Rolando McClain to sign with Ravens?

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365518566' post='1428572']
KC is an excellent fit.
[/quote]

Yeah, I mean.. look at all these reasons:

- It's so much closer to home than Oakland was.
- They run a 3-4 and need a true thumper to play alongside Derrick Johnson.
- Have some young, solid front 7 players that would be around him including a huge NT in Poe.
- A few Alabama players play for Kansas City that Rolando is familiar with in Javier Arenas and DeQuan Menzie.
- Has a lot of talent overall that means they could be a playoff contender as early as this year.

I mean, honestly I feel like Baltimore offers all of that and more but I'm not even sure if they are interested in him.

[cwfRaven]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1365482839' post='1428459']
I don't think McClain shot at the police - someone fired shots at McClain while he was in his car, and when the police when after THAT guy, he fired at them, too. What McClain did do later that year was shoot off a gun next to a guy's head. And of course, being shot at by someone makes you wonder what McClain did that a guy would try something like that.
[/quote]

Ok, so "HE" is the guy that shot at McClain. I read it as McClain was the one that shot at police - my mistake. Well, that makes me feel a little better, but still...excessive partying is one thing but when guns are involved that's a whole 'nother level of concern. If Ray was still around, I would feel more optimistic that we could "reform" him, but you never know...

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='cwfRaven' timestamp='1365528632' post='1428694']
Ok, so "HE" is the guy that shot at McClain. I read it as McClain was the one that shot at police - my mistake. Well, that makes me feel a little better, but still...excessive partying is one thing but when guns are involved that's a whole 'nother level of concern. If Ray was still around, I would feel more optimistic that we could "reform" him, but you never know...
[/quote]

The guy had to grow up not putting up with anything. I am not going to get into his personal business but one of his mom's old boyfriends use to rough her up a lot and Rolando had to become a grown man quick and become that doesn't put up with anything from anybody type of guy. That went too far in the wrong direction and led to not putting up with stuff from cops, coaches, etc. He was actually getting better before the tinted window ticket that he signed um.. well, with a false name I guess you'd say. It was a brain fart I believe and I have heard he regrets it.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365535182' post='1428779']


The guy had to grow up not putting up with anything. I am not going to get into his personal business but one of his mom's old boyfriends use to rough her up a lot and Rolando had to become a grown man quick and become that doesn't put up with anything from anybody type of guy. That went too far in the wrong direction and led to not putting up with stuff from cops, coaches, etc. He was actually getting better before the tinted window ticket that he signed um.. well, with a false name I guess you'd say. It was a brain fart I believe and I have heard he regrets it.
[/quote]
What do you think the chances are of Ozzie getting him?

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365537281' post='1428800']
What do you think the chances are of Ozzie getting him?
[/quote]

A lot higher than some on here want to admit but it's no where close to a done deal. I've been predicting this for months and I've just had a hunch.. IDK.. its a hunch so that doesn't mean much at this point but I just feel like it fits and I envisioned this awhile ago so I hope it comes true. I think we would be high on his list if he gets an offer.. I just hope Ozzie pulls the trigger.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365538348' post='1428815']


A lot higher than some on here want to admit but it's no where close to a done deal. I've been predicting this for months and I've just had a hunch.. IDK.. its a hunch so that doesn't mean much at this point but I just feel like it fits and I envisioned this awhile ago so I hope it comes true. I think we would be high on his list if he gets an offer.. I just hope Ozzie pulls the trigger.
[/quote]
You seem to have some Alabama connections, that's why I ask. No rumors going on right now with Alabama & the Ravens? Not just McClain, but he is obviously a guy I am referring to here.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365539026' post='1428826']
You seem to have some Alabama connections, that's why I ask. No rumors going on right now with Alabama & the Ravens? Not just McClain, but he is obviously a guy I am referring to here.
[/quote]

Not hearing anything on the fact that Ozzie has shown interest but I know he would be interested if Ozzie did. I don't know the two teams that showed him interest but I might be able to find out soon. I also know that Ozzie has liked what he saw from Nico Johnson but he anticipates a fall in the draft for him. The guy I can almost guarantee we will try to get is Quinton Dial in the later rounds.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365539505' post='1428831']


