The Bears organization was hosed down with criticism after the signing of Ray McDonald in March given the defensive tackle’s background that include domestic violence incidents. The ridicule went super-nova in May when McDonald was involved in another episode, whereupon the Bears released him.
At the time of the signing, Chairman George McCaskey detailed the vetting process. The decision was made to give McDonald another chance, which he squandered.
The decision also was made with considerable weight given to the positive recommendation of Vic Fangio, now the Bears’ defensive coordinator but previously McDonald’s coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers.