When linebacker Rolando McClain announced his retirement from the NFL last month, his college coach weighed in to say that he thought McClain was being fair to the Ravens.
University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban said that McClain’s choice to acknowledge it was time to get his personal house in order and step away from professional football was good for the Ravens since they will retain his rights should McClain resume his career. One of the first steps in that effort will take place in close proximity to Saban.
The Associated Press reports that Saban said at a Tuesday night speaking engagement that McClain has “gone back to school” and that “he’s with us now” as part of his effort to move his life in a more positive direction. Andrew Gribble of AL.com reports that Saban also praised McClain’s leadership skills while he was a member of the Crimson Tide.
Those traits were not easy to spot while McClain was with the Raiders, but, then, there wasn’t much positive to report about McClain once he came to the NFL. Whether or not it’s a prelude to the continuation of his playing career, going back to school is a positive development for McClain in his effort to put himself on steadier ground in the future.