
“Everyone in this league is held to a higher standard,” Redskins President Bruce Allen said. “Reuben understands that his past actions have led a lot of people to doubt him, and he has committed to doing the work necessary to earn the trust of his teammates, our great fans, and the N.F.L.”
Foster was arrested at the San Francisco 49ers’ hotel in Tampa in November, on the night before a game, and jailed overnight after a companion accused him of hurting her. Police identified the companion as the same woman who accused Foster of hitting her in February 2017. She recanted those allegations.
The 49ers released Foster after the November arrest, and the Redskins claimed him off waivers but acknowledged that he might never play for them. He was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list after Washington claimed him, and he spent the rest of the season on it, collecting a salary but unable to play.
Foster is now cleared to return and play next season.
“I am grateful to the Washington Redskins and the NFL for giving me this second chance,” Foster said. “I accept the N.F.L.’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.”
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