Greeson: McDonald situation could haunt NFL

In this Sept. 7, 2014, file photo, San Francisco 49ers' Ray McDonald sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. Northern California authorities are investigating 49ers defensive lineman Ray McDonald on suspicion of sexual assault. San Jose Police Department Sgt. Heather Randol said Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, that detectives searched McDonald's San Jose home. In this Sept. 7, 2014, file photo, San Francisco 49ers' Ray McDonald sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. Northern California authorities are investigating 49ers defensive lineman Ray McDonald on suspicion of sexual assault. San Jose Police Department Sgt. Heather Randol said Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, that detectives searched McDonald's San Jose home.

By Jay Greeson May 27, 2015 4 min read

Early Monday morning, former San Francisco 49ers and now former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Ray McDonald was arrested on domestic assault and child endangerment.

It was a Memorial Day moment that likely will be forever memorable for the National Football League and its future trajectory.

McDonald, who was charged with hitting a woman who was holding a baby, now is the face of the NFL’s biggest problem.

Forget extra points or Tom Brady’s level of involvement in DeflateGate. Domestic crimes and the fallout from that have to be front and center for the league and its players.

Yes, this is a legal issue, but for the NFL — the king daddy of popular culture at the moment — perception and public opinion are top priorities.