Bengals rounding up undrafted college players

In addition to the likely signing of college free agent linebacker Earl Everett of Florida, various Web sites are reporting a few more signings of undrafted players by the Bengals.

The Bengals team-owned Web site, citing various sources, said this afternoon that Georgetown College quarterback Jeff Smith has signed. Also in the fold now or having agreed to sign are lllinois State linebacker Cameron Siskowic, Hawaii right tackle Dane Uperesa and Brigham Young tight end Daniel Coats.

Bengals PR director Jack Brennan said this afternoon not to expect any announcement from the team regarding college free agents until Tuesday at the earliest. The team would not release even a partial list of possible players today.

Bengals bringing in LB Earl Everett as free agent

The Bengals will populate their offseason roster with around a dozen college free agents, players who were not among the 255 drafted Saturday and Sunday.

A source in Tallahassee, Fla., said tonight that former Florida linebacker Earl Everett is headed to Cincinnati to sign a rookie free agent contract with the Bengals.

Everett was projected at one time to be as high as a third-round pick. He is an inside linebacker who had 85 tackles last season for the Gators, in addition to a sack and six tackles for loss.

Online video interview with Leon Hall

Pick No. 253 is Notre Dame safety

The Bengals added safety Chinedum Ndukwe from Notre Dame in the seventh round. He improved against the run in 2006 with 98 tackles. He is 6-1 1/2, 206 pounds and is the second safety drafted today by Cincinnati.

Counting linebacker Ahmad Brooks from the 2006 supplemental draft, the Bengals used five of their eight picks on defensive players.

With pick No. 230, Bengals take guard Dan Santucci

The Bengals used their first seventh-round pick on Notre Dame guard Dan Santucci. It was the 230th overall pick of the draft. He is a 6-3 1/2-inch, 301-pound lineman who is strong in pass blocking, strong and fast. He was a projected seventh-round pick.

Reading HS RB Wynn to Packers in 7th round

DeShawn Wynn, the Reading High School graduate who played college ball at Florida, was drafted No. 228 overall in the seventh round by the Green Bay Packers.

CB Hall impressive as a man

Leon Hall comes across as much wiser and more mature than his 22 years.

His mother died of heart failure when Hall was 12.

He was brought up by three older sisters, an uncle and other members of his immediate family.

Hall has the look of a college graduate headed to an interview for a job at a bank. He came dressed in a blue suit that he obviously had worn before today. He speaks clearly and eloquently.

If he can play football half as well as the first impression he has made today, Hall will be an excellent NFL player.

Bengals take DE/DT Matt Toeaina from Oregon

The Bengals added their third Samoan defensive lineman in the sixth round (187 overall) when they selected Matt Toeaina from Oregon. He is 6-2, 307 pounds. He is a natural leader and was elected team captain in 2006, when he started all 13 games and finished with 36 tackles and three sacks.

He is considered a player who gives great effort and is a "bear-hug" tackler but does not have great football instincts.

He joins defensive tackle Domata Peko and end Jonathan Fanene as Samoans on the Bengals' roster.

UC tight end Celek to Eagles

Brent Celek, a tight end from the University of Cincinnati, was selected in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Bengals take Nevada QB Rowe in fifth round

The Bengals used the 151st overall pick on Nevada quarterback Jeff Rowe. He started all 12 games last season the Wolfpack in 2006 and was 172-for-266 passing for 1,907 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He was the MVP of the East-West Shrine Game after throwing two touchdowns.

He is 6-5 1/4, 226 pounds and is knocked for being too thin.

The Bengals have only two quarterbacks under contract, starter Carson Palmer and backup Doug Johnson. The Bengals also had given a workout to free agent veteran Tim Rattay and had a visit last week from Koy Detmer.

The Bengals passed on Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Troy Smith of Ohio State and Jordan Palmer (Carson's younger brother) of Texas El-Paso.

Coach Marvin Lewis said the pick will preclude the Bengals signing either Rattay or Detmer and should provide the team with some future stability.

Lewis indicated Johnson will be the top backup to Palmer.

"This is a great prospect, a good fit for us at this point," Lewis said.

Lewis defends second-round pick Irons

While discussing fourth-round pick Marvin White, the TCU safety, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis went back to Saturday to discuss second-round running back Kenny Irons.

"We would have liked to have picked a defensive player (in the second round)," Lewis said. "The value was a little later. Kenny was the best pick for us. He has the chance to be there on opening day."

Lewis also was asked today whether Cleveland general manager Phil Savage called about trading to get quarterback Brady Quinn.

"What would have been more fun was to call Tom Condon (Quinn's agent) and tell him we were going to draft Brady and play him behind Carson Palmer," Lewis said.

