Chicago Bears Drop Ray McDonald Over Domestic Violence Arrest
CHICAGO (CBS SF) -- The Chicago Bears have released defensive tackle Ray McDonald Monday after he was arrested for two separate charges in San Jose.
Bears' General Manager Ryan Pace announced the news on the official Chicago Bears Twitter account Monday afternoon.
"We believe in 2nd chances, but when we signed Ray we were very clear what our expectations were if he was to remain a Bear," Pace said. "He was not able to meet the standard and the decision was made to release him."
GM Ryan Pace: "We believe in 2nd chances, but when we signed Ray we were very clear what our expectations were if he was to remain a Bear...
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 25, 2015
Pace cont: "He was not able to meet the standard and the decision was made to release him."
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 25, 2015
Minutes later, Bears' offensive lineman Kyle Long tweeted, "good riddance."
Santa Clara police said they arrested the former 49ers lineman around 7 a.m. on domestic violence and child endangerment charges. He was apprehended at the home of recently retired Justin Smith on the 2200 block of Terra Nova Lane in San Jose.
Police were dispatched to McDonald's home in Santa Clara at 3:48 a.m. after a 911 call was made. By the time police arrived, McDonald had already left. Police were told McDonald physically assaulted the woman involved while she was holding a baby.
Last August, San Jose police responded to reports of domestic violence at his home on Bentley Ridge Drive. McDonald was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence against his pregnant fiancée.
After he was accused, the 49ers cut ties with McDonald, citing a pattern of behavior by the defensive lineman. The Chicago Bears signed him to a one-year contract in March.
RAY McDONALD TIMELINE:
• March 16: McDonald Files Defamation Lawsuit Over Rape Allegations
• December 17: McDonald Accused Of Sexual Assault; Police Serve Warrant At His SJ Home
• November 11: McDonald Speaks Out After Charges Dropped
• November 10: Domestic Violence Charges Dropped
• San Jose Police Investigated For Conflict Of Interest In Moonlighting For 49ers
• September 18: McDonald's Fiancée Grabbed Handgun During Disturbance
• August 31: McDonald Arrested On Domestic Violence Charge