The Washington Redskins have received backlash for claiming Reuben Foster off waivers despite him being cut by San Francisco for a domestic violence arrest. Most teams recognized the severity of Foster’s problems, as well as the ramifications for claiming him, which is why Washington reportedly was the only team to submit a claim for him.
So why did Washington do it? Team president Bruce Allen told ESPN’s Lisa Salters that the Redskins did an investigation into the November domestic violence accusation Foster was facing and felt comfortable after hearing another side of the story.
"They wanted to know what happend," Salters said. "They talked to people in Tampa, and felt comfortable that they heard another side of the Reuben Foster story that is different, and perhaps to them, worth taking this risk." Allen hasn't spoken to local reporters about the move.
— Scott Allen (@ScottSAllen) December 4, 2018
Salters said she pressed Allen and asked how great Foster needs to be to outweigh the negative PR hit, and Allen said “I don’t know.” The team apparently tried to convey that they feel they have resources that will be able to help Foster.
Foster, a former first-round pick out of Alabama, has been arrested three times this year, twice for domestic violence. The charges from his February arrest were dropped after the woman recanted her allegations. The same woman was involved in November’s incident.
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden has said he is not sure if Foster will ever play for the team.
