The San Francisco 49ers already jettisoned one problematic defensive player this offseason, outside linebacker Aldon Smith, after Smith was arrested for an alleged DUI and hit and run earlier this month. It was his third arrest since 2012. The promptness with which the team parted ways with the talented-but-troubled 'backer after the news of his arrest broke seemingly indicated a hardline stance for new head coach Jim Tomsula with players who may find themselves in the line of trouble or inclined to take part in activities which are considered to be against the law. It seems though, that some players will be afforded chances to prove they've simply made a mistake and aren't the same kind of repeat offender as linebacker Ahmad Brooks, in line to take over Smith's spot at right outside linebacker for San Francisco but unfortunately also recently charged with sexual battery, has been given a vote of confidence by Tomsula and Niners GM Trent Baalke.
"Ahmad is still a member of this team," Baalke said, via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. "We excused him from team activities to get on top of this. . . Obviously, when you're in a situation like this, it's important that you get back to your family. It's also important for him to start taking care of business on his end. And it's our job to stay focused here on what we need to stay focused on."
On Wednesday afternoon Tracey Kaplan and Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News reported that Santa Clara County prosecutors had filed a misdemeanor sexual battery charge against Brooks over an incident involving an intoxicated woman at a Dec. house party. Brooks' former teammate at the time and current free agent, Ray McDonald, was charged with felony rape and faces up to eight years in prison in connection with the same incident.
If he's convicted, Brooks, the 31-year-old two-time Pro Bowler, could face up to six months in jail and have to register as a sex offender.
Still, despite the charge and despite the fact that the team sent Brooks home from Denver where the Niners were holding joint practices with the Broncos ahead of their preseason game this week, it seems they're firmly behind Brooks, a player whose importance to their cause in the 2015 season increased ten-fold the minute they cut Smith loose.
