Ray McDonald Arrested For Domestic Violence, Critics Call Out 49ers For Keeping Him Playing

With Ray McDonald arrested for domestic violence against a pregnant woman, critics are comparing the situation to how the NFL handled Ray Rice, and are calling out the San Francisco 49ers for continuing to let the NFL player on the field despite being accused of assaulting his pregnant fiancee.

In a related report by The Inquisitr, U.S. Soccer player Hope Solo is facing criticism over allegations of domestic violence, which has some people claiming there is a double standard being applied. This idea has caused a war of words between pundits, including some who support Hope Solo. While Nike took away Ray Rice’s sponsorship after the elevator video went public, the sports shoe company continues to stand by Solo until the trial occurs in November and due process is served.

Similarly, the argument over the San Francisco 49ers player is over due process. The NFL’s new domestic violence policy states that players accused of the crime will receive a minimum six day suspension without pay. A second offense requires instant banishment from the NFL, although the player can attempt to be reinstated after one year.

Despite the fact that the police had Ray McDonald arrested, Santa Clara County prosecutors still have yet to decide whether to charge him on suspicion of domestic violence. But 49ers great Jerry Rice believes McDonald should be yanked off the field until the courts finalize a verdict.

“I think I’m just like Steve Young — I would have totally just taken him off the field until it’s resolved,” Rice told Sports Illustrated. “But they have decided to let him play, and it’s just unfortunate. I feel that when you have something that’s weighing you down like that, because it’s a very important topic, and it’s very sensitive, I just feel he should have been taken off the field.”

When the police had Ray McDonald arrested, he was initially denied bail. While McDonald has not been either charged or convicted of a crime, the Los Angeles Times points out that domestic violence has led NFL teams to bench or cut many other players in recent times.

“Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy has been placed on the commissioner’s exempt list while he appeals an assault conviction stemming from an attack on his ex-girlfriend. Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer was placed on the reserve-non football injury list last week after his arrest for a domestic violence incident. The Minnesota Vikings also placed running back Adrian Peterson on the exempt list last week while his child abuse case is sorted out.”

With Ray McDonald arrested for domestic violence, do you think the San Francisco 49ers should be keeping him playing?