A group of Bay Area domestic violence support groups "reached out" to the 49ers in October, two months after the arrest of former DE Ray McDonald, but "have not heard back," according to Ann Killion of the S.F. CHRONICLE. In a letter to 49ers CEO Jed York, the support groups "requested a meeting and offered their services and expertise." S.F. Domestic Violence Consortium Exec Dir Beverly Upton said, “We never got any response. ... It’s disappointing.” Killion notes the 49ers now are "dealing with yet another incident," as FB Bruce Miller was arrested March 5 on suspicion of spousal battery. The 49ers said that the club is "working on a strategy." 49ers Dir of Communications Bob Lange said, “I anticipate that in the coming weeks we will publicly share some information regarding the protocols, programs and partnerships that we have been putting in place over the last six months, as well as the long-standing programs already in place.” Futures Without Violence is "working with the 49ers on a program." But FWV Senior VP Rachael Smith Fals described the program "as 'limited' in scope." Next Door Solutions Exec Dir Kathleen Krenek, a member of the Santa Clara County consortium that co-authored the letter to York, said of the 49ers' response, “This is their opportunity to change their image, rather than pushing it under the carpet. To say, 'We take it seriously, we’ve learned some lessons and built some connections.’ That would be powerful. But they've come out with nothing” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 3/15). Meanwhile, in San Jose, Tracy Kaplan reports the now-free agent McDonald, "determined to clear his name of rape allegations and resume his stalled football career," today is set to sue the woman who accused him, "claiming she defamed him and intentionally interfered with his livelihood" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 3/16).
LOOKING FOR ACTION: In San Jose, Tim Kawakami noted York and GM Trent Baalke avoided reporters last Tuesday at LB Patrick Willis' retirement press conference "because they couldn't meet Willis' standard of clarity, honesty and sincerity." Kawakami: "Not now or, apparently, ever." York "should and must say something or do something, and it can't be vague, evasive or cryptic." York "should be the leader he thinks he is." He "should be the executive his fans hope he is." York "should say that the 49ers won't tolerate domestic violence by any employees, players included, then he should follow that up with action." He "should put Miller on paid suspension while the investigation is ongoing, which is what the 49ers didn't do" with McDonald. Kawakami: "Be clear. Be decisive. Be out in front" (
SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 3/11).
