Just days after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell implemented a new enforcement policy for domestic violence, a San Francisco player is now facing charges of domestic violence.
According to NBC Bay Area reporter Damian Trujillo, 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald was arrested at 2:48 a.m. Sunday morning on allegations of felony domestic violence. Reports indicated the incident involved his pregnant fiancée. Police arrested McDonald after seeing bruising on his fiancee's arms and neck.
McDonald was arrested at his home in San Jose. Sources say other 49er team members were at the home at the time of his arrest just before 3 a.m. McDonald was booked into Santa Clara County Jail and bail was set at $25,000, according to the Santa Clara Department of Correction records.
This was McDonald's second run in with the law. He was arrested in 2010 for an outstanding warrant from a DUI arrest earlier that year.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Former Steelers/Bengals LB James Harrison Retires
After 11 great seasons in the NFL, James Harrison has called it quits. The linebacker made the announcement via his Facebook page:
"I have made the difficult decision to retire as of today. My love for my family and the need to be there for them outweighs my desire to play the game. I have missed too many experiences with them because I devoted SO much time to my career. My love for the game isn't strong enough to make up for missing one more birthday or first day of school. I am retiring as a man who is truly grateful for all of his blessings. I am sincerely thankful to the people who have supported me over the years, first and foremost my family, the Rooney family and my Steeler family, also Mr. Brown, the Bengals organization and fans, and last but FAR from least, Steeler Nation. Thank you."
Harrison last played for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football for Kent State University, and was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Harrison has earned two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers in Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.
Harrison registered at least 8.5 sacks in every season from 2007 through 2011 for the Steelers and retires with 66 sacks over his entire career. Though a dominant and often penalized player in Pittsburgh, he was not the same player who played for the Bengals last season. Cincinnati cut Harrison in March and though a deal with the Cardinals seemed eminent, he ultimately didn't catch on with any team.
"I have made the difficult decision to retire as of today. My love for my family and the need to be there for them outweighs my desire to play the game. I have missed too many experiences with them because I devoted SO much time to my career. My love for the game isn't strong enough to make up for missing one more birthday or first day of school. I am retiring as a man who is truly grateful for all of his blessings. I am sincerely thankful to the people who have supported me over the years, first and foremost my family, the Rooney family and my Steeler family, also Mr. Brown, the Bengals organization and fans, and last but FAR from least, Steeler Nation. Thank you."
Harrison last played for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football for Kent State University, and was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Harrison has earned two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers in Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.
Harrison registered at least 8.5 sacks in every season from 2007 through 2011 for the Steelers and retires with 66 sacks over his entire career. Though a dominant and often penalized player in Pittsburgh, he was not the same player who played for the Bengals last season. Cincinnati cut Harrison in March and though a deal with the Cardinals seemed eminent, he ultimately didn't catch on with any team.
Bills Sign QB Kyle Orton
For the second time in a week Buffalo has found a backup quarterback.
Bills agreed to a one-year deal with free agent quarterback Kyle Orton. Earlier in the week the Bills signed Jordan Palmer, but promptly released him.
Orton, who was released by the Cowboys in July, considered retirement before agreeing to terms with the Bills. The nine year journeyman has also played in Chicago, Denver and Kansas City.
Bills agreed to a one-year deal with free agent quarterback Kyle Orton. Earlier in the week the Bills signed Jordan Palmer, but promptly released him.
Orton, who was released by the Cowboys in July, considered retirement before agreeing to terms with the Bills. The nine year journeyman has also played in Chicago, Denver and Kansas City.
Friday, August 29, 2014
49ers LB Aldon Smith Suspended
49ers linebacker Aldon Smith finally learned his fate from the league.
Smith has been suspended the first nine games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Smith was sentenced to 11 days to a work release in Santa Clara, Calif. for his Sept. 2013 drunk driving arrest. It was his second drunk driving arrest since entering the league in 2011. Smith missed five days last season when he entered a substance abuse treatment facility.
Smith also faced felony gun charges, but they were reduced to misdemeanors. Smith was arrested in April for allegedly making a fake bomb threat. Los Angeles City Attorney's office declined to press charges.
Smith will be eligible to return to the 49ers' active roster on Nov. 10 following the team's Nov. 9 game against New Orleans. He will make his first regular season game appearance against the Giants in New York on Nov. 16.