Two local college players drafted in fourth round

With the 110th pick, University of Cincinnati cornerback John Bowie went to the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round. The pick was acquired by Oakland in exchange for trading wide receiver Randy Moss to the Patriots.

Eight picks later, at No. 118, Miami University wide receiver/kick return man Ryne Robinson went to the Carolina Panthers.

Bengals' fourth-round pick is TCU safety Marvin White

The Bengals selected safety Marvin White from Texas Christian with their fourth-round pick, 114 overall.

White is 6 feet, 1 inch, 199 pounds. He was a junior college transfer who intercepted seven interceptions the past two seasons. He started 22 of 25 games for TCU.

He is considered a big hitter who excels in run support but needs work in coverage.

"He's a great contact player, in and out of alleys," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said this afternoon of White. "He fits us for our need on defense and our future and all four phases of our special teams."

White was arrested in high school for assault for defending his mother, who was being beaten by White's step-father. He otherwise is regarded as a high-character person, according to NFLdraftscout.com.

With the 110th pick, University of Cincinnati cornerback John Bowie went to the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round. The pick was acquired by Oakland in exchange for trading wide receiver Randy Moss to the Patriots.

Let the Bengals pick again

The Bengals are about 20 minutes away from making their fourth-round pick.

In the light of day, the selection of running back Kenny Irons looks like a bad pick. He might very well be an excellent pro, but the Bengals need defense, defense and more defense.

That said, don't be surprised if the Bengals use one of their first two Day 2 picks today on a tight end.

Second round pick is Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn

The Bengals drafted another Auburn running back, Kenny Irons, who rushed for 893 yards and four touchdowns in 2006. There are durability concerns for the 5-10 1/2, 203-pound tailback.

"It gives us a chance not knowing Chris's situation," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said in reference to Chris Perry. The former first-round running back is not expected to be ready for the start of training camp because of a serious ankle and fibula injury.

Asked why the Bengals didn't make a trade -- 13 trades were made through the first 48 picks; the Bengals picked Irons at No. 49 -- Lewis said, "We didn't have the firepower to do that without a third-round pick."

The Bengals didn't have a third-round pick because they used it in the supplemental draft in July on linebacker Ahmad Brooks.

Bengals running backs coach Jim Anderson said Irons reminds him of another Auburn running back, James Brooks. "In this league today, you need more than one back," Anderson said. "We think we made an excellent pick."

Anderson said Irons has some of the same qualities as Perry -- he can make people miss in the open field, catch the ball and run in traffic through arm tackles.

Said offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski, "You look at this as another weapon. He gives us a change of style at running back. We hopefully can improve our long runs, 15- and 20-yard runs."

Browns play to win with trade

Congratulations to Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage for having the guts to make the trade to get the 22nd overall pick and select quarterback Brady Quinn. Some experts thought the Browns would have taken Quinn at No. 3 overall.

The Browns made a great pick at No. 3 overall to get Wisconsin left offensive tackle Joe Thomas. The Browns now have potential for an outstanding left side of their offensive line, with former Bengals left guard Eric Steinbach lining up next to Thomas.

Cleveland gave up its second-round pick this year and its first-round pick in the 2008 to get the 22nd overall pick from Dallas.

Whoever's at quarterback -- Charlie Frye or Quinn -- he will have greater protection when he passes. And new featured tailback Jamal Lewis will be running behind a significantly better offensive line.

Hall: `Not disappointed'

Leon Hall said he talked with wide receiver Chad Johnson when he visited with the Bengals earlier this month.

"He told me he had a pair of cleats here waiting for me," Hall said on a conference call with Cincinnati media shortly after he was drafted No. 18 overall by the Bengals.

Johnson had some fresh meat to work with last year, too, when the Bengals used their first-round pick, No. 24 overall, on cornerback Johnathan Joseph.

"My dream was always to play in the NFL," Hall said. "I wanted to go as early as possible. I'm good. I'm relieved. I'm happy."

He said he knew a great deal about the Cincinnati offense and recently learned about what the Bengals like to do defensively.

Describing his game, Hall said, "My overall game is good. I am able to play a lot of different coverages. I can play the run. I'm a good character guy ... the people I associate with. I won't be getting in trouble."

Cornerback Leon Hall is latest Bengals player

For the second year in a row the Bengals selected a cornerback in the first round. He is Michigan cornerback Leon Hall.

Hall had 45 tackles, three interceptions and 15 passes broken up.

He is 5-11 1/4, 193 pounds and is known for playing the ball well in the air and coming up on run support.

He adds depth at cornerback behind projected starters Johnathan Joseph and Deltha O'Neal.

The Bengals were 30th in the NFL in total defense and tied for last (31st) in pass defense.

