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Former South Carolina cornerback Chris Culliver missed all of the 2013 season after tearing his ACL. The 2014 comeback trail seems to have hit a bit of a snag judging from what went down on Friday in San Jose, California. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Culliver is facing multiple felony charges stemming from a Friday morning arrest.
According to an eye witness, Culliver hit a bicyclist while driving wrecklessly in his Ford Mustang. After hitting the bicyclist, Culliver attempted to leave the scene before being chased down by another witness and cornered on a nearby street. According to police, Culliver then got out of the car and threatened the witness with a shiny set of brass knuckles.
Culliver was taken into custody at the Santa Clara Police Department on several serious charges. Culliver potentially faces three felonies for hit and run, possession of brass knuckles and wreckless driving. Culliver also faces a misdemeanor charge of driving on a suspended license.
Culliver has spent all three seasons of his professional career with the 49ers after being drafted in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. His future as a Niner might be hanging in the balance after this latest incident is drawing more negative attention to the organization. Outside of being a Gamecock, most of the world has gotten to know Chris Culliver for his insensitive remarks regarding potential gay players in the NFL, just prior to the 2012 Super Bowl.
The 49ers issued this statement on Culliver's arrest.
"We will remain in contact with Chris and the local authorities as we continue to gather the facts regarding this situation," the statement said. "As this is an ongoing legal matter, we will reserve further comment at this time."
After releasing starting cornerback Carlos Rogers this offseason, Culliver is penciled in as the No. 2 cornerback alongside another troubled corner, Eric Wright. In three seasons, Culliver has registered 82 total tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 21 passes defensed in a nickel corneback role. The 49ers might need to consider bringing Rogers back or digging into the free agent market. It's safe to say the Culliver will be summoned to NFL commisioner Roger Goodell's office in New York to face disciplinary action when/if charges are formally filed. For now, it's @CullyInTheClink, not @CullyInTheHouse.