Reuben Foster hurt himself and 49ers with his immaturity

In this Oct. 22, 2017 file photo, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster (56) stands on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Santa Clara, Calif. Foster has been arrested in Mississippi and charged with second-degree possession of marijuana. AL.com says the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office arrest database indicates Foster, who just finished his rookie season, was arrested Friday, Jan. 12, 2018. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

I’m not judging Reuben Foster morally. I’m not saying he’s a bad guy.

I like Foster. He’s intelligent, friendly, funny, almost always available to talk. Surprisingly normal and down to earth for a high-profile athlete. One of my favorite players to interview on the 49ers. And he loves to play football. And, man, can he play.

This isn’t about his ability or personality.

And this isn’t about weed. I’m not debating marijuana. That issue has been decided in California for Californians.

Foster wouldn’t even be in trouble had he stayed in California for the offseason. But he went back home to Alabama, and police charged him with second-degree marijuana possession fewer than two weeks after the 49ers’ final game of the season.

Foster wasn’t trafficking pounds of narcotics or anything serious. He had a small amount of weed for personal use. I’m not criticizing him for that.

I’m criticizing him for not knowing the reality of his job and the NFL. For not understanding grownup responsibility. For not being a good teammate, employee or adult.

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