San Francisco 49ers' Player Ray McDonald Released Amid Sexual Assault Investigation
The NFL is now conducting an investigation into the 49ers' defensive lineman.
— -- San Francisco 49ers’ defensive lineman Ray McDonald was released by the team Wednesday amid a sexual assault investigation.
A woman called authorities Tuesday from a hospital, claiming she was possibly sexually assaulted a day earlier, according to a police statement.
Police executed a search warrant at McDonald’s home that night and are now calling him a suspect.
McDonald, 30, was cut within 45 minutes of the team’s finding out about the investigation, and his release resulted from a “pattern of poor behavior,” Trent Baalke, the team’s general manager, said.
“We as an organization have notified him that he will be terminated, released immediately, effective immediately,” Baalke added.
It’s unclear whether McDonald will be charged in the current investigation.
In August, police investigated a domestic violence call at McDonald’s home involving the player and his pregnant fiancee. No charges were filed in that case, and the team kept him on the field throughout the police investigation.
McDonald’s release comes after the NFL implemented a strict new personal conduct policy in the wake of domestic abuse cases involving other NFL stars. Under the new rules, the league will now conduct an investigation of its own into the allegations against McDonald.
ABC News attempted to contact McDonald for comment through his agent, but has not gotten a response.
McDonald, who started all 14 games this season, can appeal the team’s decision to cut him.
For Baalke, it was time for the team and McDonald to part ways.
“It becomes a time when it leaves you with no other decision to be made but the one we made today,” Baalke said.
The 49ers, with a record of 7-7, were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday after a loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The team next plays Saturday against the San Diego Chargers.
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