After a two-day long investigation into an incident, the Tallahassee Police Department has cleared Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois of all domestic violence allegations involving an incident with his girlfriend.
Police were called to the couples’ apartment on Tuesday, January 23rd by Francois’s pregnant girlfriend. Upon their arrival, she alleged that the quarterback had picked her up and threw her to the ground, thereby cutting her forearm. Francois denied those allegations. He stated that he picked the woman up and carried her outside the apartment during an argument to keep her from breaking anything after she threw a vase. The girlfriend told police that she did not wish to press charges. However, she did request that one office “scare him” a little by talking to him.
Due to conflicting statements of the parties, a lack of independent witnesses, and the girlfriend’s decision not to press charges, police cleared Francois of any wrongdoing. A Florida State running back was also present for the situation. He provided a statement to police.
Any party who is facing potential domestic violence charges should proceed cautiously during an ongoing investigation so as not to self-incriminate. This is especially true for high-profile parties such as athletes. Rumors begin to fly immediately involving these situations. Reputations can be severely damaged regardless of whether a party is formally charged or not. Consulting with an attorney can provide important guidance on what not to do in the midst of these situations, as well as how to minimize character impact.
Source: NBCSports.com, “Florida State QB Deondre Francois cleared in domestic violence investigation involving girlfriend,” Bryan Fischer, Jan. 24, 2018
