The Chicago Bears have announced that they have released defensive end Ray McDonald hours after his arrest on charges of domestic violence.

The 30-year-old was signed by the NFC North side earlier in the off-season after previously being cut by the San Francisco 49ers in December when he was named as a suspect in a sexual assault case.

McDonald had also been arrested on domestic violence charges in August 2014, but prosecutors opted against furthering the case.

The Bears admitted that they were prepared to give the 30-year-old a second chance, but after being informed of his arrest the club released the defensive tackle.

"We believe in second chances, but when we signed Ray we were very clear what our expectations were if he was to remain a Bear," general manager Ryan Pace said in a statement.

"He was not able to meet the standard and the decision was made to release him."

McDonald has recorded 210 tackles, 19.5 sacks and one interception in his eight years in the NFL.