NFL Won’t Think About Manley Reinstatement Yet
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 Redskin defensive end, was permanently banned from the NFL on Nov. 18 for his third violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy. Manley, who said he had used cocaine and was an alcoholic, may apply for reinstatement after one year.
Manley’s attorney, Bob Woolf, said Tuesday the letter from Commissioner Paul Tagliabue stated the league was not prepared to make an exception for Manley and review his application until one full calendar year had passed.
Woolf said in a telephone interview with The Washington Post that he was disappointed with the decision.
However, he said Manley might explore the possibility of playing in the Canadian Football League until he is eligible to return to the NFL.
“Dexter is in good health and working very hard,” Woolf was quoted as saying.
Money was a factor in looking to the CFL, Woolf said, since Manley will not be paid by the Redskins as long as he is suspended.
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