Suspended LB Rolando McClain wants to play again, source says

[Doomsay]

FRISCO -- Cowboys officials have discussed the possibility of bringing back suspended linebacker Rolando McClain, but questions about what kind of shape he is in and how such a move would affect team chemistry cloud the chances of a reunion.
McClain is eligible to return to the Cowboys' active roster Monday, when his 10-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy will conclude.

McClain tested positive for opiates not marijuana, a drug that has plagued him in the past, earlier this year. Sources said McClain struggled with an addiction to codeine through the use of "purple drank," a slang term for a concoction that includes a prescription-strength cough syrup often mixed with Sprite.

McClain never reported to training camp and hasn't been working out at team headquarters during his suspension. Unlike with defensive end Randy Gregory, who has also been suspended since the start of the season for violating the drug policy, the Cowboys didn't even keep a locker reserved for McClain at The Star.

Behind the scenes, the Cowboys have been keeping close tabs on McClain. A source said that McClain has overcome his "purple drank" problem and has been working out on his own with the intention of playing again.

Given McClain's history, however, the Cowboys can't dismiss the possibility that another misstep is around the corner for a player who has had a tumultuous career.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones both have recently said publicly they haven't ruled out McClain returning to the roster.

Jerry Jones on Tuesday was asked on KRLD-FM if he has any updates or increased hope for McClain and rookie linebacker Jaylon Smith to contribute this season.

"I'm just going to give a 'yes' to that," Jerry Jones said, "and leave it at that.".....
http://sportsday.***BANNED-URL***/d...lain-wants-play-source-says-cowboys-want-back

 

[RS12]

dont want

 

[Doomsay]

Can't hurt to work him out.

 

[TheCoolFan]

Cowboy for life

 

[PhillyCowboysFan]

I was just going to post this article and you beat me to it.

Anyway in reading this I come to the opinion that if he is in shape he will be on the team. If not, then probably not!

 

[DTown214]

Oh wow I had no idea his suspension was already about up. If the guy comes in motivated and in-shape I don't see why we wouldn't give him a shot. We know how good he is when healthy. Have him be that other great linebacker to complement Sean Lee until Jaylon Smith is healthy next season.

 

[slick325]

Knowing how he likes to gain weight when away from football...you guys and gals think he can play RDE and provide a pass rush?

(I am joking!)

 

[Doomsday101]

It would be interesting if he even shows up next Monday. He has no interest in showing up during the off season and now that he would like to make more money he wants to play. Myself I would tell him to hit the bricks but by some chance he is given a chance I would hope Garrett sits him down and tells him what exactly is expected of him and if he can't manage that then he should be some where else. Guys on this team have worked too hard to get where they are currently to have some idiot doing his own thing when he want to.

 

[Ken]

I hope that endeavor works out for him in some other city next year.

 

[phildadon86]

It would be interesting if he even shows up next Monday. He has no interest in showing up during the off season and now that he would like to make more money he wants to play. Myself I would tell him to hit the bricks but by some chance he is given a chance I would hope Garrett sits him down and tells him what exactly is expected of him and if he can't manage that then he should be some where else. Guys on this team have worked too hard to get where they are currently to have some idiot doing his own thing when he want to.

His suspension is over after this weekend?

 

[Doomsday101]

His suspension is over after this weekend?

Yep. When a team is losing you look for any help you can find but now that is not the case and I hope any chance McClain is giving comes with very strict guild lines. If he is not here to be a full time member of this team willing to put in 100% then we do not need him and he can go try out for yet another team.

I think the guy has excellent talent when he wants to play the problem is I don't think there is a passion for the game just the money that comes with it.

 

[cowboys2233]

Can't hurt to work him out.

I see, so allowing a totally team-first guy like Romo to compete would upset the chemistry of the team, but bringing in a Purple Drank drinking linebacker, who has consistently shown that he is NOT a team-first guy wouldn't hurt a thing. Okay. See, this is the type of ridiculous logic that I'm talking about. You folks really need to get your critical-thinking skills in order.

 

[Stash]

It would be interesting if he even shows up next Monday. He has no interest in showing up during the off season and now that he would like to make more money he wants to play. Myself I would tell him to hit the bricks but by some chance he is given a chance I would hope Garrett sits him down and tells him what exactly is expected of him and if he can't manage that then he should be some where else. Guys on this team have worked too hard to get where they are currently to have some idiot doing his own thing when he want to.

I'm with you, I don't think I'd want him or the baggage he's brings back. This sounds to me like the maneuverings of a guy who wants to keep as much of his money as he can and little more.

 

[Nightman]

The question is if he passed all his tests while he was suspended.....the League can extend the suspension if he didn't meet with Doctors or get treatment

Too much drama if you ask me

 

[zrinkill]

Are we having problems at linebacker?

We need DE help and DB help ..... line backer is a strongpoint.

 

[Idgit]

Flush that turd.

 

[Doomsday101]

I'm with you, I don't think I'd want him or the baggage he's brings back. This sounds to me like the maneuverings of a guy who wants to keep as much of his money as he can and little more.

True. It truly is sad to see a person with the talent he has to waste it. But you can't make a person have passion for the game. It just does not seem to be that important to him. That is why I came down on him when he was missing mini camps and all I heard was yeah but it is voluntary as if that is an excuse not to show. All other players managed to be there but then we have some guys who truly love the game and understand that it is the work you put in that give you a chance to compete. I was not buying into the my kids thing, if he wanted to be with his teammates he could have

 

[knightrider94]

I think the guy has excellent talent when he wants to play the problem is I don't think there is a passion for the game just the money that comes with it.

Bingo. I used to be a big supporter, but now I think we need to move on-- and this is coming from someone who is always worried about our defense being exposed.

 

[slick325]

Who do they release to make room for Ro McClain should they want him back?

 

[Hawkeye19]

We are thin at LBer. If Ro is in shape and wants to play-- I am for working him out. We have kept him around this long-- might as well see what we have in him. He can be a bridge player until Jaylon is ready next year.

This D always played with more physicality when he was in the game. He also has a knack for making big plays. It has always come down to how badly he wants to play football and how motivated he is. If he's "all in" and wants to contribute, I think he can help us improve.

If we were going to cut him-- the time to do that was when he got suspended. We've left this door open, and we have made a policy of sticking by players who have substance abuse issues. I'm not saying that's right by the way-- just acknowledging that is what the philosophy of our FO is.