NFL Linebacker Rolando McClain Suspended for ‘Purp Drank’ Abuse

Rolando McClain has recently been filed a 10- game suspension by the NFL for violating the league's Substance Abuse Policy. The Dallas Cowboys linebacker has recently been caught abusing the Sprite- Codeine concoction, more popularly known as the "Purple Drank" or "Purp Drank".

It isn't uncommon that NFL players are suspended for breaking the NFL's Substance Abuse Policy but for Rolando McClain's case, it might be the first one that involves the abuse of the "Purp Drank."

The "Purp Drank" is a cold medicine, containing promethazine and codeine, mixed with soft drink and ice, thus giving it its purple color, according to Narconon. The drink has become quite popular in recent years and is used as a recreational drug.

In a story from Yahoo! Sports, it was revealed that McClain had become addicted to the drink and is now about 40 pounds overweight due to the side effects, leaving him unfit for the league. Dallas Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones said that he was "disappointed" with McClain but still has not made the decision to release him from the team.

It is also unclear whether the 27-year-old NFL linebacker would come back to playing football, having retired twice from the league until signing with the Cowboys in 2014, McClain did not attend the team's organised activities in the offseason, and although he showed up to the Cowboys' pre-season mini-camp, he was unable to participate because he wasn't in fit condition, according to ESPN.

McClain also missed the first four games of the 2015-2016 season, because of a suspension, and is currently in 'Stage 3' of the substance-abuse program, says ESPN. The policy states that a player must enter a treatment facility, at the request of a medical doctor, and failure to do so will result in a one-year suspension.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett was asked if McClain's career could be over, leading up to the start of the NFL season. "We're focused on the guys who are here," Garett said. It's turning out to be a dire situation for the Cowboys, as McClain isn't nearly in good enough shape, and if he does not show up for practice, he might not be able to play until November according to Business Insider Sports.