SIDELINES : No Early Manley Reinstatement

Dexter Manley has been told by the NFL that his reinstatement will not be considered until November, when he will have served one year of his drug suspension.

Manley, a Washington Redskins defensive back, was permanently banned from the NFL last Nov. 18 for his third violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy. Manley, who said he had used cocaine and is an alcoholic, may apply for reinstatement after one year.

Manley’s attorney, Bob Woolf, said Tuesday that the letter from Commissioner Paul Tagliabue stated that the league was not prepared to make an exception for Manley and review his application until one full calendar year had passed.

Woolf told the Washington Post that Manley may explore the possibility of playing in the Canadian Football League until he is eligible to return to the NFL.