Former 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald told ESPN he plans to sue the woman who has accused him of rape. McDonald has not been charged, with the Santa Clara District Attorney's office saying this month it is still reviewing the matter.
"I feel like what I am doing is the right thing because I know that I am not this bad person that people are making me out to be," McDonald told ESPN on Monday. "I've been fired from my job. I know some teams don't even want to talk to me because of this past accusation. All I am trying to do is clear my name and move on with my life."
The 49ers released McDonald in December citing "a pattern of poor decision-making."
His attorney, Steve M. DeFelippis, said in a statement that the "unresolved threat of charges being filed against him, even though factually unfounded, continues to present a roadblock to this remarkable athlete being able to move forward in his career. This lawsuit is intended to vindicate him ... and return his good name."
McDonald, 30, played in 14 games last season, recording 39 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble.