SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Santa Clara Police Department confirmed Tuesday that it has opened an investigation into San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk following an alleged incident involving a female acquaintance. The inquiry stems from a report filed late Monday night regarding a physical altercation at a residence in the Santa Clara area.
According to preliminary police statements, officers were dispatched to a home around 11:30 p.m. PT on December 22, 2025, in response to a domestic disturbance call. Upon arrival, authorities interviewed a woman who alleged that Aiyuk had been involved in a verbal dispute that turned physical. While the police have not yet released the specific details of the alleged physical contact, the report has been categorized as an active investigation into battery.
As of Tuesday morning, no charges have been filed against Aiyuk, and no arrests have been made. The Santa Clara Police Department stated that they are in the process of gathering evidence and attempting to interview all parties involved. “We are aware of the matter involving Mr. Aiyuk and are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the facts of the case,” a department spokesperson said in a brief statement to the media.
The San Francisco 49ers organization released a statement Tuesday morning acknowledging the situation. “The 49ers are aware of the report involving Brandon Aiyuk and are currently in the process of gathering more information,” the team said. “We will refrain from further comment at this time as this is an ongoing legal matter.”
Aiyuk, 27, is currently in the first year of a four-year, $120 million contract extension signed during the 2024 offseason. The star wide receiver has been a focal point of the San Francisco offense throughout the 2025 campaign. This legal development arrives at a critical juncture for the 49ers (10-5), who are currently vying for playoff positioning in a tightly contested NFC West.
Under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, the league office may conduct its own independent investigation regardless of whether criminal charges are eventually brought by local authorities. The league has the power to place a player on the Commissioner’s Exempt List—effectively a suspension with pay—if an initial investigation suggests a violation involving a crime of violence has occurred. The NFL has confirmed it is monitoring the situation but has not yet taken any formal action regarding Aiyuk’s eligibility.
Aiyuk’s representatives have not yet issued a public response to the allegations. The wide receiver was not present during the brief window of media access at the team’s facility on Tuesday morning.
If the investigation leads to formal charges or a league-mandated suspension, the 49ers would be forced to navigate their upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams without their leading receiver. The team is expected to provide a further update following their scheduled practice session on Wednesday.
