Former 49ers star McDonald set to file defamation suit

SAN JOSE (KTVU) – His professional football career in limbo, former San Francisco 49ers star Ray McDonald plans to file a defamation lawsuit on Monday against the woman who claimed she was sexually assaulted inside his San Jose home, according to his attorney.

In a news release, McDonald's attorney Steve DeFilippis said that he doesn't expect Santa Clara County prosecutors to file any charges against the veteran defensive lineman but the continued uncertainty has stalled McDonald's effort to sign with another team.

As soon as the investigation surfaced in December, the 49ers released McDonald.

"In the eyes of the NFL teams, the unresolved threat of charges being filed against him, even though factually unfounded, continues to present a roadblock to this remarkable athlete being able to move forward in his career," DeFilippis' release said. "This lawsuit is intended to vindicate him."

In the lawsuit, McDonald claims the woman is seeking to exploit a wave of similar incidents involving NFL players that have surfaced over the last couple years.

It claims that the sex was consensual and mentioned there was video evidence from McDonald's home to support the claim.

McDonald does not specify the amount of general and punitive damages he wants and his attorney said the lawsuit was filed to clear his name.