NFL lifts indefinite suspension of former first-round pick Rolando McClain

Free agent linebacker Rolando McClain had his indefinite suspension lifted by the NFL Wednesday, per Field Yates of ESPN.

McClain, 34, was previously suspended indefinitely from 2016-19 for violating the league’s Program and Policy for Substances of Abuse. Following a brief reinstatement, McClain was once again suspended indefinitely in December 2019. McClain is now available to sign with any NFL team.

McClain, the former Alabama standout, was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. He appeared in 41 games (38 starts) across three seasons, recording 246 tackles (173 solo), 6.5 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. McClain was arrested three times between Dec. 1, 2011, and April 21, 2013, and retired before the 2013 campaign began.

Rolando McClain free to get another shot in the NFL

He came out of retirement in 2014, signing with the Dallas Cowboys. In 13 games (12 starts) that season, he compiled 81 tackles (65 solo), one sack, two interceptions and one forced fumble. McClain helped lead the Cowboys to an NFC East title. He also finished second in the voting for the AP Comeback Player of the Year Award. McClain was a finalist for the George Halas Award. The award is presented annually to the NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.

McClain served a four-game suspension to start the 2015 season for once again violating the Program and Policy for Substances of Abuse. The NFL suspended him for the first 10 games of the 2016 season for another violation of the policy and then suspended him indefinitely after he failed another drug test midway through the season. The Cowboys released him when his reinstatement became official in September 2019. He last appeared in an NFL game on Jan. 3, 2016.

McClain was a highly-decorated player at Alabama, winning the 2009 Butkus Award and Jack Lambert Trophy. He was named a unanimous All-American that season and the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year. The Crimson Tide won the BCS National Championship Game in 2009.