Bears Release Ray McDonald After New Domestic Violence Allegations

It appears that the team he’s with doesn’t matter; Ray McDonald simply can’t keep out of trouble. Mere hours after news broke that the former San Fransisco defensive lineman had again been arrested under accusations of domestic violence and the possible endangerment of a child, the Chicago Bears announced his release, all but ensuring the end of the line for one of the league’s most talented but troubled players.

ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Caplan broke the news, simply tweeting “Bears announced release of DL Ray McDonald.” The news compounds an already tumultuous 2014 for McDonald, who was involved in two incidents both pertaining to domestic violence, although, to this date, no formal charges have been laid.

After news outlets reported that McDonald was being investigated for sexual assault in December 2014, he was released by the 49ers and has not played a down in the NFL ever since.

A former third-round pick by the Niners, McDonald racked up 210 tackles, 19.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles in his eight-year career. He was expected to lend a much-needed hand to a Chicago defense that had lost its bite under former head coach Marc Trestman.

Instead, McDonald will spend the rest of the offseason vainly looking for another employer. The NFL is full of desperate teams, but just how desperate remains to be seen.