Redskins Criticized For Recruting Reuben Foster 3 Days After Domestic Violence Arrest

The Washington Redskins claimed the rights to inside linebacker Reuben Foster just three days after the San Francisco 49ers released him following an arrest over domestic violence allegations. It was the second arrest of the year for the former 49ers linebacker after first being picked up by police in February.

The charges of the first allegation were dropped in May, during which time the San Francisco franchise stood by their player. But a second allegation and arrest on Saturday saw the 49ers take swift action and release Foster, who is currently out on bail. That did not stop the Redskins from acquiring the linebacker off waivers, which would make him eligible to play immediately.

The Redskins released a statement defending their action and made it clear Foster would have to go through various steps before he put on the burgundy and gold jersey.

"Today we have claimed the rights to LB Reuben Foster. The Redskins fully understand the severity of the recent allegations made against Reuben. If true, you can be sure these allegations are nothing our organization would ever condone,” Redskins senior vice-president of player personnel Doug Williams said via a statement.

“Let me be clear, Reuben will have to go through numerous steps including the full legal process, an investigation and potential discipline from the NFL, as well as meetings with counselors associated with the team before he will ever have the opportunity to wear the Burgundy and Gold as a player. That being said, we decided to investigate the situation with Reuben further by claiming his rights after candid conversations with a number of his ex-Alabama teammates and current Redskins players who were overwhelmingly supportive of us taking this chance,” he added.

“Nothing is promised to Reuben, but we are hopeful being around so many of his former teammates and friends will eventually provide him with the best possible environment to succeed both personally and professionally."

The Redskins’ action was received with widespread criticism from the NFL, with many looking at it as hypocritical owing to the league’s stance on domestic violence. There was also comparison to Colin Kaepernick, who was not being given a chance by any NFL franchise after he was released by the 49ers, following him becoming one of the first players to take a knee during the national anthem to protest against racial injustice.

Instead, the Redskins opted to sign a player that has been arrested twice for domestic violence allegations and even spent hours in jail before being granted bail.

“Reuben Foster has been arrested three times in 2018 and was suspended for two games to begin the NFL season,” NFL insider Field Yates wrote on Twitter. “Less than 72 hours after being arrested on domestic violence charges and waived, a team claimed him on waivers, possibly to have him play right away. Give me a break.”