Riley leaving door open for Keyshawn Johnson Jr.'s potential return

Days after taking an indefinite leave of absence from Nebraska, Keyshawn Johnson Jr. appears to have been extended an olive branch by Huskers head coach Mike Riley.

The incoming freshman was cited for possession of marijuana in his dorm room on June 10, but according to Brian Christopherson of the Lincoln Star Journal, Riley is still hoping to see Johnson in a Huskers uniform.

"We're disappointed that he's not here with us right now today," Riley said. "I think there's kind of a wellness factor for Keyshawn going home. We talked to him about the possibility of maybe enrolling part time and taking care of his progress toward his degree, and also getting in great shape.

"And we opened the door for return, which is just kind of left open that we'll deal with at the time that he is physically and mentally ready to do that," Riley added.

Johnson's father, former NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Keyshawn Johnson Sr., was publicly critical of his son in the aftermath of his citation and departure.

"One thing you will not do as my son is you will not embarrass Nebraska, you will not embarrass (coach) Mike Riley, and you will not embarrass this family," Johnson Sr. told Sam McKewon of the Omaha World-Herald. "If you mature and you're ready to presume your football career and academic goals, then Nebraska will be ready to embrace you."

Riley also stated that he doesn't see Johnson making a return this fall.