Not hearing anything on the fact that Ozzie has shown interest but I know he would be interested if Ozzie did. I don't know the two teams that showed him interest but I might be able to find out soon. I also know that Ozzie has liked what he saw from Nico Johnson but he anticipates a fall in the draft for him. The guy I can almost guarantee we will try to get is Quinton Dial in the later rounds.
[/quote]
Yeah, Dial seems to be on our radar hard. I think he's the one guy we will definitely get from Alabama.

How about DJ Fluker? I hear we have a lot of interest in him. He looks like a RT/G prospect to me. I'm not even sure he can be a RT.

Did McClain have these kind of issues while at Alabama?

[jaege]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365535182' post='1428779']
The guy had to grow up not putting up with anything. I am not going to get into his personal business but one of his mom's old boyfriends use to rough her up a lot and Rolando had to become a grown man quick and become that doesn't put up with anything from anybody type of guy. That went too far in the wrong direction and led to not putting up with stuff from cops, coaches, etc. He was actually getting better before the tinted window ticket that he signed um.. well, with a false name I guess you'd say. It was a brain fart I believe and I have heard he regrets it.
[/quote]


It sounds like you are suggesting his actions should be excused or overlooked because he had a hard life. A rough childhood does not excuse ignorant or illegal behavior. Lots of people had harder lives and still have hard lives rather than cushy multi-million dollar jobs and never went that route.

[size=4]If that is not the case, then why bring it up at all? His hard life has no relevance to his actions or his usefulness[/size][size=4] to the Ravens.[/size]

[berad]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365541683' post='1428869']
It sounds like you are suggesting his actions should be excused or overlooked because he had a hard life. A rough childhood does not excuse ignorant or illegal behavior. Lots of people had harder lives and still have hard lives rather than cushy multi-million dollar jobs and never went that route.

If that is not the case, then why bring it up at all? His hard life has no relevance to his actions or his usefulness to the Ravens.
[/quote]

Excellent point. Ray Rice and Torrey Smith came from rough upbringings as well but no one needs to excuse their behavior.

[Blackbirds Rule]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365541683' post='1428869']
It sounds like you are suggesting his actions should be excused or overlooked because he had a hard life. A rough childhood does not excuse ignorant or illegal behavior. Lots of people had harder lives and still have hard lives rather than cushy multi-million dollar jobs and never went that route.

[size=4]If that is not the case, then why bring it up at all? His hard life has no relevance to his actions or his usefulness[/size][size=4] to the Ravens.[/size]
[/quote]

I don't think he means it excuses his behavior. I think he's trying to say deep down he's a good kid that made poor decisions. His decisions haven't been to the detriment of him not being able to play football again. With the right organization and structure this kid could fulfill his potential. Lewis had to have that one situation shock him into becoming a more responsible person. Maybe him getting released and no one claiming him off waivers did enough to shock him into making better decisions for himself going forward.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365535182' post='1428779']
The guy had to grow up not putting up with anything. I am not going to get into his personal business but one of his mom's old boyfriends use to rough her up a lot and Rolando had to become a grown man quick and become that doesn't put up with anything from anybody type of guy. That went too far in the wrong direction and led to not putting up with stuff from cops, coaches, etc. He was actually getting better before the tinted window ticket that he signed um.. well, with a false name I guess you'd say. It was a brain fart I believe and I have heard he regrets it.
[/quote]
But there has to be a clear distinction made between the type of people you don't take crap from and then police officers doing their job. That's just a lack of judgement and lack of control. Hundreds of people have had rough upbringings that have had to grow up way too soon, but still know when are where such behaviour is acceptable.

