Alameda, CA (Sports Network) - Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain, who
was found guilty of four criminal charges and sentenced to 180 days in jail
last week, briefly addressed reporters on Tuesday.
McClain didn't take questions, citing legal reasons, but did apologize for the
bad publicity the incident has brought the franchise and stated that the
situation will be resolved "in the near future."
Last Thursday the linebacker was found guilty by a judge in Decatur Municipal
Court of menacing, reckless endangerment, third-degree assault and
discharging a gun in the city limits. The charges stemmed from an altercation
last Nov. 30 in the player's hometown in which a man said he begged McClain
not to shoot him.
McClain, who played football at Decatur High School and then Alabama, was
arrested and charged with the four misdemeanors after allegedly firing a gun
next to the victim's head. He is appealing the verdict.
"I'm aware of the bad publicity that I've given the Raiders," McClain stated.
"I talked with (head coach Dennis Allen). I have the support of the Raiders,
my teammates, as well as the coaching staff. I apologize for the bad publicity
that has been put out there, but it is a legal process so I can't talk much
about it. I think in due time if the Raiders and the Raiders fans that are out
there, we'll all see, it will all come to an end and it is what it is. I can't
really talk much about it but it will be resolved in the near future."
McClain was the No. 8 overall draft pick in 2010 and has made 184 tackles with
5 1/2 sacks and one interception in 30 games for the Raiders. He won the
2009 Butkus Award as the country's top linebacker and helped the Crimson Tide
win the BCS National Championship.
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