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Cowboys LB Rolando McClain suspended for substance abuse

(AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
(AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain will miss the first four games of the 2015 season.

The NFL announced that McClain violated the league’s substance abuse policy and in a statement, McClain acknowledged his mistake.

“I apologize to my family, the Cowboys organization, my teammates and Cowboys fans for my mistake,” McClain said. “I will not break the rules of my profession in the future, and I regret my error. I look forward to returning to the field on week 5, when I hope to help my team beat the Patriots.”

McClain played the first three years of his career with the Oakland Raiders, who picked him No. 8 overall in the 2010 draft. The team released him in April 2013 and McClain signed with the Baltimore Ravens, but he announced his retirement a month later without playing a down for the Ravens.

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McClain then came out of retirement and joined the Cowboys last summer after starter Sean Lee was lost for the season with a knee injury. In 13 games, including 12 starts, McClain registered 81 tackles, two interceptions and a sack.

McClain signed a one-year deal in April to stay with Dallas for the 2015 campaign. As a result of his suspension, McClain will miss games against the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, but he is allowed to participate during training camp and the preseason.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!