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According to the Baltimore Ravens team site, linebacker Rolando McClain is retiring from the NFL. He was recently acquired by the Ravens through free agency after being released by the Oakland Raiders. The oft-troubled linebacker is only 23 years old but repeated arrests have him in the unenviable position of facing his release from the team willing to give him another chance.
According to BaltimoreRavens.com, McClain was placed on the reserve/retired list after informing Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome of his plans.
The Ravens were hoping his Alabama roots and ties to Newsome would resurrect his NFL career after being the 8th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
This leaves the Ravens with the probability of starting veteran Jameel McClain along with rookie Arthur Brown as the team's inside linebackers.
UPDATE: See Baltimore Ravens official Press Release below:
May 15, 2013
For Immediate Release
LB ROLANDO McCLAIN RETIRES FROM NFL
LB Rolando McClain is retiring from the NFL, Ravens general manager and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome announced Wednesday.
“Rolando let me know that he plans to retire from the NFL,” Newsome stated. “We have placed him on the Reserve/Retired list.”
McClain, 23, signed a one-year contract with the Ravens as a free agent on April 12. Prior to joining Baltimore, he spent his first three NFL seasons (2010-12) with the Oakland Raiders after becoming the eighth-overall selection in the 2010 Draft.
McClain posted 274 tackles (195 solo), 6.5 sacks (-42.5 yards), one interception, one forced fumble and 23 passes defensed in 41 career games with Oakland.