Former Alabama DB Minkah Fitzpatrick on Reuben Foster: ‘I really hope that they’re getting him around the right people’

Former Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick hopes Reuben Foster “does what he has to do to get back right.”

Speaking to SEC Country on Monday, Fitzpatrick discussed his former teammate’s situation after the former Crimson Tide linebacker was charged with felony domestic violence last Thursday. In February, Foster was arrested for suspicion of domestic violence and possessing an assault rifle.

Foster’s team, the San Francisco 49ers, released a statement last week that read, in part, “Reuben is aware his place in our organization is under great scrutiny and will depend on what is learned through the legal process.”

On Saturday, Alabama coach Nick Saban said he doesn’t condone the behavior alleged in the Foster case.

On Monday, Fitzpatrick said he hopes Foster will gain the assistance he needs.

“He made a mistake. He knows he made a mistake,” Fitzpatrick told SEC Country of Foster. “Everybody’s not perfect, and I really hope that they’re getting him around the right people and he does what he has to do to get back right. And I just hope he gets another chance, because he’s a great football player. And honestly, he can be a Pro Bowler if he just did what he has to do and just stayed focused and stayed around the right people.

“So I wish the best for my brother. I love him, and hopefully I get to see him soon and wish the best for him.”

The 49ers took Foster, who played for Alabama from 2014-16, as the No. 31 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He’s accused of “physically attacking” his girlfriend and leaving her “bruised and with a ruptured ear drum,” as described in a news release from the Santa Clara, Calif., district attorney.

Foster remains with the 49ers after totaling 72 tackles in 10 games last season.

Fitzpatrick, who played at Alabama from 2015-17, earned a reputation as one of the country’s top secondary members before making himself eligible for the 2018 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 26-28.

Fitzpatrick’s interview was made possible by Hyundai, which is partnering with the player for the Rolling with the Rookies content series. The series will feature Fitzpatrick’s road to the NFL and the obstacles he has faced along the way.