Former Alabama football and NFL player Rolando McClain arrested.

Jun 14, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55) during minicamp at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55) during minicamp at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former Alabama football player Rolando McClain arrested Friday in Hartselle, AL. during a traffic stop.

According to Mark Inabinett of al.com former Alabama football player Rolando McClain was stopped for a possible window tint violation.

"“The officer smelled the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and searched it … The officer found marijuana and a gun, and (McClain) didn’t have a permit.”"

Arrests do not assure convictions. McClain may not be found guilty of these charges. Even so, McClain has a pattern of disputes with law enforcement, leading to multiple arrests. Between December 2011 and April 2013 McClain was arrested by Decatur, AL police, three times.

Eventually, all charges were dismissed, one on appeal and another after a plea bargain and a fine. The Decatur Daily reported the charges on Friday were:

"second-degree possession of marijuana, carrying a firearm without a permit and a misdemeanor equipment violation."

Rolando McClain was a team leader on the Alabama football 2009 national championship team. Following the 2009 season, McClain won the Butkus Award as the nation;s best collegiate linebacker.

Alabama Crimson Tide Football
Alabama Crimson Tide Football /

Alabama Crimson Tide Football

McClain was the 8th pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Chosen by Oakland, McClain played 41 games for the Raiders in 2010-2012.

After missing the 2013 season, McClain returned to the NFL in 2014 with the Dallas Cowboys. He played in 24 games as a Cowboy in 2014 and 2015. McClain was suspended four games in 2015 and 10 games in 2016 for substance abuse violations. In December 2016, was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league’s drug policy.

McClain might have been given an opportunity to return to football in the second half of the 2017 NFL season. Even if he could pass a regular regimen of NFL drug testing, there may be no NFL team willing to give him a chance.

After McClain’s 2014 season with Dallas, as reported by Marl Inabinett, McClain:

"“finished second in the voting for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award and was a finalist for the George Halas Award, which is presented annually to the NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.”"

At this point, Rolando’s future in or outside football appears in jeopardy. We hope he can make another and more lasting comeback.