NFL conditionally reinstates Dolphins' Dion Jordan
The NFL has decided to conditionally reinstate Miami Dolphins’ pass-rusher Dion Jordan, who was suspended for a year under the league’s substance abuse policy after submitting a diluted test sample.
According to the announcement from the NFL, Jordan can join the Dolphins at training camp, allowed to participate in “meetings, conditioning work and similar activities.” He must also secure treatment in the Miami area, and after he’s done that he will be able to play in preseason games.
The NFL will re-evaluate Jordan’s case at the start of the regular season, and after meeting with him will determine whether he’s been complying with the conditions of his reinstatement, he will be allowed to participate in regular-season activities.
The third overall pick in 2013, Jordan hasn’t played a game since December 2014. He received his suspension, which lasted 15 months, after another violation of the drug policy. Before his diluted sample, which counts as a failed test, Jordan was suspended for the first six games of 2014 for testing positive for marijuana and MDMA (ecstasy).
In May, Jordan told USA Today’s Tom Pelissero that he can’t throw away the chance he’s been given to play in the NFL and denied that he’s ever had a drug problem.
“I’m not about to waste it. I can’t waste it. And I [expletive] love doing it,” Jordan said. “Who doesn’t love running out in front of 30,000-plus fans and you get that rush? But it’s also things that you can get that rush from that can be very satisfying and can carry you on to a successful life after football.
“I just turned 26 years old, so life starts to hit you in the face. Who are you outside of those shoulder pads and helmet? And it’s weird, but I feel like it’s a blessing for me at this point in time to think about it, instead of waiting ‘til they really tell me I can’t play football no more.”
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