National Football League

Report: 49ers' McDonald not likely to be charged with domestic violence

Published Oct. 31, 2014 10:42 a.m. ET

foxsports

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Ray McDonald is not expected to be charged with domestic violence, the San Jose Mercury News reported Friday.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office is likely to make the decision official soon and explain its reasons, according to the report.

McDonald was arrested after officers responded to alleged domestic violence incident in August involving his pregnant fiancee. The 49ers have not suspended McDonald, citing that he was not officially charged.

Police initially said McDonald's fiancee had "visible injuries" at the time of the alleged incident, but evidence that the alleged victim might have been the aggressor has complicated the situation. In May, the woman allegedly grabbed a gun during an argument with McDonald, who left the house and threatened to call the police. No arrests were made during that incident.

Further complicating the proceedings are the actions of Sgt. Sean Pritchard, who works for the San Jose police department while also moonlighting as a member of the team's security. Pritchard was at the party at McDonald's home before the alleged incident occurred in August. McDonald allegedly called Pritchard after the incident, and he returned to the home in uniform and on duty before other officers arrived. Pritchard being employed by the 49ers creates a conflict of interest since players could be suspended if they are charged with a crime.