FOXBORO — Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore spoke publicly Friday for the first time since being charged with misdemeanor assault and battery on a family/household member.
Barmore took questions from a throng of reporters for more than a minute in front of his locker, but did not address the charge.
Asked if he would like to deny the allegations brought by his on-again, off-again girlfriend that threw her to the ground and then grabbed her by the collar during an alleged domestic incident on Aug. 8, Barmore said: “I’m focused on Miami and playing football.”
He later offered the same response when asked for his version of events that day.
According to court documents, Barmore allegedly became incensed over the temperature inside his apartment and later grew angry upon seeing the victim sitting down to eat what he described as “his food.” The woman told police Barmore then took her phone, at which point she tried to pack her belongings and was thrown to the floor before she could call for help outside the door.
Barmore, according to the police report, next grabbed her by the shirt as she tried to stand and eventually let her go. She finally gathered her things and claims Barmore charged at her, but did not make contact because, she believes, their 2-year-old daughter tried to jump into her arms at that moment.
According to the police report, she contacted a car service the Patriots provide for players and was picked up roughly an hour later. The victim said she was driven with her daughter to Delaware, and has since expressed she wants no more contact with Barmore. In the court documents, police stated she provided a photo of bruises she allegedly sustained during the incident, and delayed coming forward because she was fearful of Barmore and his “handlers,” while claiming he threatened to have his family members assault her.
Between questions about the incident, Barmore said he was thankful to be playing football again after sitting out most of last season due to blood clot-related symptoms. The Patriots are also scheduled to play their first postseason games since Barmore’s rookie year of 2021.
At the end of the interview, Barmore was asked how he’s feeling.
“I’m getting ready for Miami and to play football,” he said.
Barmore’s attorney, David Meier, released a statement Wednesday.
“We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place. Based on the facts and the law, we expect that this personal matter will be resolved in the near future, and both parties will move forward together.”
Barmore is scheduled to be arraigned in Attleboro District Court on Feb. 3.
