Nick Saban: Rolando McClain 'being fair' to Ravens

For the Baltimore Ravens, the fleeting acquisition of Rolando McClain represents a rare misstep for a team that rarely misses.

Days after McClain suddenly announced his retirement from the NFL, Alabama coach Nick Saban says his former player has done right by the Ravens.

"For the Ravens, Ro's being fair to them," Saban told reporters Saturday, via the Baltimore Sun. "What he's saying is that he's not ready to play rather than them having to release him, where someone else can claim him. They can retain his rights.

"I think he likes the Ravens organization. I think he likes (coach) John (Harbaugh), I think he likes (general manager) Ozzie (Newsome). He appreciates the fact that they gave him an opportunity, so I think he's doing the right thing."

McClain issued a statement this week explaining that his retirement was a choice in favor of getting his life together after a snowstorm of off-the-field arrests and chaos.

The 23-year-old linebacker thanked the Ravens and left the door open by saying, "God willing, maybe I'll play for them one day."

That's a stretch. It's also a stretch to paint McClain's decision as a favor to the Ravens, but the Ravens -- one of football's most consistent organizations -- isn't losing any sleep over the hiccup.

Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.