It seems that San Francisco 49ers' defensive tackle Ray McDonald may avoid charges stemming from his late August arrest on suspicion of domestic violence, sources familiar with the case told the San Jose Mercury News.
Santa Clara County prosecutors are leaning against charging McDonald, the source said, though the District Attorney's Office would not comment on the potentially likely outcome of the case. They also denied rumors that a report would be issued soon.
Prosecutors have twice canceled tentative arraignment hearings for the 9ers player.
McDonald was arrested after an altercation with his pregnant fiancée on Aug. 31. Supporters insist he was merely putting up "mild resistance" against his fiancée's physical attack. Police initially said that the woman showed "visible injuries," described by sources as red marks and/or bruises.
The woman's credibility apparently may have been hampered by a May incident in which she, during an argument with McDonald, grabbed a gun and left the house after the player threatened to call police. Officers responded, but no arrests were made.
Further complicating the situation is the presence and actions of San Jose police officer Sgt. Sean Pritchard and the seeming unreliability of witnesses. Pritchard, who moonlights with the team as part of their security personnel, attended a party at McDonald's home shortly before the incident.
Before police arrived in response to a 911 call, Pritchard, apparently after receiving a personal call from McDonald, showed up - in uniform and on duty.
As for the witnesses, many whom may have seen the incident, left before police arrived and have, to this point, been difficult to track down - adding to the potential of Pritchard's involvement.
McDonald, along with Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice and Greg Hardy, have all been arrested and involved in the NFL's difficult year dealing with domestic violence issues.
