Ray McDonald released by 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Wednesday that defensive tackle Ray McDonald has been released, effectively immediately. General manager Trent Baalke spoke to the media and said the decision came as a result of McDonald's pattern of behavior. He said he met with Jed York, and then head coach Jim Harbaugh, and this decision has been made.

The pattern would cover this incident as well as his arrest for domestic violence in August. It is possible they also factored in the May police visits to his home. Baalke said the team put together some criteria in order to stay in good standing with the team, and this latest allegation was one too many. He said this is not about guilt or innocence in this particular situation, but rather a pattern. The team has said it will no longer be tolerated, and so his contract comes to an end. Baalke spoke with McDonald and his agent over the phone at 11:30 this morning.

I need to get final clarification, but as I understand it, the team would be looking at $4,609,971 in dead money, and $1,866,014 in cap savings, according to Joel Corry.. I took that from "pre-June 1" for 2015. I thought it might be "post-June 1" for 2014, which would be $2,275,985 in dead money and $955,000 in cap savings. I'll try and clarify the specifics.

Fooch's Note: Site decorum is off