The Chicago Bears released Ray McDonald after he was arrested for the third time in nine months Monday morning, May 25.
Ray McDonald was arrested on domestic violence and child endangerment charges in Santa Clara, California.
McDonald is considered one of the best 3-4 defensive lineman in the NFL but has had numerous arrests due to domestic violence charges, most recently a sexual assault charge last August. He went on to play the entire season before being released last December, an action the 49ers later stated to be "poor decision making" on behalf of the organization for not taking action more quickly.
The Chicago Bears took a risk in signing the former Pro Bowler to a one-year worth $1.5 million, although none of the money was guaranteed.
It looks very unlikely that another team would take a chance on McDonald after having multiple chances to steer his life in the right direction.
The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell well likely come down very hard on Ray McDonald for another domestic violence arrest and could even go as far as banning the defensive end all together after multiple incidents.
Bears general manager Ryan Pace explained in a statement why the Bears cut McDonald.
“We believe in second chances, but when we signed Ray we were very clear what our expectations were if he was to remain a Bear,” Pace said. “He was not able to meet the standard and the decision was made to release him.”