Manley Reinstated, but He Is Waived by the Redskins

Dexter Manley got the new chance he has been looking for from the NFL. Now he’s looking for a place to resume his career.

The former Pro Bowl defensive end was reinstated to the league Monday, a year after he was banned for substance abuse, but he was also waived by the Washington Redskins.

“It’s a new beginning,” Manley told reporters.

“I am most grateful to the commissioner for the faith, trust confidence he has placed in me,” Manley said in a statement through his lawyer. “I will make every effort never to violate that trust.”

Several teams have expressed an interest in picking up Manley when he becomes eligible for waivers today. He would go to the team with the worst record that claims him. If no team claims him by Wednesday afternoon, Manley would become a free agent.

Manley’s attorney, Bob Woolf, said he had heard indirectly that the Rams and Raiders are interested, but Phoenix, which has the second-worst record in the NFL, has also expressed an interest, as have Miami and Denver.

NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said Manley would be eligible to practice this week but not allowed to play in a game until Dec. 9.

The NFL, in a statement released from New York, said Manley must avoid drug involvement and participate in a “structured support program” to remain in the league.

Coach Joe Gibbs said the Redskins released Manley because the team already has enough defensive linemen. He said Manley, who has had several problems and a previous suspension in Washington, could do better in a different city.

“We’re going to miss him. He gave a lot to us,” Gibbs said.