Alabama's Rolando McClain cleared to play

Alabama’s Rolando McClain cleared to play

Staff Writer

Jan. 7, 2010 4:47 PM PT

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Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain, who has been bothered most of the week by a stomach virus, will play in tonight’s BCS championship game.

Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban said McClain, a two-time All-America and winner of both the Butkus and Lambert awards as the nation’s top linebacker, would not take the field unless he was cleared by doctors.

McClain, the Alabama quarterback on defense, led the team with 101 tackles this season.

Reserve defensive back Rod Woodson, who also had stomach problems this week, as also expected to be eligible to play Thursday.

-- Kevin Baxter

Sports Now

Kevin Baxter

Kevin Baxter writes about soccer and other things for the Los Angeles Times, where he has worked for 27 years. He has covered seven World Cups, four Olympic Games, six World Series and a Super Bowl and has contributed to three Pulitzer Prize-winning series at The Times and Miami Herald. An essay he wrote in fifth grade was voted best in the class. He has a cool dog.

Alabama’s Rolando McClain cleared to play

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