49ers’ McDonald escapes charges

Associated Press

SANTA CLARA, Calif.

Ray McDonald can continue playing for the San Francisco 49ers without the burden of a domestic violence case that has followed him all season.

The Santa Clara County district attorney’s office announced Monday that it declined to file charges against the defensive lineman in an investigation stemming from his Aug. 31 arrest.

Prosecutors said in a release that they had insufficient evidence to charge McDonald. They cited conflicting versions of what happened, a lack of verifiable eyewitnesses and a lack of cooperation by the alleged victim, McDonald’s fiancee.

“All domestic violence complaints deserve our concern, sensitivity and careful review,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in the release. “After our thorough review of all the facts, we do not have evidence sufficient to convince a jury beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. McDonald committed a crime” against his fiancee.

McDonald has played all season despite outside pressure on the 49ers to bench him. He has 24 tackles, 15 of those solo, while starting all nine games for the 49ers (5-4).

“I appreciate the seriousness of the situation and I understand and respect that law enforcement had a job to do, which is why I cooperated fully with their investigation from beginning to end,” McDonald said in a statement. “I am relieved that the DA’s office has rightfully decided not to file charges. I want to thank everyone who was supportive during this difficult time.”

The arrest came only days after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced stiffer penalties for players accused of domestic violence, including a six-week suspension for a first offense and at least a year for a second. That move followed scrutiny over former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice’s two-game penalty stemming from his arrest on an assault charge in February.