News: DMN: George: Why Rolando McClain missing OTAs is a bigger deal than you think

[texbumthelife]

When a players poor play and plays taken off begin to outweigh the good plays he makes, that's when it's time to move on. For me, that was 2015. He still showed flashes here and there, but he seemed to check out far more often than he did even in 2014. It's remarkable to me that this team was ok trotting out what they did last year at backup QB, but for some reason they're unwilling to cut the fat at MLB and move on.

 

[texbumthelife]

Interesting perspective. It sounds reasonable.

As another poster said, that's not how the testing program works. The NFL lets you know when you will be tested. If you do not show up, it's counted as a failed test.

 

[erod]

The Cowboys are dependent on a player they can't depend on.

Contemplate that for a second.

 

[perrykemp]

The Cowboys are dependent on a player they can't depend on.

Contemplate that for a second.

But he's a "special" player. He's a NFL linebacker who, despite his numerous gifts, has cracked the 100 tackle mark exactly zero times in the 6 years he's been in the NFL.

This will be his 7th season. Maybe this year is the year

 

[Idgit]

He can't be at OTA's because he has kids he'd rather spend time with?

Nice sentiment from Jerry but it's really hard to not read that as anything else other than the ultimate exercise in enablement.

Not a fan of McClain's, but this is pretty much what I expected. You could tell by the way the team acted there was an understanding in place. And this is about as good a reason to miss a voluntary camp as any.

I don't have a problem with them making an exception for a special player to miss voluntary practices if it was a condition of signing him in the first place. He'd already proven he was willing to walk away from the sport once. If he misses mandatory practices, excused or not, that's the point where I'd have a bigger issue with it.

I just wish he'd come to camp in shape and not fat. So he could stay healthy during the time when he is contractually required to be here.

 

[AsthmaField]

Yup.

We deal with this because he is the best option right now.

When he is motivated and in shape, he is one of the better MLB in the game.

It's just how it goes sometimes.

And allowing him to be with his kids during voluntary workouts does two things:

1. Allows Dallas to get him cheaper than they would if he didn't want that special consideration.

and

2. Probably keeps Ro wanting to play in Dallas as opposed to other teams where they might not want him doing that (see him spurning New England last offseason). Which, of course goes back to #1 and allows the Cowboys to pay him less than he might make elsewhere.

I'm a little torn on this because I was raised to not want special treatment. I never wanted to look at my team mates and have them thinking that I get things they don't.

On the other hand, the other players are probably thinking, "I could only get one year deals from the team that is well below my market value and skip voluntary workouts, too. Um, no thanks." So, I don't think it necessarily breeds any discontent among the players.

All in all, I wish Ro was in Dallas like everyone else but it is a small thing really and not worth the angst that people have about it.

 

[AsthmaField]

But he's a "special" player. He's a NFL linebacker who, despite his numerous gifts, has cracked the 100 tackle mark exactly zero times in the 6 years he's been in the NFL.

This will be his 7th season. Maybe this year is the year

If Clay Matthews can make it to OTA's and still have time to condition his golden locks, then I don't know why Ro can't make it.

 

[DandyDon52]

These are "voluntary" ota's lol you guys do understand "voluntary" ??
If everybody has to be there, they wouldnt be voluntary now would they?

It is mainly for rookies, new guys, and guys trying to make the team.
If Ro was there , he wouldnt be doing much. I doubt any of the veterans do much.

He has the next 3 months to get in shape and practice etc,

 

[tyke1doe]

As another poster said, that's not how the testing program works. The NFL lets you know when you will be tested. If you do not show up, it's counted as a failed test.

Thanks for setting me skraight.