McDonald faces discipline if charged

If charges are ever filed against San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ray McDonald on an alleged assault of his fiancee, the team is prepared to discipline McDonald with a suspension or termination of contract, according to league sources.

However, as of Friday, that remains a significant "if." The Santa Clara County District Attorney's office announced a postponement of Monday's scheduled court hearing related to the alleged Aug. 31 incident that resulted in McDonald's arrest.

The DA's office said no new court date will be scheduled until and unless charges are filed as the investigation continues.

McDonald takes the field again Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, his fourth start since the incident. Team president Jed York and general manager Trent Baalke have been steadfast in their position that due process will be honored in McDonald's case.

Due process does not mean carte blanche for McDonald, a league source said. If any damaging information or facts are documented by the investigation and charges are filed, the 49ers would immediately re-visit their position.

The key will be the specific information uncovered by police and how the DA views the case, the league source said. Under a hypothetical scenario in which McDonald would be charged, the level of discipline will be triggered by the findings, the sources said, and the team would not necessarily wait on a conviction.

San Francisco has remained in communication with the NFL concerning the matter.