49ERS
McDonald released
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Citing a pattern of behavior and off-field issues, San Francisco 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke informed defensive lineman Ray McDonald that he was released Wednesday amid a sexual assault investigation by San Jose police.
Baalke spoke with McDonald and his agent by phone around 1:30 p.m. Central time to let them know the defender was "terminated."
"After the recent allegations concerning Ray McDonald, we as an organization notified him and his agent that he will be terminated, released immediately, effective immediately," Baalke said. "While this organization has a strong belief in due process and has demonstrated that over time, Ray's demonstrated a pattern of poor decision-making that has led to multiple distractions to this organization and this football team that really can no longer be tolerated."
Baalke said CEO Jed York and Coach Jim Harbaugh also were involved in the decision.
"We expect a lot from our players, hold them accountable for their actions," Baalke said. "This is a situation that we can all learn from."
Baalke said the 49ers notified the NFL of the allegations against McDonald, saying: "This is a team decision. This is not a league decision."
San Jose police Sgt. Heather Randol said Wednesday that the department is investigating McDonald on suspicion of sexual assault and had searched his San Jose home.
Randol said an area hospital notified police late Tuesday night that a woman was seeking treatment.
"The victim alleged she was possibly sexually assaulted a day prior," Randol said. "Based on preliminary investigation, detectives secured a search warrant and served it at the alleged suspect's residence in San Jose."
Randol didn't immediately respond to follow-up questions seeking to clarify the reference to the alleged victim saying she was "possibly" sexually assaulted.
No arrests have been made and no charges have been filed. McDonald's agent, Tom Condon, didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.
McDonald's mother, Labrina McDonald, told the San Jose Mercury News the allegation was "laughable" and not true.
She said her son warned her not to talk to the media, but she told the paper that "there's no truth to that stuff."
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league is "looking into" the case.
McDonald received a five-year contract in July 2011 and he was one of the top players Baalke had wanted to bring back long term.
BRONCOS
Bush promoted to active roster
DENVER -- The Denver Broncos have promoted safety Josh Bush to their 53-man roster and replaced him on the practice squad with guard Jon Halapio.
The Broncos had an open spot on their roster after putting linebacker Danny Trevathan (knee) on injured reserve and waiving tight end Dominique Jones.
Bush had been on Denver's practice squad for a month. He's a third-year pro who's appeared in 35 games with the New York Jets from 2012-14 after the Jets selected him in the sixth round out of Wake Forest.
Halapio is a rookie from Florida who was with the Patriots during the preseason after New England selected him in the sixth round of this year's draft.
CHARGERS
Rivers held out
SAN DIEGO -- Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers didn't practice Wednesday, although he participated in a morning walkthrough and said he expects to play against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night when the Chargers try to keep alive their playoff hopes.
"At this point in the week I have no doubt" about playing against the 49ers, Rivers said.
"I expect him to play," Coach Mike McCoy said.
Neither Rivers nor McCoy would come out and say the move was to give Rivers some rest, but Rivers at least hinted it was.
"I hate not practicing but at some point you've got to do what's best for me and the team. Practicing today just wouldn't have been beneficial moving toward Saturday," Rivers said.
The quarterback is listed as having chest and back injuries, although the team hasn't said what the specific injuries are.
Asked if it could be termed a maintenance day, he said: "Sure. Sounds good."
Rivers said he had a say in the decision that he wouldn't practice Wednesday.
TITANS
McCluster out
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans running back Dexter McCluster won't play today at Jacksonville because of a knee injury.
McCluster was ruled out for the Jaguars game in an injury report released Wednesday. Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger has a sprained right shoulder and is listed as doubtful, with Charlie Whitehurst expected to start in his place. Offensive tackle Taylor Lewan also is doubtful because of an ankle injury that already has sidelined him for three games.
Linebacker Zaviar Gooden (hamstring), offensive tackle Byron Stingily (ankle), tight end Delanie Walker (knee), defensive end Kamerion Wimbley (hamstring) and wide receiver Kendall Wright (hand) are questionable. Safety Daimion Stafford (concussion) is probable.
Sports on 12/18/2014