Despite On-Field Promise, Off-Field Issues For Bengals Continue
Written by playerpress.com, Monday September 26 2011
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| Bengals.com |
By Kris Knox
NFL Writer
With a number of young and talented players making strides on the field, the Cincinnati Bengals have found a way to generate excitement for a long-suffering fan base.
Off the field, however, it has been the same old story for a team that has recently become known as much for its legal troubles as its playmaking ability.
Earlier this week, police raided the home of wide receiver Jerome Simpson after a 2 1/2-pound shipment of marijuana was allegedly delivered to his home. Authorities found an additional six pounds of the drug, and while the fourth-year wideout has not been arrested, the incident certainly brings his football future into question.
The troubles do not end there. Starting running back Cedric Benson was handed a three game suspension for an assault charge that occurred during the off-season lockout. Benson plans to appeal the suspension at a Tuesday hearing, but as a repeat violator of the league's personal conduct policy, his chances appear slim.
If that wasn't enough bad news for one week, recent reports name cornerback Adam 'Pacman' Jones as one of eight players who are eligible to receive league discipline for transgressions that occurred during the lockout. Other players on the list include Benson, Albert Haynesworth, Brandon Underwood, Clark Haggans, Johnny Jolly, Aquib Talib, and Kenny Britt.
Jones was arrested in July for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest following reported 'rowdy' behavior at a Cincinnati-area bar.
With the exception of Haggans, the named players are all considered repeat offenders, but this is especially troubling news for Jones.
Jones, of course, has a history of off-the-field incidents--most notably his involvement in a 2007 Las Vegas brawl that resulted in a triple shooting. This could be the final straw for the fifth-year player, who has already received one year-long suspension during his career.
A possible suspension for Jones will not have an immediate impact for the Bengals as he is currently on injured reserve and cannot be placed on the active roster until after week six. However, Jones has been cleared by doctors and was expected to contribute this season for a rebuilt Cincinnati secondary that lost star cornerback Johnathan Joseph to the Texans in free agency.
More importantly, the news is yet another black eye for a Bengals organization desperately seeking a way to improve its image.
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