Ray McDonald, Ahmad Brooks: NFL Players Charged In Sexual Assault Case
Ray McDonald and Ahmad Brooks were both indicted in the sexual assault of the same woman. The NFL players are accused of assaulting the alleged victim during a December, 2014, party — which was held at McDonald’s San Jose, California, home.
According to a civil lawsuit, which was filed in May, the unnamed woman was unconscious when the assault occurred.
As reported by USA Today, the alleged victim met McDonald at a San Jose bar. At some point during the evening, she agreed to accompany the NFL player back to his home — where he planned to host a party.
Although the specific details are unclear, the woman said she fell and hit her head on the deck surrounding McDonald’s hot tub. As she was knocked unconscious, the alleged victim said she “remembered nothing else until she woke up the next day in McDonald’s bed.”
According to witness reports, “McDonald initially thought she was dead but did not call 911, telling others he didn’t want a dead female found on his property.”
Although her mental and physically capacity were in question, Ray McDonald and Ahmad Brooks reportedly assaulted the unconscious woman.
Witnesses said Brooks began fondled the woman while she was still downstairs. McDonald then proceeded to carry the alleged victim to his upstairs bedroom — where she was reportedly raped.
49ers Ahmad Brooks And Former Teammate Ray McDonald Facing Charges From Same Woman – http://t.co/yQFjrdjXwS pic.twitter.com/2jqGpaTBcB
— Boyce Watkins (@drboycewatkins1) August 27, 2015
As reported by Daily Mail, Ray McDonald and Ahmad Brooks vehemently deny the accusations. Although McDonald admits having sexual contact with the unnamed woman, he insists it was consensual.
On Wednesday, McDonald was indicted on one charge of “raping an intoxicated person.” As the crime is classified as a felony, the NFL player will face a maximum sentence of eight years in prison. If convicted, he will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Santa Clara County prosecutors also confirmed Ahmad Brooks was charged with misdemeanor sexual battery. If convicted, he is facing a maximum of six months in prison. He could also be forced to register as a sex offender.
It is unclear how the criminal charges will affect Ray McDonald and Ahmad Brooks’ careers with the NFL. In response to the battery charge, San Francisco 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke said “Ahmad is returning home to California and will not participate in Saturday’s game.”
McDonald was released from the San Francisco 49ers in December. However, he was later signed by the Chicago Bears. He was released by the Bears five months later amid accusations of domestic violence.
As reported by Mercury News, McDonald is accused of physically assaulting his former fiancée while she held their baby in her arms.
Ray McDonald and Ahmad Brooks are both expected to appear in court in September. Although they deny the sexual assault accusations, authorities believe they have enough evidence to secure a conviction.
[Images via Christian Petersen / Getty Images and Brian Bahr / Getty Images]
