Reports: Cowboys lose another defensive standout to lengthy suspension
The NFL has suspended Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain for the first 10 games of the 2016 season for violating the substance abuse policy, according to multiple reports.
Cowboys' LB Rolando McClain will be suspended the first 10 games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, per @toddarcher and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2016
McClain, 26, had 80 tackles, two sacks and an interception in 11 games (all starts) for Dallas last season. He was suspended for the first four games last season for the same violations.
It's the latest blow for a defense that also will be without defensive ends Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence for the first four games of the upcoming season -- also because of violations of the league's substance abuse policy. ESPN reports Lawrence's appeal was denied Thursday.
Also, Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence's appeal was denied, he is suspended 4 games, per @toddarcher.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2016
McClain was the eighth overall pick in the 2010 draft by the Oakland Raiders.