Massachusetts prosecutors announced on Monday that they will drop the domestic assault and battery charges against New England Patriots defensive lineman Christian J. Barmore, citing insufficient evidence to proceed with the case. The 26-year-old appeared in Attleboro District Court alongside his attorneys but chose not to comment or answer questions from reporters.
Background of the Incident and Investigation Details
The criminal complaint alleges that Barmore briefly took his girlfriend’s phone, threw her to the floor, and grabbed her shirt during an argument at his Mansfield home outside Boston on August 8 of last year. The alleged victim reported the incident to Mansfield police on August 25, nearly three weeks later, and submitted a photo showing bruises she claimed resulted from being thrown down.
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III explained that the woman who filed the complaint was unwilling to travel out of state for court proceedings, which complicated the case. He also highlighted that Barmore was not arrested when the complaint was first made, indicating that the situation did not warrant immediate legal action.
Legal Defense and Team Response
Barmore’s lawyer, David Meier, has consistently rejected the allegations, maintaining that no criminal wrongdoing took place.
“The evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place,”
Meier stated previously, describing the matter as a personal disagreement expected to be resolved privately.
The New England Patriots confirmed they were informed about the situation and had notified the NFL as part of standard procedures.
Implications for Christian Barmore and Future Outlook
With the charges dismissed, Barmore faces no legal consequences related to this allegation, allowing him to focus on his career with the Patriots. The decision underscores challenges prosecutors face in cases involving personal disputes without full cooperation from complainants, which can influence whether charges move forward. As the NFL is aware of the incident, any further team or league evaluations may depend on internal policies and conduct reviews.
