Former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner tweeted Tuesday that he was reinstated by the NFL following his suspension in December for violating the league’s policy on substance abuse.
Browner announced the news with a lengthy statement on Twitter. Browner was suspended indefinitely without pay by the league Dec. 18. The reinstatement will make Browner a free agent, as his contract with the Seahawks ended after this season.
Browner’s agent, Peter Schaffer, also confirmed the reinstatement to The Associated Press.
“I now have the opportunity to prove to the fans and my teammates how important this sport is to me,” Browner wrote. “I realize now more than ever that being part of the NFL is not a right, but a privilege.”
The suspension was the second in two seasons for Browner. He was suspended four games last season for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. He was the second Seahawks player to be suspended for violating the substance abuse policy during the 2013 season, along with fellow cornerback Walter Thurmond.
From the start, Browner did not agree with the length of the suspension.
“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,” Browner wrote. “Thank you to all who have gone out of their way to show their support. I will live up to your expectations of me.”
Browner was in his third season with the Seahawks when the suspension came down. He started all 26 games he played for the Seahawks and had 19 tackles, one interception and 10 passes defensed this season. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2011, when he had 23 passes defensed and six interceptions, but had not been able to match those numbers in the next two seasons.
