49ers release defensive lineman Ray McDonald in wake of second sexual assault probe

Citing a pattern of behavior and off-field issues, San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke informed defensive lineman Ray McDonald that he was released yesterday amid a sexual assault investigation by San Jose police.

Baalke spoke with McDonald and his agent by phone around 11:30 a.m. (PST) to let them know the defender is "terminated."

"After the recent allegations concerning Ray McDonald, we as an organization notified him and his agent that he will be terminated, released immediately, effective immediately," Baalke said. "While this organization has a strong belief in due process and has demonstrated that over time, Ray's demonstrated a pattern of poor decision-making that has led to multiple distractions to this organization and this football team that really can no longer be tolerated."

Baalke said CEO Jed York and coach Jim Harbaugh also were involved in the decision. He added that the 49ers notified the NFL of the allegations against McDonald, saying: "This is a team decision. This is not a league decision."

San Jose police Sgt. Heather Randol said that the department is investigating McDonald on suspicion of sexual assault and had searched his San Jose home. Randol said an area hospital notified police late Tuesday night that a woman was seeking treatment.

"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 charges filed. McDonald's agent, Tom Condon, didn't return a call seeking comment.

This is 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 the defensive lineman in a domestic violence investigation. He was arrested Aug. 31 while celebrating his then-upcoming 30th birthday at his home.

Prosecutors cited conflicting versions of what happened, a lack of verifiable eyewitnesses and a lack of cooperation by the alleged victim, McDonald's fiancee, in explaining their decision not to pursue charges in the domestic violence investigation.

McDonald received a five-year contract in July 2011. He was signed through the 2015 season, and had 26 tackles and three sacks in 14 games this season.