The San Francisco 49ers released defensive end Ray McDonald on Wednesday within hours of an investigation by the San Jose (California) Police Department into a possible sexual assault.
“With this latest allegation, this just wasn’t something we were willing to deal with any more,” general manager Trent Baalke said at a Wednesday press conference. “We believe in due process. When becomes matter of poor decisions it leaves us with no other (choice).”
Baalke cited a “pattern of poor behavior” in the team’s decision to cut ties with the former third-round pick.
“I can say that we have had multiple discussions with Ray over time and there’s been things that have been discussed with him,” Baalke said. “And there was a plan that was put in place and this is a situation that has gone against that plan.
“We expect a lot from our players, hold them accountable for their actions.”
Baalke said that CEO Jed York and coach Jim Harbaugh were involved in the decision. Baalke says the 49ers notified the NFL office of the allegations against McDonald.
“This is a team decision,” Baalke said.
Detectives searched McDonald’s home after police received a call late Tuesday night from a hospital reporting a possible sexual-assault victim, the San Jose Police Department confirmed earlier Wednesday.
“The victim alleged she was possibly sexually assaulted a day prior,” San Jose Police Sgt. Heather 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 or charges filed.
McDonald, a seven-year NFL veteran, was investigated in a domestic violence case following an Aug. 31 fight with his pregnant fiancee, but the Santa Clara County district attorney’s office on Nov. 10 declined to file charges. The 49ers stood by McDonald in that incident, and he had started every game this season.
Bills have role for Spiller
ORCHARD PARK, New York — Running back C.J. Spiller is expected to play for the Buffalo Bills in Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders, but how much work he can handle will be determined as the week progresses.
Spiller has been on the injured reserve/designated to return list since breaking his collarbone Oct. 19 against the Minnesota Vikings. He missed seven games, but was medically cleared to play after practicing the past couple weeks and is expected to be activated to the 53-man roster by Friday.
The Bills released fullback Frank Summers, who has been inactive the last four weeks.
Spiller said he felt good after practicing on Wednesday, even though he didn’t participate fully.
“We’ll see how I feel when I come in (Thursday),” he said. “Hopefully it’s a good sign and if it is I’ll keep plugging away and go from there.”
Spiller still has not been exposed to real contact since suffering the injury, and that remains a concern, as is his conditioning.
“Once you get that first lick in you’re ready to play ball, and I don’t think it’ll be any different,” he said. “I’m pretty sure if I’m able to go they’re going to take a shot at it and we’ll see how I do. Conditioning will be different because I haven’t played in two months so I won’t be in top-notch football shape, but I think if I’m able to go, I can perform at a high level. I don’t want to get into percentages, but if I’m able to go then I’ll go. We’ll see how these next couple days go and see how I respond every day after practice and then make a decision.”
Ravens sign Greenwood
The Baltimore Ravens signed cornerback Chris Greenwood off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad Wednesday.
Greenwood was a fifth-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 2012. The 6-foot-1, 193-pounder has played in three regular-season games, all with the Lions last season, and made six tackles.
Greenwood also spent a month with the Dallas Cowboys last year. He returned to Detroit after being released, but did not make the 53-man roster coming out of training camp. The Vikings then signed him to their practice squad.
Greenwood steps in after the Ravens placed cornerback Asa Jackson (knee) and safety Terrence Brooks (knee) on injured reserve.
Vikings add Dixon to roster
The Minnesota Vikings signed rookie safety Ahmad Dixon to the active roster from the team’s practice squad Wednesday.
Dixon was a seventh-round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys out of Baylor. He initially joined the Vikings’ practice squad after he was waived by the Cowboys in early September. Dixon rejoined the practice squad on Dec. 6.
The Vikings also signed rookie guard Jordan McCray out of Central Florida to the practice squad.