Report: Former San Francisco mayor says 'bench Ray McDonald'

Former San Francisco mayor and now California lieutenant governor Gavin Newsome and his wife released a statement hours before the Niners played their home opener against the Bears on Sunday, calling on the team to bench embattled defensive end Ray McDonald, according to multiple media reports including NBC Sports.

Former San Francisco mayor and now California lieutenant governor Gavin Newsome and his wife released a statement hours before the Niners played their home opener against the Bears on Sunday, calling on the team to bench embattled defensive end Ray McDonald, according to multiple media reports including NBC Sports.

McDonald, 30,  is the subject of a felony domestic violence investigation by San Jose law enforcement. He was accused in August of hitting his pregnant fiancée. The Niners have allowed him to play, citing his right to to a fair trial and the team will not pass judgment or take action against him until the investigation is complete. 

More from Newsome in the report:

"In light of the increased public awareness of this issue in the wake of the horrific Ray Rice assault and today’s decision by the Carolina Panthers to deactivate Greg Hardy, we strongly urge the 49er organization we grew up revering to do the right thing — right now — and bench Ray McDonald, pending the outcome of his felony domestic violence investigation by San Jose law enforcement.”

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- Marc Weinreich