Redskins claim LB Foster after his arrest

Less than three days after he was arrested on domestic violence charges, linebacker Reuben Foster has been claimed off waivers by the Washington Redskins.

The San Francisco 49ers released Foster on Sunday morning, hours after his arrest at the team hotel in Tampa, Fla.

Doug Williams, Washington's senior vice president of player personnel, said in a statement Tuesday afternoon there is no guarantee the team will activate Foster. The NFL placed the linebacker on the commissioner's exempt list.

"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," Williams said.

"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. 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."

Being on the commissioner's exempt list means Foster cannot practice with the team or attend games, but he may attend meetings or participate in individual workouts or other allowed non-football activities.

The NFL has not announced if it will suspend Foster, 24, who has a history of legal difficulties in addition to his most recent arrest.

A second-degree charge of marijuana possession stemming from an arrest in Alabama in January was dismissed when he finished a first-time offender program.

In February, he faced several felonies, including domestic violence, making criminal threats and weapons possession. Those charges stemmed from his ex-girlfriend's accusation that he assaulted her in his home in Los Gatos, just south of San Jose, Calif.

When the woman recanted her allegations, only the weapons charge remained, and Foster pleaded no contest to misdemeanor weapons possession.

Foster was sentenced in July to two years' probation, 232 hours of community service and $235 in fines.

The NFL suspended Foster for the first two games this season, citing the league's conduct and substance-abuse standards.

Foster didn't play in the 49ers' past three games. He missed two because of a hamstring injury, and he was listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A first-round draft pick in 2017, the 31st player selected overall, Foster has no sacks, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries or interceptions in the six games he has played this season.

--Field Level Media