The never-ending saga of Rolando McClain’s off-field issues seem to be continuing in an Alabama courtroom this week. The newly signed Dallas Cowboys linebacker was sentenced to 18 days in jail stemming from charges of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct back in 2013. His lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, filed an immediate appeal. This means that McClain will be able to avoid jail and report to Cowboys training camp until the appeal is heard.
If you remember correctly, McClain retired from the Baltimore Ravens last offseason in order to get his off-field issues out of the way and attend classes at Alabama. The incident in which McClain was sentenced on took place just weeks after Baltimore signed him last April.
After sitting out the entire 2013 season, McClain was traded to the Cowboys earlier this month, where he may be relied on to make an impact with Sean Lee out for the season.
McClain had this to say about the situation (via CBS Sports).
I appreciate the people who continue to support me, and I’ll continue to get my life on track and I’m already making the right decisions,” McClain said. “This is just another bump in the road. I’m eager to get back to work with the rest of the team.
If the verdict is not overturned, it remains to be seen how it will impact McClain’s ability to play for the Cowboys in 2014. He could either be directed to serve the jail time immediately or the courts could agree to have him serve the 18 days during the week or in the offseason.
McClain’s off-field exploits were one of the primary reasons that he was released by the Oakland Raiders, who drafted him with the eighth overall pick back in 2010.
Photo: USA Today