I don't want McClain because he can't cover the pass for crap. We have a thumper on the team in McClellan who can essentially play the Jack role. McClain isn't an ILB I would make the focal point of the interior defense. For those reasons alone I wouldn't try to sign him. But that's just me.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365541683' post='1428869']



It sounds like you are suggesting his actions should be excused or overlooked because he had a hard life. A rough childhood does not excuse ignorant or illegal behavior. Lots of people had harder lives and still have hard lives rather than cushy multi-million dollar jobs and never went that route.

[size=4]If that is not the case, then why bring it up at all? His hard life has no relevance to his actions or his usefulness[/size][size=4] to the Ravens.[/size]
[/quote]

Not excusing him but there kind of is the old saying "old habits die hard". This has been particularly true regarding Rolando and I'm saying that there is a reason he is the way he is but like Ray Lewis, there is a part of him that wants to change it. It's just a matter of will power at this point and that remains to be seen.

[Brandon22]

He is now cleared off waivers so lets bring him in 4 a visit

[jaege]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365543873' post='1428893']
Not excusing him but there kind of is the old saying "old habits die hard". This has been particularly true regarding Rolando and I'm saying that there is a reason he is the way he is but like Ray Lewis, there is a part of him that wants to change it. It's just a matter of will power at this point and that remains to be seen.
[/quote]

This guy is nothing like Ray. Ray made one mistake that he made into a life changing event. It sounds like Rolando continues to make bad choices regardless of the circumstances. Ray showed just how easy it is to start making the right choices. You just do it.

It is sort of like the helping a drunk adage, you cannot help him until he admits he needs help. Well Rolando is not going to change until he realizes he has to change. Maybe getting passed over by a few teams or getting offered a fraction of what he thinks he is worth, will smack some sense into him. It is a shame to see talented wasted.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365539505' post='1428831']
Not hearing anything on the fact that Ozzie has shown interest but I know he would be interested if Ozzie did. I don't know the two teams that showed him interest but I might be able to find out soon. I also know that Ozzie has liked what he saw from Nico Johnson but he anticipates a fall in the draft for him. The guy I can almost guarantee we will try to get is Quinton Dial in the later rounds.
[/quote]

I have to say I wouldn't mind looking at McClain still, but the gun thing really bothers me. Where I would have been 80/20 on signing him before, I'm more like 50/50 now and slowly changing my mind. There are a lot of things I can deal with, drugs, fighting w/teammates, etc., but holding a gun to someone's head is hard to overlook.

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='Brandon22' timestamp='1365545448' post='1428916']
He is now cleared off waivers so lets bring him in 4 a visit
[/quote]It's almost a certainty following the draft. I think all the GMs are biding their time until they see who falls to them at the end of the month.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365537281' post='1428800']
What do you think the chances are of Ozzie getting him?
[/quote]

Looks like we might have got him!!! In Ozzie We Trust!

http://madisonweeklynews.com/rolando-mcclain-expected-to-sign-with-baltimore-ravens/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rolando-mcclain-expected-to-sign-with-baltimore-ravens

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365565217' post='1429134']
Looks like we might have got him!!! In Ozzie We Trust!

[url="http://madisonweeklynews.com/rolando-mcclain-expected-to-sign-with-baltimore-ravens/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rolando-mcclain-expected-to-sign-with-baltimore-ravens"]http://madisonweekly...altimore-ravens[/url]
[/quote]
Lmao, that's crazy!

I will laugh hard if this is legit. Not just because I like McClain & find him talented. But because of all the people who said "No way he comes here".

This will be interesting.

[ClintLB8]

And that link is from a news source that is in Madison, AL which is like 15 minutes from Decatur. He has been in Decatur for the last few days and the news source caught wind of it so they were able to get to him first.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365565460' post='1429136']
Lmao, that's crazy!

I will laugh hard if this is legit. Not just because I like McClain & find him talented. But because of all the people who said "No way he comes here".

