Former Alabama linebacker pleads innocent in domestic violence case

Former Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster, a first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers last year, pleaded innocent Tuesday to charges stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident.

Foster faces counts of domestic violence, forcefully attempting to dissuade a witness and possession of an assault weapon related to a February incident involving a female victim. The initial plea was entered at a preliminary hearing in Santa Clara, Calif.

According to a Los Gatos, Calif., incident report obtained by USA Today, Foster punched the victim about 10 times, dragged her by her hair downstairs and forcibly threw her out of the front door. The victim also said Foster threw her dog, which was not injured. No charges have been filed related to the alleged abuse of the dog.

Two weeks ago, the alleged victim recanted her initial statement to police through a lawyer. Prosecutors have decided to pursue the case, regardless.

Last month, 49ers general manager John Lynch said the team would allow the legal process to play out before taking any action on Foster's status with the team.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 17. Another evidence hearing could be set as early as Friday, according to some reports.

This story was originally published May 8, 2018 at 2:10 PM with the headline "Former Alabama linebacker pleads innocent in domestic violence case."