Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is not happy with Rolando McClain for getting suspended 10 games, but he will not cut the linebacker.
McClain was suspended earlier this year by the NFL for violating the league’s Substance of Abuse Policy. He received 10 games because of his previous suspensions.
Speaking on this issue, Jones expressed his frustration over McClain’s suspension but also maintained a positive outlook for the future, as is his wont.
“Disappointed is the word,” Jones said, via Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram. “It is a recognition that these dependency issues are a difficult thing to address. We are proud of everything that we’ve gotten from Rolando. His aptitude as a football player is almost unsurpassed as one of the best that I’ve seen. We all say it’s such a waste, but with us, knowing him, we’ve got the best that he’s done in pro football.”
Always a member of the “glass half full” club, Jones wants to ensure McClain does not fall into the abyss. But even he must admit that the linebacker has personal issues that are making it almost impossible for him to realize his immense potential as a football player.
After a stellar college career at Alabama where he was recognized as the best linebacker in the nation as a junior in 2009, McClain’s NFL career has been riddled with off-field issues. He was previously arrested in 2011 for an incident that involved him firing a weapon and was arrested in 2013 for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Appearing in 24 games for the Cowboys the past two seasons, McClain has tallied 161 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and three interceptions.