San Francisco 49ers DL Ray McDonald arrested for felony domestic violence

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald was arrested and charged early Sunday morning with felony domestic violence. McDonald was having a birthday party at his home in San Jose when he allegedly got in an altercation with his fiancee, who is reportedly pregnant.

The arrest comes just three days after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell instituted severe new penalties for domestic violence, saying in a letter to team owners he "didn't get it right" in suspending Ravens running back Ray Rice for only two games following his domestic violence arrest. Under the new policy, a first offense for domestic or sexual violence results in a six-game ban, while a second offense results in a lifetime expulsion from the league. The policy also says the punishments can be more severe based on mitigating circumstances, including if the victim is pregnant.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up