49ers defensive end Ray McDonald was pulled over early Wednesday morning for an apparent traffic violation. Not a huge deal.
Once the police spoke with McDonald and inspected his record, they arrested him because of an outstanding warrant stemming from a 2010 arrest for driving under the influence. Bigger deal.
McDonald was released from jail later Wednesday morning and no other charges were filed, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury-News. Police said McDonald was cooperative.
McDonald had perhaps his best season in 2011 after signing a five-year contract to stay with the 49ers. He’s the second 49ers defender to be arrested in the last two weeks. Aldon Smith was arrested on January 28 for suspicion of driving under the influence in Miami.
Since this is McDonald’s second arrest, he risks punishment from the league as a repeat offender of league policies.