Everything we know about Charles Omenihu’s arrest and possible suspension
San Francisco 49ers star Charles Omenihu was arrested on January 24th in San Jose under suspicion of misdemeanor domestic assault.
Omenihu is no longer in custody after posting bail but things aren’t looking good for him according to the San Francisco Chronicle after evidence surfaced that police responded to a call from his girlfriend alleging abuse.
The 25-year-old 49ers defensive end allegedly pushed his girlfriend “to the ground during an argument” according to reporter Eric Branch's reporting.
Omenihus's girlfriend was allegedly hurt in the exchange but declined to seek medical attention for her injuries according to Branch.
“The woman requested an emergency protective restraining order, which was served to Omenihu before he was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail,” wrote Branch in his reporting.
“The case will be submitted to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office for possible charges,” Branch added.
In a statement from his team, San Francisco 49ers representatives acknowledged that they were aware of the incident and are waiting on more information before moving forward with any decision on what they'll do to Omenihu.
“We are aware of the matter involving Charles Omenihu,” the statement read, “and are in the process of gathering further information.”
If the allegations prove true, Omenihu could be facing a six-game suspension for his first domestic violence offense violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy according to Chris Bambuca of USA Today.
Omenihu’s arrest comes at a bad time for his team since he is an essential defensive lineman that will undoubtedly be needed in the 49ers’ Sunday NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was Omenihu that helped secure San Francisco’s spot in the NFC Championship game after his performance in the team’s wild card against the Seattle Seahawks proved to be the ultimate decider.
“When the 49ers needed a stop,” wrote SB Nation’s Michael Schofield, “it was Charles Omenihu who stepped up.”
Omenihu’s third-quarter strip-sack of Geno Smith is what turned the tide of the game according to Schofield, and put the 49ers in a position to possibly head to their first Super Bowl since the 1994-1995 season.
If the 49ers decide not to play Omenihu in the NFC Championship game this Sunday, then Eric Branch believes it is likely that they will sub in Drake Jackson.
Jackson was the team's second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft according to Branch but he has been inactive four out of the 49ers' last five games, a very worrying sign.
Omenihu has yet to publicly comment on the incident or the charges he may be facing, and it is unlikely he will do so until instructed by his council.