The Baltimore Ravens aren't cutting ties with troubled linebacker Rolando McClain yet. Assistant general manager Eric DeCosta told the Baltimore Sun that McClain "deserves a second chance".
Rolando McClain deserves ‘second chance,’ say Ravens
Rolando McClain is in trouble with the law -- again -- but the Ravens aren’t giving up on him yet.
Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE
”If you asked him, he would probably admit to making some mistakes. We think he warrants a second chance. Obviously, he’s an Alabama guy.
“We have a relationship with a lot of Alabama players. We get a lot of good information from Alabama because of Ozzie Newsome’s relationship with the school. So, we think he deserves a second chance.”
McClain signed a one-year, $1.1 million deal with Baltimore after getting cut by the Oakland Raiders amid numerous off-field incidents. Just nine days later, he was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, leading some to believe that the Ravens will quickly dump him. DeCosta believes in McClain, though, and cites the Ravens' mentor program and leadership provided by veterans:
“We have a program in place for every single player who comes to Baltimore,” DeCosta said. “We have an individual plan for every single player that gets mapped out before they come on campus. Some guys have different issues.
Just about every single player we have has something he needs help with and we could counsel him on. We have a whole bunch of people to help players.”
Since being drafted by the Raiders in 2010, McClain has failed to live up to his potential after winning the Butkus Award at Alabama. Last season, he had 62 tackles and 1 sack while being suspended by the team for two games.
More: Baltimore Beat Down
No portion of McClain’s salary is guaranteed, so the Ravens won’t have much to lose if he continues to act up. DeCosta’s statements indicate that he will at least make it to training camp with the team. His court date is scheduled for July 9.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
