THE SIDELINES : Manley Asks NFL to Lift Ban

Washington Redskin defensive end Dexter Manley has applied to Commissioner Paul Tagliabue to lift his lifetime ban for violating the National Football League’s substance abuse rules, Manley’s attorney said today.

“My hope and belief is that he will be compassionate and sympathetic to Dexter,” said attorney Bob Woolf. “Dexter is very optimistic.”

Tagliabue has said he would consider reinstating the 10-year veteran after Nov. 18, the first anniversary of Manley’s ban for using cocaine--his third substance abuse offense.

“We won’t even be considering it until Nov. 18,” said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello. “The policy is he is eligible to apply for reinstatement on the first anniversary.”

Manley is working as a volunteer at the John Lucas New Spirit substance abuse treatment center in Houston.

Redskins officials have said privately they are not interested in having Manley, their all-time sacks leader, back if he is reinstated. He has six weeks remaining on his contract, so the Redskins would likely have to activate him or waive him outright if he wins reinstatement.