THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Suspended Tennessee Titans cornerback Pacman Jones said Tuesday he's delayed filing for reinstatement with the NFL until a possible trade is worked out.
Jones told the Michael Irvin Show on ESPN Radio that he had planned to seek reinstatement but changed his mind for now.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Jones for the 2007 season for his off-field conduct, which includes six arrests since being drafted. Goodell rejected appeals to let Jones take part in training camp or return after 10 games.
The suspension does not stop the Titans from trading Jones' contract.
"I was going to file for reinstatement, but I didn't," Jones said. "I want the situation to work out, if it be a trade or if it don't be a trade and I go back to Tennessee, before I file for reinstatement with the commissioner.
"Not that I haven't done everything (to gain reinstatement) - because I think I have done everything &mdsah; but if I haven't done anything, it gives (Goodell) time to tell me what I haven't done."
Jones was the first defensive player drafted in 2005 as the sixth pick overall out of West Virginia, and he was Tennessee's best defender in 2005 and 2006. His four interceptions in 2006 helped the Titans to an 8-8 record.
He also led the NFL in punt-return average in 2006 with 12.9 yards per return and three touchdowns.
Jones settled the last of his criminal charges Feb. 14 by entering an Alford plea to obstruction of a police officer in Georgia, which left him with a felony conviction. An Alford plea is essentially a guilty plea but also is a denial of committing a crime.
In January, Jones went to an Atlanta strip club, which prompted Goodell to send him a letter in February barring him from working out at the Titans' headquarters. The commissioner also said Jones would be reconsidered for reinstatement before training camps open.
