Shortly after the NFL announced sweeping new reforms to its policy on domestic violence, San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ray McDonald was arrested for domestic violence.
BREAKING: Sources: #49ers DL Ray McDonald popped for domestic violence. Confirming with Niners. @MaioccoCSN
— Damian Trujillo (@newsdamian) August 31, 2014
The circumstances surrounding this alleged incident are pretty disturbing (via The Sacramento Bee).
McDonald apparently got into an altercation with his fiance, who a police source said is pregnant. When she showed police bruising, McDonald was arrested.
Other 49ers were present, including tight end Vernon Davis and defensive end Demarcus Dobbs. McDonald was booked at 5:30 a.m. in San Jose for “inflicting injury on a spouse or cohabitant.”
These are felony charges. And if convicted, McDonald will not escape the wrath of the law in California…a state that hands down the harshest of punishments for similar crimes.
Considering that his fiance is pregnant makes this situation all that more gruesome.
Under NFL’s new policy, McDonald faces a six-game ban as a first-time domestic violence offender. A second incident would force McDonald out of the league completely.
On the field, this is another blow to the 49ers defense. NaVorro Bowman (injury) and Aldon Smith (suspension) are out for the first half of the season while nose tackle Glenn Dorsey will likely be placed on injured reserve on Tuesday after a training camp injury.
While all three are expected back at some point this season, the 49ers have a decision to make with McDonald. It makes sense to let the law play out here, but these allegations are about as serious as it gets. There is a chance the team could decide to part way with McDonald completely.
Photo: CBS Sports