49ers' Foster pleads not guilty ahead of domestic violence court date

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster has informed the judge presiding over his case that he's prepared to enter a plea of not guilty for all three pending felony charges ahead of his May 17 court date, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.

Foster's charges stem from a domestic violence incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Elissa Ennis, in February.

Ennis has since recanted her claims, stating Foster "did not strike her, injure her, or threaten her." The police report said Foster threw his girlfriend out of their house by her hair and punched her in the head multiple times.

Along with the felony domestic violence charge, Foster faces additional felony charges of forcefully attempting to prevent a victim from reporting a crime and possession of an assault weapon, as well as a misdemeanor for possession of a large-capacity weapon magazine.

The second-year pro is staying away from the 49ers' offseason program as he deals with his ongoing legal issues.