At this point, the NFL can continue to wait until August. If the NFL lifts the suspension and adds an additional 4-6 games, Washington can still practice and participate in training camp until Week 1. That would be a big deal, rather than him disappearing for a year and a half.
Goddell can look and feel like a big man by continuing his suspension for another two months without hurting the team.
I'm not sure he can. That's the part that I may be misunderstanding, but according to this, the commissioner has to respond (once the player has applied and done whatever else is required) within 60 days.
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sport...-nfl/25584321/
Per the substance abuse policy:
•Within 45 days of receipt of the application, Washington will be interviewed by the medical director and the medical adviser, after which a recommendation will be made to Commissioner Roger Goodell with regard to the request for reinstatement.
•The commissioner's staff and that of NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith staff will review Washington's substance abuse history, including but not limited to attendance at counseling sessions (individual, group and family); attendance at 12-step and other self-help group meetings; periodic progress reports; and all diagnostic findings and treatment recommendations.
•Washington will submit to urine testing by an NFL representative at a frequency determined by the medical advisor.
•Washington will agree in a meeting with Goodell, or his representative(s), to comply with the conditions for his reinstatement.
•All individuals involved in the process will take steps to enable Goodell to render a decision within 60 days of the receipt of the application.
