Golden Nuggets: Ray McDonald released as Jim Harbaugh receives a big offer from Michigan

Good Morning everyone. The past month hasn't been a fun one for 49er fans and it got worse on Wednesday. Early in the day, we received reports that a judge had approved a search warrant to search Ray McDonald's home in regards to a sexual assault allegation. As if on cue, the 49ers promptly released Ray McDonald a little later with Trent Baalke citing a history of poor decisions. I know some will question why the 49ers didn't wait for due process to play out a second time, but for me, that excuse wears thin when this is your second incident of this nature in the same season.

As if that wasn't bad enough, we received word a little later that the University of Michigan had officially offered Jim Harbaugh a six year, 48 million dollar offer to coach their football team. I think most of us have come to the realization that Jim Harbaugh will be leaving the 49ers. But actually seeing an offer out there, and to a college team who has no draft picks to send in compensation is a tough pill to swallow.

This will be the first time since 2010 that the 49ers will miss the playoffs. That sucks hard enough without bad news like we saw yesterday. At the very least, this off season might be a little more interesting than in years past. We are set to see a lot of change in this team, and having a mid first round pick will lead to some fun draft speculation. Now lets get to those links.

Report: Jim Harbaugh offered contract by Michigan (Gin)

Report: Michigan makes Harbaugh six-year, $48 million offer (Branch)

Why I don’t believe Harbaugh will coach the Michigan Wolverines (anytime soon) (BASG)

Due process, released: McDonald incidents display 49ers’ (and fans’) priorities (BASG)

Report: 49ers release Ray McDonald (Gin)

Purdy: Where 49ers went wrong with Ray McDonald (Purdy)

The 49ers’ Ray McDonald hypocrisy: They protected him before, they release him now–what do they really believe in? (Kawakami)

Teammates discuss Ray McDonald’s release, which came two weeks after Jed York’s team address (Inman)

Despite series of incidents, McDonald respected in locker room (Branch)

49ers quickly release Ray McDonald after new criminal investigation (Barrows)

Ray McDonald’s release adds more flux to 49ers’ defense (Barrows)

Kaepernick: You have to abide by high standard (Maiocco)

Trent Baalke transcript (Cohn)

Colin Kaepernick transcript (Cohn)

Report: 49ers sign RB Tanner; place TE Celek on Injured reserve (Gin)

Hyde: It'll take a miracle to play Saturday vs. Chargers (Maiocco)

49ers injury report: Nine kept out of practice (Maiocco)

Aldon Smith reacts to possibility Justin Smith will retire (Maiocco)

49ers injury report: Frank Gore, Carlos Hyde sit out (ESPN)

Niners shunned in Pro Bowl popularity contest (fan voting) (Inman)