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49ers CEO Jed York: Won't punish Ray McDonald without more evidence

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In his first public comments since Ray McDonald was arrested on felony domestic violence charges, 49ers CEO Jed York said he will not punish the defensive lineman without more evidence of wrongdoing.

Yorks comments, which he made in a radio interview, were transcribed by the San Jose Mercury News:

“I will not punish somebody until we see evidence something should be done or until an entire police investigation shows us something,” York said on KNBR 680-AM in explaining why the 49ers allowed McDonald to play in Sunday’s season-opening win at Dallas.

Last week Harbaugh announced that McDonald would play in Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

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“We’ve been pretty clear on that,” Harbaugh said when asked why McDonald will play. “Two principles are woven together here. I just feel like the way the facts are, and what’s known, he has the liberty to play in the game.”

McDonald started Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys and played more snaps than any other 49ers defensive lineman.

The McDonald case surfaced amid public uproar over the NFL's handling of Ray Rice's alleged assault. A few days before McDonald's arrest was reported, the league announced a harsher domestic violence policy.

The 49ers host the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Complete Ray Rice Coverage

- Chris Johnson