Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain has violated the league’s substance abuse policy for the third time, according to Adam Schefter and Todd Archer of ESPN (via Twitter).
McClain obviously has a checkered history that includes having the final year of his guaranteed contract with the Raiders voided before moving to Baltimore, retiring, unretiring, and being traded to the Cowboys. However, he was a revelation in Rod Marinelli’s defense, filling in at middle linebacker and playing himself back into an NFL commodity.
Under the NFL’s policy, the third failed test will result in a fine only, and no suspension at this time. However, a fourth failed test will come with an automatic four-game suspension, according to Schefter (via Twitter).
McClain is set to become a free agent this offseason, and after spending 2014 answering some questions about his ability to take his job seriously both on and off the field, this will be a huge blow to his rehabilitated image. Any team that considers pursuing him will have the threat of a four-game suspension and the black cloud that comes with it hanging over the signing, and will most definitely be a deterrent in team’s taking a chance on him with a guaranteed deal.