Aug. 27--San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks has been charged by the Santa Clara District Attorney with misdemeanor sexual battery related to a December incident involving a woman and former teammate Ray McDonald.
The district attorney announced Wednesday that McDonald had been indicted on one count of raping an intoxicated person.
Both players' charges are related to the assault of the same woman on Dec. 14 at McDonald's home, according to the district attorney.
"The organization is aware that a misdemeanor charge has been filed against Ahmad Brooks stemming from a December 2014 matter," 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke said in a statement according to NFL.com. "We take any charge against a member of this organization seriously and are in communication with the NFL. Ahmad is returning home to California and will not participate in Saturday's game."
Brooks, 31, led the 49ers with six sacks last season and had another 30 tackles in 13 games. If convicted, Brooks could be sentenced to up to six months in jail.
The charges against Brooks represent more trouble for the 49ers, which recently released linebacker Aldon Smith last month following a string of arrests over the last two years.
San Francisco lost promising young linebacker Chris Borland, 24, to early retirement along with linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive end Justin Smith. The 49ers' offense will also be without right tackle Anthony Davis, who announced in June he too be stepping away from football.
McDonald, 31, is a free agent after being cut by the 49ers three days after the alleged incident took place and subsequently released by the Chicago Bears.
McDonald, who had previously been investigated by police for allegations of domestic violence, could face up to eight years in prison.
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