Massachusetts prosecutors announced Monday they will drop a domestic assault and battery charge against New England Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore, stating they do not believe they can prove their case in court.

Barmore, 26, appeared in Attleboro District Court with his legal team but did not speak in the courtroom or answer reporters' questions following the dismissal. The defensive tackle is now cleared of criminal wrongdoing in the August 2024 incident.

According to the original criminal complaint, Barmore was accused of briefly taking his girlfriend's phone, throwing her to the floor, and grabbing her by the shirt during an argument at his Mansfield home on August 8, 2024. Police reports indicated the alleged altercation began over a disagreement about the air conditioning being set at 70 degrees instead of 68 degrees.

Barmore was initially charged with domestic assault and battery following the allegations. The case had been working its way through the court system until prosecutors determined they lacked sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.

The dismissal removes a significant legal cloud that had been hanging over the Patriots defensive tackle. Barmore has been a key player for New England's defense since being drafted in the first round, and the resolution of these charges allows him to focus fully on his NFL career without pending criminal proceedings.