Elissa Ennis, the woman who accused Reuben Foster of assault, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” she was “shocked” the Washington Redskins claimed the linebacker off waivers following his domestic violence arrest.
Ennis, Foster’s ex-girlfriend, told Tampa police Foster slapped her phone out of her hands, leading to a physical altercation with her.
“I couldn’t believe somebody picked him up,” Ennis said.
In a sit-down interview with ABC that aired Thursday, Ennis detailed her relationship with Foster and addressed her recanting previous allegations made against the linebacker from a February incident.
EXCLUSIVE: Ex-girlfriend of NFL star Reuben Foster recounts alleged assault as she speaks out to @ABC News’ @LinseyDavis. https://t.co/IQ2g78h2zS pic.twitter.com/3BWDQbJWuq
— ABC News (@ABC) December 6, 2018
Earlier this year, Ennis told police Foster attacked her, which led to the 24-year-old being charged with three felonies. Two of those charges were later dismissed after Ennis swore under oath that was she lying about the incident — saying she wanted to “ruin” Foster.
Now, Ennis said she was not telling the truth in court.
“I did what I had to do for the person I loved,” she said. “I thought he would change. Anybody in my position would do the same.”
Ennis said Foster flew her out to Tampa to work on their relationship, but added the linebacker got physical when she said she was going to tell Foster’s current girlfriend about meeting him.
The arrest, which happened on Nov. 24, led the San Francisco 49ers to release him. Foster was arrested at the Grand Hyatt, where the team was staying.
Foster has been placed on the NFL’s Commissioner Exempt list and not eligible to play or practice while the league investigates the incident.
Redskins team president Bruce Allen told ESPN’s Lisa Salters on Monday that the franchise had conducted its own investigation “of sorts” before claiming Foster on Nov. 27.
“He 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,” Salters said of Allen.
The Redskins acknowledged to the Washington Post this week that they did not contact Tampa police while conducting their investigation.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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