Alameda, CA – 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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