I would've done the same thing in his situation. I don't think it's a tantrum or letting team mates down. Gives a good opportunity to one of the younger guys now too and let's face it, the Crows aren't 6 - 3 with finals aspirations. With Edwards/Goodwin and the likelyhood of McLeod, Henschel, Burton possibly also Doughty missing next year I think now is the time to give game time to guys like Sloane, Armstrong, Cook ect ect
At his age with 320 AFL games to his name why would he want to maintain the sort of commitment to the sport if there's every chance he won't ever play another AFL game. If he were in his mid 20's then it's a different story. I highly doubt the situation with McLeod had anything to do with it either.