49ers Coach Harbaugh Says McDonald To Play Following Arrest For Alleged Domestic Violence
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - Defensive lineman Ray McDonald is traveling with the San Francisco 49ers and will suit up against Dallas with his teammates despite his arrest on domestic violence charges.
McDonald is out on $25,000 bail after his Sunday morning arrest, and is scheduled for a September 15 court date in connection to the incident on Bentley Ridge Drive in San Jose.
The 49ers say they will not tolerate domestic violence, but had hinted that McDonald could play while the case makes its way through the legal system. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed plans to play McDonald Friday.
"I feel like the way the facts are and what's known that he has the liberty to play in the game," Harbaugh told reporters Friday.
Harbaugh tried to avoid offering further specifics about the case, specifically on whether the team's investigation was proving favorable for McDonald.
"As we talked about the other day, in terms of that question, this is a legal matter and I'll refer it back to that."
The 49ers have been favored by four points in their opening match-up with the Cowboys.