“The bird just landed, so the hood gon’ rock.”

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*birdcall*

From ESPN:

“Chris Andersen is set to make his return from an NBA drug suspension after being reinstated by commissioner David Stern on Tuesday.

Andersen’s rights belong to the Hornets, provided they offer him a contract in the next 30 days, which they are expected to do. The team scheduled a news conference following practice Tuesday.

“We were always more concerned with Chris Andersen the person rather than Chris Andersen the player and are pleased that he has taken the appropriate measures to get himself reinstated by the NBA,” general manager Jeff Bower said in a statement.

“We will now begin the process of getting him back on the court and back in a Hornets uniform as quickly as possible.”

Andersen was dismissed and disqualified from the NBA on Jan. 27, 2006 for violating the league’s drug policy. He first became eligible to apply for reinstatement to the league late last month. Since he was “dismissed and disqualified” for a specific violation, he was forced to wait two years to apply for reinstatement.

According to the league’s collective bargaining agreement, a player can only be disqualified for a fourth positive test for performance-enhancing drugs, or a first positive test for “drugs of abuse.”

The drugs on that list are amphetamine and its analogs, which include methamphetamine; cocaine; LSD; opiates, including heroin, codeine and morphine; and PCP.

Andersen, 28, averaged 5.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in 32 games in 2006 before his suspension, his fifth season in the NBA. He played three seasons for the Nuggets before joining the Hornets.

Known as “Birdman” for his high-flying dunks, Andersen was a fan favorite among Hornets fans.

He is best known for his performance in the NBA’s dunk contest in 2005 when he needed eight tries to finish his first dunk.”

Welcome home, oh fine-feathered friend.

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Birdman, featuring Clipse: What Happened to That Boy / MP3 / $$$