SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Citing a pattern of behavior and off-field issues, San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke informed defensive lineman Ray McDonald that he was released Wednesday amid a sexual assault investigation by San Jose police.

Baalke spoke with McDonald and his agent by phone around 11:30 a.m. PST to let them know the defender is “terminated”

“After the recent allegations concerning Ray McDonald, we as an organization notified him and his agent that he will be terminated, released immediately, effective immediately,” Baalke said. “While this organization has a strong belief in due process and has demonstrated that over time, Ray’s demonstrated a pattern of poor decision-making that has led to multiple distractions to this organization and this football team that really can no longer be tolerated.”

Baalke said CEO Jed York and coach Jim Harbaugh also were involved in the decision.

“We expect a lot from our players, hold them accountable for their actions,” Baalke said. “This is a situation that we can all learn from.”

Baalke said the 49ers notified the NFL of the allegations against McDonald, saying: “This is a team decision. This is not a league decision.”

San Jose police Sgt. Heather Randol said Wednesday that the department is investigating McDonald on suspicion of sexual assault and had searched his San Jose home.

Randol said an area hospital notified police late Tuesday night that a woman was seeking treatment.

No arrests have been made nor charges filed.