San Jose, California, police arrested the San Francisco 49ers’ starting defensive end Ray McDonald on Sunday on felony domestic violence charges.
The arrest comes just three days after the National Football League’s new domestic violence policy was implemented by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Police were called at around 2:48 a.m. on Sunday morning to a reported domestic violence incident. McDonald was taken into custody after the domestic violence allegation was substantiated. According to CNN, there were several of McDonald’s teammates at his house when he was arrested.
The league is aware of the arrest and said that they are still trying to figure out exactly what happened before they take any action.
The NFL won't decide Ray McDonald's punishment until legal process plays out. http://t.co/gygx0NgcJz pic.twitter.com/ligil35G35
— SI Wire (@SI_Wire) September 4, 2014
“The 49ers organization is aware of the recent reports regarding Ray McDonald and we take such matters seriously. As we continue to gather the facts, we will reserve further comment,” team General Manager Trent Baalke said in a statement.
McDonald was able to post bail quickly and was released from jail a short time after his arrest. Although he couldn’t discuss the charges, he did make a statement about them saying,
“The truth will come out. Everybody knows what kind of person I am….a good-hearted person.”
How much trouble are the @49ers in after losing @AldonSmith & the recent trouble involving Ray McDonald? pic.twitter.com/p1GCfP22Bm
— ESPN First Take (@ESPN_FirstTake) September 1, 2014
McDonald has been arrested before, once for a DUI and a second time for an outstanding warrant that stemmed from his DUI charges.
The league’s new domestic violence policy enforces a six-game unpaid ban for personnel who violate the league’s policy.
Anyone who is found guilty of domestic violence charges for a second time will be banned from the league permanently.
The NFL Players Association has responded to the new penalties
“We were informed [Thursday] of the NFL’s decision to increase penalties on domestic violence offenders under the Personal Conduct Policy for all NFL employees. As we do in all disciplinary matters, if we believe that players’ due process rights are infringed upon during the course of discipline, we will assert and defend our members’ rights,” said the association’s statement.