
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, July 15, 1990                   TAG: 9007150180
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: D6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: HOUSTON                                LENGTH: Short

MANLEY WANTS TO COME BACK EARLY TO NFL

Former Washington Redskins defensive end Dexter Manley, banned for life from the NFL for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, said Saturday he is seeking early readmittance to the league.

Manley, who underwent rehabilitation at the John Lucas center here, said his attorney met with NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue June 5 to see if Manley could get back into the league.

Manley was banned by Tagliabue on Nov. 18 but was permitted to seek re-entry in one year.

"So far, I haven't heard anything and that's OK, too, because I've learned to be very patient and not impatient," Manley told KRIV-TV.

"The commissioner has rules he's governed by, but he has the flexibility to see if people are doing the right thing. Hopefully, he'll be very understanding and let me back in early."

The Redskins released Manley after his suspension. If he is readmitted, Manley said he thinks he would benefit by playing for another team.

"I feel a change would be the most significant thing for me, a new environment so people can judge me, not from what they've heard but from what they see," he said.

Manley, 31, said he is physically ready to play after missing the final six games in 1989.

Keywords:
FOOTBALL

by CNB