2 BITS: McDonald arrested; Patton, Demps signed

1 » San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ray McDonald, a seven-year NFL veteran who just last week restructured his contract, was arrested early Sunday on suspicion of felony domestic violence. According to NBC Bay Area reporter Damian Trujillo, who broke the story on Twitter, the San Jose Police Department confirmed McDonald was arrested at approximately 2:45 a.m. when officers were called to a residence. Trujillo, citing sources, further reports that the alleged domestic violence victim is pregnant. This is the second time in his professional career that McDonald has been arrested for a felony; he was first popped for driving under the influence in 2010.

Three days ago, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced harsher penalties for players and league employees involved in domestic violence or sexual assault incidents. A six-game suspension will be handed down to first offenders with a second violation resulting in an indefinite suspension that could on appeal last at least one season but may potentially be a lifetime ban. McDonald will be the first player testing these rules, though it is not known when or how the league will choose to hand down these penalties. With Goodell and the league under so much scrutiny following the seemingly slap-on-a-wrist two-game suspension dealt to running back Ray Rice, there is more pressure than ever for the NFL to act swiftly in these situations.

2 » Wide receiver Solomon Patton and running back Jeff Demps were two of three former Florida Gators players cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. Both players have since cleared waivers and will now be signed to the team’s practice squad, according to Tampa Tribune beat writer Roy Cummings. Safety Major Wright, also cut by the Bucs, was one of four other Gators that received their walking papers on Saturday. The others included offensive linemen Jon Halapio (New England) and Maurice Hurt (Washington) and defensive end Justin Trattou (Minnesota).