SANTA CLARA – For the second time in two weeks, a 49ers defensive end spent the early-morning hours in jail.
Ray McDonald, the team's starting left defensive end, was pulled over in Sunnyvale and arrested Wednesday morning on an outstanding warrant. The warrant was related to a driving-under-the-influence charge in June 2010, during which McDonald was pulled over for driving 94 mph in a 65-mph zone, according to a San Mateo County District Attorney's Office spokeswoman.
McDonald pleaded no contest to drunken driving in December 2010 and was put on probation and required to complete a first offender's class that anyone convicted of DUI must take. He either failed to complete that class or failed to supply proof he had completed the class, the spokeswoman said, and a warrant was issued Aug. 9 for his arrest in the amount of $7,500.
McDonald was released at around 7 a.m., according to the San Jose Mercury News.
The 49ers on Wednesday issued a statement saying they "are aware of the recent matter involving Ray McDonald. We are gathering the relevant facts and monitoring the developments closely."
McDonald's arrest follows another involving rookie Aldon Smith, who was pulled over on suspicion of drunken driving in Miami Beach last month. Smith, according to police, was swerving in and out of lanes and registered .194 and .175 on two Breath-alyzer tests. He was charged and released after posting a $1,000 bond.
Smith and McDonald were key pieces in the 49ers' relentless defense this past season. McDonald signed a five-year, $20 million contract before the season and was a starter opposite Justin Smith.
McDonald finished with 39 tackles, 51/2 sacks and two forced fumbles. Aldon Smith ended the regular season with 14 sacks – a 49ers rookie record – and was second to Denver's Von Miller in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
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