It’s been nearly three weeks since Johnny Jolly applied for reinstatement, and if Commissioner Roger Goodell decides to allow the veteran defensive lineman back into the league, an announcement is likely to be made before the end of the month.
Based on what’s happened in the past, if there’s no news by the start of training camp, the odds are that Jolly won’t be reinstated for the 2012 season. Both Adam “Pacman” Jones and Mike Vick were reinstated prior to the start of training camp. That only seems fair when dealing with a player who hasn’t been on the field for a lengthy period of time. Jolly will need a full summer to get back into anything resembling football shape. Reinstating him any later would all but guarantee a third consecutive season out of the NFL for the former Texas A&M star.
If Jolly is allowed back into the league, there’s a pretty good chance his reinstatement will be on a conditional basis at first. Like Jones and Vick, he’ll have to prove to Goodell that he’s a changed man. If he does, he’ll be granted full reinstatement. That could come before the start of the season or after Jolly serves a suspension. Vick, who also spent time in jail, sat out two games in 2009.
I agree that it would be quite surprising for him not to be reinstated prior to TC. This could become a real feel-good story fast if he makes the 53. Odds may be against him but he’d be in the right place at the right time to make a comeback.
My wish is for his return and a clean start on his rehabilitation and redemption for the hell he has put himself through these past few years. He’s a good man who needs a fresh start and who better to do it with than the Packers.
Im with you Lynn. Well said.
His play and attitude in Green Bay is not questioned, his issues with friends at home are another thing. His offenses are minor compared to Vick, Jones, and Burress and he should be re-instated. He will be a welcome addition to the D-Line and team chemistry, he was a very under rated stater for several years.
Jolly needs to leave Houston behind and never return. Being a drug addict, he needs weekly counseling, a change of address, and a personal trainer and nutritionist. I wish him the best of luck. The probability of him playing in the NFL in 2012 are slim-to-none…and slim just walked out the door. Let’s hope he makes it back in 2013, healthy and drug-free.
Johnny, a little advice-”Get the hell out of Houston and stay away from your drug user buddies!”