Smith has been suspended the first nine games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Smith was sentenced to 11 days to a work release in Santa Clara, Calif. for his Sept. 2013 drunk driving arrest. It was his second drunk driving arrest since entering the league in 2011. Smith missed five days last season when he entered a substance abuse treatment facility.
Smith also faced felony gun charges, but they were reduced to misdemeanors. Smith was arrested in April for allegedly making a fake bomb threat. Los Angeles City Attorney's office declined to press charges.
Smith will be eligible to return to the 49ers' active roster on Nov. 10 following the team's Nov. 9 game against New Orleans. He will make his first regular season game appearance against the Giants in New York on Nov. 16.
Vikings WR Jerome Simpson Suspension Upheld
Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson will serve a three game suspension after the league denied his appeal.
Simpson was arrested for drunk driving on Nov. 9 of last year. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of careless driving and refusing to submit to a chemical test. The league handed down the three game suspension which Simpson immediately appealed.
This is Simpson's second suspension in three years. He was suspended the first three games of the 2012 season after pleading guilty to mailing two pounds of marijuana to his home in Kentucky while he was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. He served 15 days in jail and was placed on three years probation.
The Vikings will turn to wide receivers Jarius Wright, Adam Thielen and Rodney Smith to fill the void left by Simpson. Simpson, who resigned with the Vikings on a one year $1 million deal is not owed any guaranteed money and therefore could potentially not make the final 53 man roster.
Simpson was arrested for drunk driving on Nov. 9 of last year. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of careless driving and refusing to submit to a chemical test. The league handed down the three game suspension which Simpson immediately appealed.
This is Simpson's second suspension in three years. He was suspended the first three games of the 2012 season after pleading guilty to mailing two pounds of marijuana to his home in Kentucky while he was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. He served 15 days in jail and was placed on three years probation.
The Vikings will turn to wide receivers Jarius Wright, Adam Thielen and Rodney Smith to fill the void left by Simpson. Simpson, who resigned with the Vikings on a one year $1 million deal is not owed any guaranteed money and therefore could potentially not make the final 53 man roster.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Broncos QB Peyton Manning Fined For Taunting
The NFL levied a fine against Peyton Manning for his taunting penalty in last week's Texans game.
Manning was fined $8200 for taunting Texans safety D.J. Swearinger after a touchdown pass during the Texans-Broncos preseason game last week in Houston.
The taunting penalty came after Swearinger mouthed off all week during the joint practices and then knocked Wes Welker out of the game. Manning threw the touchdown then said an expletive to Swearinger.
When informed of the fine Manning replied "I accept it. Money well spent."
Manning was fined $8200 for taunting Texans safety D.J. Swearinger after a touchdown pass during the Texans-Broncos preseason game last week in Houston.
The taunting penalty came after Swearinger mouthed off all week during the joint practices and then knocked Wes Welker out of the game. Manning threw the touchdown then said an expletive to Swearinger.
When informed of the fine Manning replied "I accept it. Money well spent."
NFL Announces New Suspension Guidelines For Domestic Violence
After receiving a tremendous amount of negative feedback for the length of the suspension of Ravens running back Ray Rice for domestic violence, the league announced it has passed new guidelines for domestic violence suspensions.
As first reported by Jane McManus of ESPN the league announced new measures on domestic violence in a letter sent to all 32 owners today.
According to the new measure a first domestic violence offense will result in a six game suspension, the second offense will result in a lifetime ban from the NFL.
Albert Breer of NFL.com passed along comments from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in regards to the Ray Rice suspension:
As first reported by Jane McManus of ESPN the league announced new measures on domestic violence in a letter sent to all 32 owners today.
According to the new measure a first domestic violence offense will result in a six game suspension, the second offense will result in a lifetime ban from the NFL.
Albert Breer of NFL.com passed along comments from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in regards to the Ray Rice suspension:
Goodell to owners on Rice: "My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment ...
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 28, 2014
(Goodell cont): "... , and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families. I take responsibility ..."
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 28, 2014
(Goodell cont): "both for the decision and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values. I didn’t get it right."
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 28, 2014
Roger Goodell to the owners: "These steps are based on a clear, simple principle: domestic violence and sexual assault are wrong."
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 28, 2014
In a separate memo to all personnel Goodell also outlined new educational program on domestic violence, outreach to young athletes and additional services for families. The new rules go into effect immediately.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)