Suspended Green Bay Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly has begun the process of applying for reinstatement, according to the Green Bay Press Gazette on Friday.

Brian Overstreet, Jolly's agent, told the newspaper that he was optimistic that his client will be reinstated.

Jolly was suspended indefinitely without pay in July for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

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Jolly is facing drug charges in Houston following his July 2008 arrest outside a club for possession of at least 200 grams of codeine. If convicted, Jolly faces up to 20 years in prison.

Jolly is still under contract with the Packers, and he hopes to play for them next season. A team source told The Green Bay Gazette that the Packers would be willing to give Jolly a second chance if he's clean.

"Theyve been very supportive of him this whole ride," Overstreet said. "So Id be surprised if that didnt happen. But you know, Johnny realizes that he has some responsibilities in this and to make sure that he does that. But theyve been nothing but supportive of Johnny his entire career, even with this."

Overstreet was unsure how long the reinstatement process might take.

HOUSTON -- Suspended Green Bay Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly made a deal with prosecutors Tuesday to avoid trial on a felony drug charge and have the case against him dismissed if he stays out of trouble for the next year.

Jolly was given pretrial diversion, a form of probation that will have the charge against him dismissed in a year if he doesn't break the law and completes other requirements, including 160 hours of community service. Part of the community service will be 10 speaking engagements where he will talk to children and others about the dangers of drug use.

The agreement was reached as Jolly's trial was set to begin this week. He had been facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Along with the community service, Jolly will undergo random drug and alcohol testing. He can't drink alcohol and is barred from bars, nightclubs or other businesses, except for restaurants, that serve alcohol. He also must notify the court when he takes prescription medication.

Jolly is facing drug charges in Houston following his July 2008 arrest outside a club for possession of at least 200 grams of codeine. If convicted, Jolly faces up to 20 years in prison.

Missing out on a Super Bowl ring because you were too busy acting like a jackass enough of a lesson learned?

"TwinkieGorilla" wrote:

"TwinkieGorilla" wrote:

Adding Jolly will be like adding a decent FA. When he was on our D our run D was top 1-2 if I'm not mistaking and now we're dead last.

"shield4life" wrote: