49ers' McDonald arrested for domestic violence

San Jose, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald was arrested early Sunday morning on felony charges of domestic violence.

McDonald was booked in Santa Clara County jail at 5:30 a.m. PT for "inflicting injury on a spouse or cohabitant," according to the Santa Clara Department of Corrections. The eighth-year veteran was later released from custody after posting bail.

The Sacramento Bee reported that McDonald was involved in an altercation with his pregnant fiancee while having a birthday party at his home. According to the paper, the woman showed police bruising on her neck and arms when the officers arrived and McDonald was subsequently arrested.

This news comes days after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell instituted harsher penalties for players and league personnel over domestic violence offenses, a response to criticism over the two-game suspension he handed Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice for an altercation with his now-wife in a New Jersey casino back in February.

The revamped policy calls for a six-week suspension for a first offense while a second offense will result in a lifetime ban. McDonald could face a more severe first-time punishment, however, because the alleged victim is pregnant.

McDonald, who turns 30 on Tuesday, has started 45 games for San Francisco over the last three seasons.