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'Pacman' can return to practice Monday

Suspended Cowboys cornerback will be allowed to play starting Dec. 7

IRVING, Texas - The NFL confirmed Friday that suspended cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones can join the Dallas Cowboys on Monday and that he can play again Dec. 7 against Pittsburgh — but only if he stays on his best behavior.

Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a brief statement Friday confirming the details of Jones’ return, noting that it can only happen “if he avoids any further incidents and fully complies with each and every condition that has been established for him.”

Those conditions were not outlined, although it’s believed that he must keep up with the aftercare of the alcohol rehabilitation program he underwent since being suspended Oct. 14.

The statement also noted that “Commissioner Goodell’s decision was based on the recommendations of clinical experts.”

Jones was suspended from the entire 2007 season because of repeated run-ins with the law. Traded to Dallas and given another chance by Goodell, Jones played six games before getting punished again. By missing the next two games, this will become a six-game penalty, making it 22 of a possible 28 games he’ll have been forced to sit out.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed the commissioner’s decision Wednesday. The league office had been mum about the reinstatement until issuing a three-sentence release Friday afternoon.

© 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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