On the evening of Thursday in Los Angeles, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Demorrio Lenoir was taken into custody by police on charges of obstructing justice, authorities confirmed. The 25-year-old player, originally from Los Angeles, was released from jail early Friday and is expected to attend a court hearing next month, based on prison records.
The Los Angeles Police Department reported that officers encountered a group, including Lenoir, and spotted a firearm inside a parked car. When asked for the car keys, another individual threw them to Lenoir, who then passed them to a third person attempting to conceal them, according to several reports.
The 49ers issued a statement acknowledging awareness of Lenoir’s situation and stated they are actively seeking further details. Lenoir, who secured a five-year contract extension worth $92 million with San Francisco last November, was the fifth overall pick in the 2021 draft. During his first four seasons with the team, he has tallied six interceptions, 26 pass defenses, and 265 tackles.
Fan Take: This incident highlights the challenges NFL players face off the field and underscores the importance of accountability. For fans, it’s a reminder that the sport’s stars are under intense scrutiny, and such legal issues can impact team dynamics and the league’s reputation.