The San Francisco 49ers will be without linebacker Reuben Foster for the first two games of the 2018 regular season, as he's been suspended for violating the league's personal conduct policy, the 49ers announced Tuesday.
Foster was sentenced to two years probation in June after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor weapons possession charge. The charge stemmed from a wild incident in which Foster's ex-girlfriend also accused him of domestic violence, only to ultimately admit to fabricating the story.
The domestic violence charge and a marijuana charge were dismissed by a district attorney, so the weapons charge was all that remained against Foster. He'll also be required to complete 232 hours of community service.
"I accept the league's decision and am sorry that my mistakes have hurt my team," Foster said in the release. "I have a responsibility to the 49ers, our fans, and our community, and I am committed to learning from this situation and making better choices in the future."
Niners general manager John Lynch said the team will continue to support its 2017 first-round draft pick.
"Although we are disappointed that Reuben will not be with our team for the first two games of the season, we will continue to work with him on making better decisions and eliminating unnecessary distractions," Lynch said. "We are encouraged to see Reuben take responsibility for his mistakes, and hopeful that he has learned from them as well."
Foster's short period in the pro ranks has been filled with controversy. He was sent home from last year's combine after reportedly threatening a hospital worker and also shared that he failed a drug test due to a diluted sample. Both incidents contributed to Foster's fall on draft day to the 49ers at No. 31 overall.
