49ers Coach Harbaugh Avoids Comment On Ray Rice Beating Video, Effect On Ray McDonald Case

SANTA CLARA (CBS SF) -- The San Francisco 49ers are refusing to draw any parallels between former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice – cut from the team Monday after release of a disturbing video showing him knocking his then-fiancée unconscious – and 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald, who was arrested last week on domestic violence charges.

At his press conference Monday, Harbaugh was asked whether the Rice case could set a precedent for how the team will proceed in McDonald's case. But Harbaugh would not comment directly, referring to his and General Manager Trent Baalke's previous comments on letting the legal process play out before making a decision.

"We've been pretty … we've been very clear actually what principles are at play here," said Harbaugh. "Don't know how we can be more clear."

Rice was released from the Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the National Football League Monday after a video surfaced of him punching his fiancée inside an elevator, a video that had previously not been seen publicly.

Previously, Rice was suspended two games by the NFL, a decision that was widely derided in light of longer suspensions for drug or marijuana use.

49ers linebacker Aldon Smith is serving a nine-game suspension for repeated violations of the league's personal conduct policy.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted he "didn't get it right" on the issue of Rice's suspension, and the league later sharply increased the punishment for domestic violence.

Days later, McDonald's was arrested for alleged domestic violence after his pregnant wife reportedly told police she was left with bruises after a fight with McDonald the night of his birthday party at the couple's home in San Jose, a party attended by several teammates.

Prosecutors have not charged McDonald with a crime and the defensive end played in the team's season-opening win against Dallas on Sunday.