The San Francisco 49ers released defensive end Ray McDonald on Wednesday amid allegations of sexual assault.
“While this organization has a strong belief in due process and has demonstrated that over time, Ray has demonstrated a pattern of poor decision-making that has led to multiple distractions for this organization and this football team that can no longer be tolerated,” General Manager Trent Baalke said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, local law authorities said they were investigating McDonald on suspicion of sexual assault.
San Jose Police Department Sgt. Heather Randol said an area hospital notified police late Tuesday night that a woman was seeking treatment and that detectives had searched McDonald’s San Jose home.
“The victim alleged she was possibly sexually assaulted a day prior,” Randol said. “Based on preliminary investigation, detectives secured a search warrant and served it at the alleged suspect’s residence in San Jose.”
No arrests have been made, nor have charges been filed.
Baalke said that CEO Jed York and coach Jim Harbaugh were involved in the decision to release McDonald. The 49ers notified the NFL office of the allegations against the defensive lineman, Baalke said, adding, “This is a team decision.”
The NFL confirmed that the alleged incident is covered by its new conduct policy. The league will conduct its own investigation but will not interfere with law enforcement.
This marks the second time in recent months that McDonald has been the subject of a police investigation.
Last month, the Santa Clara County district attorney’s office announced that it declined to file charges against McDonald in a domestic violence investigation stemming from his Aug. 31 arrest.
Prosecutors cited conflicting versions of what happened, a lack of verifiable eyewitnesses and a lack of cooperation by the alleged victim, McDonald’s fiancée.
McDonald had played all season despite pressure on the 49ers to bench him.
Information from Espn.com and CNN.com contributed to this report.