Defensive tackle, Ray McDonald, has been arrested and charged with felony domestic violence according to NBC Bay Area.
The NFL recently changed its policy on domestic violence this past week. That new policy includes a minimal six-game suspension for a player's first offense, and a lifetime ban for the second.
Multiple reports claim that McDonald was having a birthday party that lasted until 2 a.m., and that's when police arrived. McDonald's spouse then showed bruises that she had received from McDonald and he then was arrested.
Under the new policy, it states: "Among the circumstances that would merit a more severe penalty would be a prior incident before joining the NFL, or violence involving a weapon, choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman or in the presence of a child. A second offense will result in banishment from the NFL; while an individual may petition for reinstatement after one year, there will be no presumption or assurance that the petition will be granted. These disciplinary standards will apply to all NFL personnel." McDonald's spouse is pregnant. This leaves a possibility for the NFL to suspend him for more than the six games.
Don't be surprised if McDonald is released from the team. Coach Harbaugh is not a fan of domestic violence and has said in the past that "If you put your hand on a woman, then you're done."
The 49ers have had a tough offseason already. With Aldon Smith out for nine games, and Novarro Bowman still recovering from his knee injury, San Francisco will need to find players to fill their holes defensively.