The NFL is looking into the now-closed criminal case against former Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond, who announced on social media that he expects to sign with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy told Cleveland.com Friday that the case was under review, despite a grand jury in Collin County, Texas, deciding Thursday not to indict Bond on a sexual account charge following his arrest in April.
He still could face punishment under the league’s personal conduct policy once he signs with a team. He posted to X on Thursday that would be the Browns, although the team’s front office has not confirmed that.
“First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Cleveland Browns for believing in me and allowing me the opportunity to continue my career in the NFL,” Bond said. “Football has been my passion since I was six years old, and playing at this level is a blessing I will never take for granted. I understand that playing in the NFL is a privilege, and I’m thankful every day to live my childhood dream.
“I know there have been questions and reports about the recent allegations. I am grateful for the decision of the prosecutor and the courts not to pursue charges. I will learn from this experience as I grow in wisdom, character, and faith. On the advice of my attorney, I will not discuss the details of this case, but I want to be clear: from the very beginning I have refuted these allegations and maintained my innocence. I stand firm by that today.”
At Texas, Bond played just one season after transferring from Alabama. The Georgia native caught 34 catches for 540 yards, reeling in five touchdowns over 14 games.
Bond ran a 4.39 40-yard-dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. And while he was expected to be a Day 2 draft pick — ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. had pegged him as a late second-round pick — he was not selected, reportedly over character concerns as well as his size (5-foot-11, 180 pounds).
–Field Level Media
