The National Football League surely is dropping some news on us in the lead up to the holiday weekend. Just minutes after it announced that New York Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson was suspended four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, the NFL announced that Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain was suspended for four games for the same violation.
It’s not yet known what McClain tested positive for, but he did release a statement shortly after the announcement (via NFL Players Association):
“I apologize to my family, the Cowboys organization, my teammates and Cowboys fans for my mistake. I will not break the rules of my profession in the future, and I regret my error. I look forward to returning to the field on week 5, when I hope to help my team beat the Patriots.”
McClain has a history of off-field issues that date back to his days with the Oakland Raiders, who selected him eighth overall in the 2010 NFL draft.
The linebacker has previously served time in jail for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct stemming from an incident when he was a member of the Baltimore Ravens back in 2013.
McClain started 12 games and recorded 87 tackles in his first season with the Cowboys last year.
Photo: USA Today Sports