With a deal on a new drug policy between the NFL and the NFLPA close but not finalized, certain players are looking at it as a second chance.
For Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick, the news comes as a relief and an opportunity.
“I got to realize I caught a break,” Scandrick told Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “When you catch a break you have to learn from it. It’s an eye opener to be banned from something you have done your whole life. I’m thankful and appreciative.”
Scandrick was banned for four games after testing positive for Molly during the offseason, which would fall under the substance abuse policy now and not require an immediate first-time ban as it did under the old rules.
“I’m relieved,” Scandrick said. “It feels good to be able to join back and play with my teammates and do what I love. It was the toughest two weeks of my life. It truly allowed me to appreciate the NFL, the game of football, my job and my career. I want to thank the Jones family, coach Jason Garrett and my teammates for their support. I want to assure everybody that this will never happen again. I will take the extra step so this never happens again. I’m just thankful the NFL and the union were able to reach a resolution. I’m speechless.”
Of course, there are still a few barriers between him and the field Sunday against the Titans.
Primarily, the deal has to be finalized, with Is dotted and Ts crossed. Then Scandrick would have to navigate his way from his Los Angeles home to Nashville today.
Given the pace of previous “agreements” between the league and the union, getting the flights scheduled might be the easy part.