The Chicago Bears released defensive end Ray McDonald today after he was arrested for domestic violence in California – his second arrest in the past nine months.
The Chicago Bears released DL Ray McDonald today.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 25, 2015
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
The Chicago Tribune adds:
“McDonald was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence and child endangerment, the Santa Clara, Calif., police department said. It’s the second time since Aug. 31 that he’s been arrested as a result of women claiming he assaulted them.
“According to police, McDonald was arrested Monday after officers learned “he physically assaulted the victim while she was holding a baby.” Police responded to a disturbance at McDonald’s residence at 3:48 a.m. PDT, but McDonald had left the scene.
“He was located at a house owned by former San Francisco 49ers teammate Justin Smith, and he was arrested there, police and property records show.”
The Associated Press reports that the Bears signed McDonald to a yearlong contract in March despite his legal troubles. He had been released by the San Francisco 49ers last December.