Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory, who was suspended for the entire 2019 season, has reportedly filed for reinstatement into the NFL, once again. Jean-Jacques Taylor revealed Friday morning on 103.3 that the 27-year-old was submitting the necessary paperwork for the 3rd time in his short career. Looking to take advantage of the expected lowering of marijuana testing and punishment schedules from the coming collective bargaining agreement.
During his time in Dallas, the former Cornhusker showed flashes of why he was a top prospect out of the University of Nebraska and a valued commodity for the Cowboys. In 2018 Gregory finished second on the team with six sacks while only starting one game.
Unfortunately for all parties involved, the emerging star couldn’t build on his productive season. Gregory found himself back in familiar situation in February of 2019 when he was suspended again for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and the terms of his original reinstatement.
Gregory initially fail three different drug tests in 2016, all marijuana related. The failure’s resulted in multiple suspensions, including a year-long suspension for the 2017 season. This led to the first time the Dallas defender requested reinstatement, and the request was granted in July of 2018.
Gregory has cited medical issues including anxiety for his use of the substance.
Gregory applied for reinstatement this past July, but nothing ever came of it. The NFL never publicly denied or accepted the last reinstatement effort, but the silence was an obvious rejection from Goodell and company. Players have to maintain a clean testing record and adhere to other treatment guidelines to earn reinstatement under the current policy.
Just seven months later the 2015 second-round pick is giving it another shot.
Cowboys management isn’t getting ahead of themselves, Taylor implied on ESPN Dallas radio (103.3FM) this morning. According to Taylor, team sources aren’t focused on the situation until and only if Gregory is reinstated.
With a number of defensive lineman set to become free agents, it is not ridiculous to think that if the talented Indiana native was reinstated he could make an immediate impact for the Cowboys in 2020.
Click to listen to the entire segment from Jean-Jacques Taylor on Gregory.
On @1033fmESPN today, @JJT_Journalist revealed that #Cowboys DE Randy Gregory has filed for reinstatement (1:30 mark).https://t.co/iXLFwNTQKp
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) February 28, 2020
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