Around The NFL: Anger Plays A Big Role In This League
By Danny Cox
Players can get really worked up when on an NFL field, playing with their teammates or against their opponents. For 60 minutes each week, players look at others as their sworn enemies and it can bring about feelings of intense emotion such as excitement and frustration.
Sometimes though, anger takes over and that is when things can take a scary turn. That especially holds true when it comes to a sport where violence is a primary part of the game.
Rolando McClain left the NFL before his anger and rage went too far
Back in April of this year, Rolando McClain was released by the Oakland Raiders for some off-field troubles. He had quickly signed with the Baltimore Ravens and he was ready to continue his career, but the 23-year-old suddenly decided to call it quits and he retired from the NFL.
There was a lot that led to his decision to retire and that includes losing his love for the game. His trouble off of the field didn't help matters either, but it was his anger that truly caused his departure. McClain said that he was worried he would do something he would regret one day so he walked away.
"I felt like Aaron Hernandez, like I just wanted to kill somebody," McClain said in an interview for this week's ESPN The Magazine.
McClain hasn't yet attended any sort of therapy as he isn't "ready to know" why he was so angry. He's at peace now, but he may one day learn what really caused him to retire from the game he once loved.
Jonathan Martin leaves the Dolphins due to a prank from teammates
He may no longer be a rookie, but pranks are still being pulled on Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jonathan Martin. Well, one prank appears to have gone too far as the starter for the Dolphins has left the team after an incident that happened earlier this week.
According to a source, the "O-line made fun of him and he snapped."
Whatever actually happened wasn't revealed, but it appears as if some other offensive lineman pranked Martin, and it caused him to get upset and leave the team. Martin is currently listed as doubtful for Thursday's game with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ray Rice says he didn't mean to spit on Phil Taylor of the Browns
Much earlier in the season, there was an incident where it appeared as if Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice intentionally spit on Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Phil Taylor. That incident led to Taylor slapping the side of Rice's helmet because it was believed that it was done on purpose.
Rice has finally spoken out on the incident and he now says it was not intentional.
"It was two guys jawing at each other," Rice said Wednesday. "I had my mouthpiece in, so when I went to say something back to him it looked as if I projected toward him. But I had my mouthpiece in. I was saying something, he was saying something. Obviously, that's what happened. We'll leave it at that."
The Ravens running back feels bad that things got as heated as they did and he hates the way he let himself lose control. He has said that he doesn't want people to think that anger is a part of his game.
For more NFL news and updates, visit NFL Central.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
