Chicago Bears Release Ray McDonald

The Bears have released Ray McDonald after the defensive lineman was arrested earlier Monday in California on suspicion of domestic violence and child endangerment. According to Santa Clara police, McDonald was arrested at approximately 7 a.m. local time Monday after officers said he "physically assaulted the victim while she was holding a baby."

The Bears signed McDonald to a one-year contract in late March knowing it was a gamble given his history of legal issues during his time with the San Francisco 49ers. After initially hesitating, team chairman George McCaskey ultimately allowed general manager Ryan Pace to sign McDonald after the veteran defensive lineman flew to Chicago to meet with Bears management.

"We believe in second chances, but when we signed Ray, we were very clear what our expectations were if he was to remain a Bear," Pace said in a statement released Monday afternoon. "He was not able to meet the standard and the decision was made to release him."

McDonald's attorney, Steve Defilippis, told ESPN's Josina Anderson that the Bears were too hasty in releasing him.

"The bottom line is I think Chicago is moving too fast on this," he said. "They have absolutely no information at this point. They should be waiting to hear what the real facts are."

McDonald's deal with the Bears was worth $1.05 million but included no guaranteed money. Police were called to an apartment in Santa Clara, California, at 3:48 a.m. Monday but discovered McDonald had left. He was later found at a home in San Jose.