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John McClain is a divisive personality, and he certainly hasn't covered himself in glory here. He's been vocal in his discontent with the situation surrounding Jadeveon Clowney's absence from the first preseason game due to injury, and after Clowney refused to be interviewed after training camp practice yesterday, McClain didn't hold back.
Clowney refused to do interview as he was walking off the field. Maybe he would have gotten injured talking to us.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 16, 2016
However, unfortunately for McClain, Clowney's teammates saw that tweet. They weren't happy about it. Superstar DeAndre Hopkins and veterans Cecil Shorts III and Duane Brown stepped in to voice their displeasure with McClain..
Cmon John, your better than that. Not called for. https://t.co/brSfyCyeVJ
— Deandre Hopkins (@Nukdabomb) August 16, 2016
You have a job to do I respect that. But to throw low blows or downgrade a player is uncalled for. Period. Grow up. https://t.co/e9HAyFZneP
— Cecil Shorts III (@CecilShortsIII) August 16, 2016
I have no respect for jokes about a player's injuries. You don't play this sport and have no idea what our bodies go thru @McClain_on_NFL
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) 16 August 2016
John McClain getting his just desserts (as if he needed any more dessert) is great viewing, I can't stand the man myself.
John McClain then promptly backtracked on his comments about Clowney.
After practice tomorrow I'm going 2 apologize to Jadeveon Clowney 4 cheap shot I tweeted when he didn't do interview with media.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 16, 2016
As my wife reminded me 2night I haven't covered NFL for 38 years by taking cheap shots, especially when a player is injured like Clowney.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 17, 2016
So, after practice tomorrow, I will approach Clowney and apologize for the cheap shot.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 17, 2016
I expect we haven't heard the end of this, with probably more players refusing to answer his questions in future due to this outburst. Hopefully they all pull an Arian Foster and give him standard responses to any question he asks. Wouldn't that be perfect?
I'm also very happy to see the team spirit there. They obviously believe in Jadeveon and will take very opportunity to be the best teammates they can be and stand up for him when needed.