Bengals take LB Brooks in Supplemental Draft

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

The Bengals today selected former University of Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks in the third round of the NFL Supplemental Draft.

Once considered first-round NFL talent, Brooks’ stock dropped dramatically after a poor 2005 season. Arrested for marijuana possession in March 2003, Brooks failed multiple drug tests in college, the Miami Herald reported earlier this year. His substance abuse issues led to his dismissal from the UVA squad in March 2006.

Brooks’ weight has dropped in recent months to near his playing weight of 260 pounds. Concerns about his weight are another red flag on Brooks, one of the top players in prep football history in Virginia. He played at 6-feet 4, 259 pounds.

If the Bengals sign him, Brooks will become another talented player with a checkered past on the roster. Wide receiver Chris Henry, though not yet medically cleared, was arrested four times in less than seven months from December through June.

Third-round rookie defensive end Frostee Rucker faces spousal abuse and vandalism charges in Los Angeles County, stemming from an alleged incident in August 2005 with a now ex-girlfriend. And fifth-round rookie linebacker A.J. Nicholson was arrested for theft charges in Tallahassee, Fla., and was dismissed from the Florida State team for an alleged sexual misconduct before the Orange Bowl.

According to the Washington Post, Brooks’ dismissal from the University of Virginia squad ended a college career that started quickly but fizzled fast. His father, Perry Brooks, was a defensive tackle for the Washington Redskins.

The Bengals did confirm Brooks' selection this afternoon but did not have immediate comment about adding another player with a troubled past to their roster.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com