3:47pm: The NFL and NFLPA have released an official statement on Browner’s reinstatement. According to the release, Browner will have to serve a four-game suspension and forfeit an additional four weeks of pay in 2014.
WEDNESDAY, 9:23am: Although he has been reinstated, Browner is still expected to face some sort of suspension to open the 2014 season, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
TUESDAY, 6:28pm: Cornerback Brandon Browner announced via Twitter that he has been reinstated by the NFL. The league had suspended him indefinitely for violating the league’s substance abuse policy but it sounds like they’ve buckled as Browner and his lawyer prepared to file a lawsuit.
“I received wonderful news today. The NFL has reinstated me, and I now have the opportunity to prove to the fans and my teammates how important this sport is to me. I realize now more than ever that being part of the NFL is not a right, but a privilege,” the cornerback wrote. “I am grateful that Commissioner Goodell and my agent were able to resolve this issue in a positive, productive manner so I can continue my career, provide for my family, and help my team win a Super Bowl. Thank you to all who have gone out of their way to show their support. I will live up to your expectations of me.”
The league slapped the 29-year-old with a suspension in mid-December which sidelined him for the postseason and Seattle’s Super Bowl victory. It wasn’t Browner’s first run-in with the league office – he was also suspended for four games in 2012 for violating the performance enhancing drug policy for using a prescription drug. This suspension, however, apparently had nothing to do with drugs. Browner was suspended for missing scheduled drug tests years ago while he was without an NFL contract. With the indefinite suspension lifted, Browner can now look forward to unrestricted free agency on March 11, and a potentially hefty payday.
Over the last three seasons with Seattle, the 6’4″ corner has racked up 104 tackles and ten picks over the course of 36 games. He’ll celebrate his 30th birthday in August.