A second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys back in 2015, pass rusher Randy Gregory has played in a grand total of 28 games in five seasons with the team.
Gregory, 27, was suspended four games as a rookie and another 10 games during the 2016 season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He also missed the entire 2017 and 2019 seasons due to suspensions. Having just applied for reinstatement, Gregory is now calling out the NFL.
Randy Gregory blasts NFL for delay in reinstatement
“I really miss playing football and being a player in the NFL. I’m doing everything that is asked of me and I’m in great shape, physically, mentally, and emotionally. But I’m being held back from furthering my career because of COVID and testing,” Gregory said, via his Twitter account. “I’ve been ready to play and test for months, but still have gotten little to no help to resolve my reinstatement. I’m asking more questions than I’m getting answered. It’s amazing that the powers that be can keep passing the buck and also use the pandemic as a way to prevent me from joining my team.”
There’s certainly a lot to take in here. If Gregory had not been suspended multiple times in the past, he’d be with his Cowboys at training camp. On the other hand, the former Nebraska star seems to be fully prepared to continue his comeback. He does deserve that chance. He’s worked for it.
Though, it’s highly unlikely that calling out the NFL in this public manner is going to expedite things. Commissioner Roger Goodell will be making the final determination on reinstatement. We know full well how he operates.
Gregory’s presence this season could be important to Dallas. He did record 15 quarterback hits and six sacks in 14 games with the Cowboys two seasons ago.