This will be interesting.
[/quote]

And that link is from a news source that is in Madison, AL which is like 15 minutes from Decatur. He has been in Decatur for the last few days and the news source caught wind of it so they were able to get to him first.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365565217' post='1429134']


Looks like we might have got him!!! In Ozzie We Trust!

http://madisonweeklynews.com/rolando-mcclain-expected-to-sign-with-baltimore-ravens/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rolando-mcclain-expected-to-sign-with-baltimore-ravens
[/quote]

If its true, I'm loving it

[SecretAgentMan]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1365565634' post='1429144']
If its true, I'm loving it
[/quote]
I'm a little skeptical about this move. We would have potentially one of the next superstars at MLB (that's his ceiling) . The prob is, ESPN would completely pan us for that.

"Ravens replace Lewis with another criminal"

Is one of the headlines would come up.

Great signing if Ozzie gets him football wise (his potential is sky high)
Bad for the Ravens PR people lol.

Though I will say... I do like our MLB's with a chip on their shoulder..

Our McClain's will put you to shame.

Especially John.

[img]http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lximjexV0G1qkct0to1_500.jpg[/img]
^
Is what they will say when he hits the lights out of a RB

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='Mr. Irrelevant' timestamp='1365565946' post='1429152']
I'm a little skeptical about this move. We would have potentially one of the next superstars at MLB (that's his ceiling) . The prob is, ESPN would completely pan us for that.

"Ravens replace Lewis with another criminal"

Is one of the headlines would come up.

Great signing if Ozzie gets him football wise (his potential is sky high)
Bad for the Ravens PR people lol.

Though I will say... I do like our MLB's with a chip on their shoulder..

Our McClain's will put you to shame.

Especially John.

[img]http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lximjexV0G1qkct0to1_500.jpg[/img]
^
Is what they will say when he hits the lights out of a RB
[/quote]

Well, I just think Ozzie probably talked to Rolando and let him know the expectations coming in.. It's a one year deal so I'm sure it is incentives and performance based. I think it will be good for him in Baltimore.. but I do still believe we take an ILB in one of the first 3 rounds (I'm starting to think Jon Bostic at end of 2nd unless someone like Arthur Brown slips to us a #32).

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365566269' post='1429158']
Well, I just think Ozzie probably talked to Rolando and let him know the expectations coming in.. It's a one year deal so I'm sure it is incentives and performance based. I think it will be good for him in Baltimore.. but I do still believe we take an ILB in one of the first 3 rounds (I'm starting to think Jon Bostic at end of 2nd unless someone like Arthur Brown slips to us a #32).
[/quote]
It's a one-year deal?

I would love Arthur Brown. I have no idea what Ozzie will do here. I really believe Brown makes it to 32, but I'm not so sure Ozzie takes him.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365566594' post='1429164']
It's a one-year deal?

I would love Arthur Brown. I have no idea what Ozzie will do here. I really believe Brown makes it to 32, but I'm not so sure Ozzie takes him.
[/quote]

I could almost guarantee Ozzie would take him if he makes it to 32. He is too talented and Ozzie has an eye for talent. And yeah, the article said its a 1 year deal.

[melvinmelon123]

If this is true I am ecstatic. A one year deal is perfect, either he shows the potential he has or he doesn't but we don't take a big hit for it.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365566594' post='1429164']
It's a one-year deal?

I would love Arthur Brown. I have no idea what Ozzie will do here. I really believe Brown makes it to 32, but I'm not so sure Ozzie takes him.
[/quote]

This is another article from March 21st from the same Madison news paper after he bought his new house in Madison. It dea;s with him trying to turn his life around. Good read..

http://madisonweeklynews.com/rolando-mcclain-madisons-newest-resident-opens-up-about-his-life-and-his-focus-to-make-things-right/

[ClintLB8]

My only question is why no one else is picking up on this. I mean, if it is in fact true which that news source is one I'm familiar with because I live in Athens which is directly between Madison and Decatur. This is kind of weird..

[melvinmelon123]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365568574' post='1429195']
My only question is why no one else is picking up on this. I mean, if it is in fact true which that news source is one I'm familiar with because I live in Athens which is directly between Madison and Decatur. This is kind of weird..
[/quote]

This is what is keeping me cautiously optimistic. I feel like there should be someone on twitter breaking this news as well.