Thursday 12 April 2018 17:14, UK
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster has been charged with felony domestic violence against his girlfriend.
Foster was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence two months ago and Santa Clara County prosecutors announced on Thursday that criminal charges have now been filed.
The 24-year-old was also charged with felony possession of an assault weapon and misdemeanour possession of a large capacity weapon magazine and, if convicted on all charges, faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison.
Foster's girlfriend was left with a ruptured ear drum in the alleged attack.
Santa Clara District Attorney's Office prosecutor Kevin Smith said: "Our focus is on holding accountable those who hurt their intimate partners.
"Our office handles between four and five thousand domestic violence cases each year. We only hope that this case illuminates the tragic regularity of the rest."
Foster started 10 games for San Francisco in 2017, making 72 total tackles during his rookie season after being selected 31st in the 2017 draft.
