NFL and NFLPA Jointly Agree to Reinstate Brandon Browner

The NFL and NFL Players Association have agreed to conditionally reinstate Brandon Browner from his indefinite suspension under the Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse. Yesterday, former Seattle Seahawks CB Browner tweeted he has been reinstated by the NFL following his suspension in December for violating the league’s policy on substance abuse.

Browner was suspended without pay for the Seattle Seahawks’ final five games of the 2013 season, including the playoffs. His contract with the Seahawks expires at the end of the 2013 League Year on March 11. He will be eligible to sign with a club and participate in offseason and preseason activities.

Should he comply with the terms of the Substance Abuse Policy and Program, he will be fully reinstated after serving a four-game suspension without pay at the start of the 2014 regular season and forfeiting an additional four weeks of pay.

Browner’s agent, Peter Schaffer, also confirmed the reinstatement.

In his statement, Browner said he realizes playing in the NFL is a privilege, not a right. He adds, “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.”