49ers Bruce Miller Charged With Vandalism, Not Domestic Case
JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — San Francisco 49ers fullback Bruce Miller has been charged with misdemeanor vandalism after he was investigated in a domestic case stemming from an argument with his girlfriend that led to his arrest March 5.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office announced its findings Monday. The district attorney said that "while original reports indicated that Miller may have pushed his girlfriend from his parked car, an investigation into the alleged assault was inconclusive."
Miller, 27, has been away from the 49ers during the offseason workout program at team headquarters in Santa Clara. He received a three-year contract extension last year, and had been engaged to be married.
"The 49ers organization is aware of today's developments involving Bruce Miller and will continue to monitor these legal proceedings closely," general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement.
Jim Demertzis, who supervises the District Attorney's Family Violence Unit, said the DA intends to ask the court for Miller to undergo the type of counseling that will make an incident like this less likely to occur in the future. With a conviction, Miller could face up to a year in jail.
"Even relatively minor domestic violence incidents can be the first steps on a path that ends in tragedy," he said. "That's why we take all domestic violence cases seriously."
The district attorney's office said Miller and the woman were arguing in a parking garage at the Rivermark Hyatt House in Santa Clara. The victim originally told police Miller pushed her out of the vehicle before he grabbed her cell phone from her and smashed it. In an interview later, the girlfriend — who refused medical attention and didn't sustain visible injuries — said there had not been any physical contact.
A key run blocker, Miller had 18 catches for 189 yards and two touchdowns last season for the 49ers, who went 8-8 and missed the playoffs for the first time in four years.
On Monday, the 49ers waived/injured linebacker Chase Thomas. He appeared in five games last season while going between the active roster and practice squad.
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