LDN - Sports

National Football League roundup

[July 18, 2016] July 17 (The Sports Xchange) - The Dallas Cowboys have not made a decision on linebacker Rolando McClain's future after the NFL suspended him 10 games for violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, many in the organization want the starting middle linebacker released but financial implications prevent the Cowboys from moving on from McClain immediately.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains the biggest supporter for McClain, who came out of retirement in 2014.

McClain, who was suspended by the league on June 30, recovered from offseason surgery in 2015 to play 11 games and record 80 tackles, two sacks, nine tackles for loss, 10 pressures, one interception and three pass breakups.

"Disappointed is the word," Jones told the Star-Telegram. "It is a recognition that these dependency issues are a difficult thing to address. We are proud of everything that we've gotten from Rolando. His aptitude as a football player is almost unsurpassed as one of the best that I've seen. We all say it's such a waste, but with us, knowing him, we've got the best that he's done in pro football."

The 27-year-old McClain re-signed in the offseason as an unrestricted free agent for a one-year, $4 million deal, including a $750,000 signing bonus. McClain has forfeited his signing bonus, per the collective bargaining agreement, but his release would prevent the Cowboys from recouping the money, according to the newspaper.

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Embattled quarterback Johnny Manziel has been relatively quiet since making a vow to go completely sober starting July 1.

The Washington Post wrote an in-depth feature on Manziel but he did not respond to text messages requesting an interview for the story.

Manziel's spokeswoman, Denise Michaels, told the Post that the former Cleveland Browns quarterback is "content and settled" after she saw him recently.

Michaels emailed a statement to the newspaper from Manziel.

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"I'm actually doing well," Manziel said in the statement. "I have good friends around me supporting what I do and I try to support them in what they want to do. I'm not saying I'm never drinking again, but for now just mostly being healthy. I've got a killer gym in my house and I can spend time working out. I'm interested in doing a lot of different things in my life -- including football -- but, right now, I'm just exploring options and waiting to see what the future holds."

On June 30, the NFL suspended Manziel four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The suspension would begin once the free agent signs with a team. Manziel has remained unsigned after some offseason issues which include being charged with assaulting his now-former girlfriend.

Manziel could face further discipline under the NFL's personal conduct policy over the alleged assault.

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Even though the Philadelphia Eagles selected quarterback Carson Wentz with the No. 2 overall pick, head coach Doug Pederson plans to groom him at a slow pace.

The Eagles don't need to rush to get the rookie ready for the season opener on Sept. 11 against the Cleveland Browns with Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel already on the roster.

"Typically, the third quarterback is down," Pederson told the PhillyVoice. "It's hard right now to look down the road, but if we had to play this week, Carson would be down. He'd be the third quarterback. He'd be deactivated."

Bradford re-signed with the Eagles in March, a two-year, $35 million deal that seemingly solidified his standing as the No. 1 quarterback. Philadelphia signed Daniel as an experienced backup option for a three-year, $21 million deal. (Editing by Andrew Both)

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