Santa Clara County prosecutors are leaning against charging Ray McDonald with domestic violence in connection with his widely publicized arrest on suspicion of roughing up his pregnant fiancee, sources familiar with the case said Thursday.

McDonald's supporters have long insisted that the defensive end is a gentle giant who was merely putting up mild resistance Aug. 31 to ward off a physical attack by his fiancee. In late May, the woman grabbed a gun during an argument the couple had and left the house when McDonald threatened to call police. Officers responded to the call, but no arrests were made.