Free-Agent RB Trent Richardson's Domestic Violence Charge Dismissed

Free-agent running back Trent Richardson had a domestic violence charge stemming from a February arrest dismissed Wednesday night in Alabama. 

Carol Robinson of AL.com reported Richardson arrived in Hoover Municipal Court for the start of the trial, but the complainant, ex-girlfriend Sevina Fatu, did not show up. Eric Guster, one of the NFL player's lawyers, confirmed the dismissal and made a brief statement.

"He was completely innocent of it," Guster said Thursday.

In February, Holly V. Hays of the Indianapolis Star reported the 26-year-old former University of Alabama standout was charged with third-degree domestic violence after police responded to a call about a "possible disturbance" at a hotel in Hoover.

Officers determined after interviewing both Richardson and Fatu that they engaged in an argument that became physical. The Indianapolis Star report noted Fatu was found with "visible scratches and bruising to her face." She was treated at the scene and released.

In March, the Florida native told Matt Zenitz of AL.com that "what's out there isn't the truth. I swear I didn't hit her." He claimed the accuser's injuries came from self-defense as he got attacked.

"I was trying to walk away from the situation," Richardson said. "I would never hit a female. I look down on people that hit females. I grew up seeing stuff like that in my house. I've had family members go through that, and that's something I would never do. There are certain things I can't get into because it's an ongoing case, but it's very important to me that people know my side of the story and at least know that I would never hit a female no matter what the situation is."

Richardson was the third overall pick in the 2012 draft by the Cleveland Browns. He's tallied 2,032 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns across 46 career games.

He last appeared in a regular-season contest with the Indianapolis Colts in 2014. He's spent time with the Oakland Raiders and Baltimore Ravens during the last two offseasons but failed to make either team's final roster.