The Cincinnati Bengals’ official web site reports that linebacker Odell Thurman has finally been reinstated by the NFL.

But the Cincinnati Bengals’ official web site says that the Cincinnati Bengals’ official football team has yet to confirm the news.

Thurman’s status has been the source of much consternation (Emmitt recommends Ex-Lax) in Cincinnati, due to the ongoing failure of the league office to allow Thurman back into the league. Because the league’s substance-abuse procedures are cloaked in secrecy, it has been difficult for folks to understand why Thurman’s suspension has lingered.

UPDATE: The Cincinnati Enquirer has the same story, with a higher degree of certainty.

SECOND UPDATE: The Bengals have announced that Thurman has indeed been reinstated. Said coach Marvin Lewis: “Odell has met the NFL’s conditions for reinstatement and has been added to our offseason roster. It is now up to Odell to continue to meet all NFL guidelines, and to maintain a standard of personal responsibility that will allow him the chance to compete for a spot on our team.”