NFL suspends Cowboys LB Rolando McClain for 10 games for violating substance abuse policy

The NFL has suspended Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain for the first 10 games of the 2016 NFL season for another violation of the league's substance abuse policy, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. McClain was suspended for four games last season for the same violation.

McClain did not participate in voluntary OTAs with the Cowboys earlier this offseason. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said McClain was absent for a family issue, but Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News indicated that he has spoken with team sources who thought there was more to McClain's absence than the explanation that was given.

"I think when you talk to people around Valley Ranch, you kind of get the impression that maybe more is going on with Rolando than meets the eye," George said. "That's not anything new for Rolando. He's obviously had his issues as far as being spotty about his attendance, his time on the practice field and those kind of things."

After serving last year's four-game suspension, McClain started 11 games for the Cowboys, racking up 80 tackles, two sacks and an interception.

Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory will also be serving a four-game suspension at the beginning of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence had been issued a four-game suspension for substance abuse as well, which he appealed. The league has upheld Lawrence's suspension, according to David Helman of DallasCowboys.com.