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Report: Carolina Panthers rescind offer to Robert Barber after learning of legal troubles

Washington State Cougars nose tackle Robert Barber (92) walks off the field after falling to Minnesota during the 2016 Holiday Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
By Jacob Thorpe jacobt@spokesman.com(509) 710-8070
Washington State Cougars nose tackle Robert Barber (92) walks off the field after falling to Minnesota during the 2016 Holiday Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)

PULLMAN – The Carolina Panthers have rescinded their free agency offer to former Washington State defensive tackle Robert Barber after learning he faces trial on felony assault charges, according to a report in the Charlotte Observer.

The charges stem from a fight last summer involving Barber, who allegedly punched a student during a fight that left one student with a concussion and another with a broken jaw. Barber was briefly expelled from school, and though he played upon his reinstatement he was not selected during last week’s NFL Draft.

Barber accepted an offer from the Panthers on Saturday after the draft’s conclusion that would allow him to participate in the team’s camp and try to eventually make the roster. But that offer was rescinded by Sunday morning, according to The Observer.

Barber’s trial is scheduled for May 15. His name was not included on the team’s list of undrafted free-agent signings released on Monday morning. Carolina’s rookie minicamp begins later this week.