Jacksonville trades with Denver at No. 17

Jacksonville has traded with Denver at No. 17, and the Broncos took defensive end Jarvis Moss from Florida.

The Bengals will have their choice of several solid defensive players: cornerback Leon Hall, safety Reggie Nelson, safety Michael Griffin, cornerback Aaron Ross, defensive tackle Alan Branch and linebacker Jon Beason.

Green Bay and Jacksonville, then Bengals

The Packers, with Marshawn Lynch off the board, are considering Brady Quinn and tight end Greg Olsen, among others.

Still, Green Bay needs defensive help.

Jacksonville, at No. 17, is said to be in love with Florida safety Reggie Nelson.

The Bengals might be in a position to get Leon Hall, the Michigan cornerback.

Three more to go before Bengals

I had Revis going to Carolina at No. 14. The Jets traded up to take Darrelle Revis at No. 14.

The Steelers are up at 15. I think it's Leon Hall, cornerback from Michigan. The Steelers wanted to keep Revis in Pittsburgh.

But the pick of outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons makes a lot of sense for the Steelers. He can replace Joey Porter as the speed rusher off the right end of the defense.

Jets trade up with Carolina, likely to take cornerback

Look for the Jets to take either one of the top two cornerbacks, Darrelle Revis or Leon Hall.

New York gets the 14th pick originally held by the Panthers and Carolina's sixth-rounder.

Carolina gets the 25th pick originally held by the Jets and the second- and fifth-round picks from New York.

Another surprise at No. 12 with RB Lynch to Buffalo

The Bills passed on Leon Hall to take running back Marshawn Lynch.

The defensive slate is loaded with five more picks between now and when the Bengals pick at No. 18.

Add Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss to the list of players on the Bengals' radar.

SF gets MLB Willis

Watch out for San San Francisco, which might be the most up-and-coming team in the league.

The 49ers add another excellent player in middle linebacker Patrick Willis.

I had Willis going No. 12 to Buffalo. Now, I think, the Bills will go after Michigan cornerback Leon Hall. Hall was the second player on their draft board, behind Willis.

There are six picks until the Bengals make the No. 18 overall selection.

Still available are Hall, Pitt cornerback Darrelle Revis, Texas cornerback Aaron Ross, Texas safety Michael Griffin, Miami linebacker Jon Beason, Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch and Florida safety Reggie Nelson.

Texans add strength on defensive line

The Houston Texans added a first-round defensive tackle, Amobi Okoye, to their No. 1 overall pick last year, end Mario Williams. Add linebacker DeMeco Ryans into the mix as their No. 2 pick last season, and the Texans have an impressive combination in their front seven.

San Francisco is up next. The Niners will have their choice of end-tackle Adam Carriker and middle linebacker Patrick Willis.

If Carriker goes to the 49ers, then Willis will go at No. 12 to Buffalo.

Wow: Miami passes on Quinn to take Ginn

The Dolphins selected wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. at No. 9. I had Miami taking Ginn in The Enquirer's mock draft this morning, but I thought Brady Quinn would go No. 3 to Cleveland.

So far, The Enquirer's mock draft has five correct picks in the first nine.

Three of the first nine picks are defense.

This trend helps the Bengals.

Ginn was the only offensive player the Bengals would have considered at No. 18 overall.

Quinn's a lock to go next to Miami

Vikings get great value at No. 7 with RB Peterson

A good player falls in every draft. This year, running back Adrian Peterson fell. Minnesota gets excellent value with the seventh pick.

Five of the first seven players selected are offensive players. That's good for the Bengals, who need defense desperately.

Atlanta is up next. With the top two offensive linemen off the board, look for new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino to pick one of his former Louisville players, defensive tackle Amobi Okoye.

Redskins will likely take LSU safety LaRon Landry

The draft is shaping up well for the Bengals.

There has been a run on offensive players, and though Washington is likely to take safety LaRon Landry -- if it can't work a trade -- running back Adrian Peterson and quarterback Brady Quinn will go soon.

NFL draft, Rounds 1-2

ROUND ONE
1. Oakland, JaMarcus Russell (QB) LSU
2. Detroit, Calvin Johnson (WR) Ga Tech
3. Cleveland, Joe Thomas (OT) Wisconsin
4. Tampa Bay, Gaines Adams (DE) Clemson
5. Arizona, Levi Brown (OT) Penn State
6. Washington, LaRon Landry (S) LSU
7. Minnesota, Adrian Peterson (RB) Oklahoma
8. Atlanta, Jamaal Anderson (DE) Arkansas
9. Miami, Ted Ginn Jr. (WR) Ohio St.
10. Houston, Amobi Okoye (DT) Louisville
11. San Francisco, Patrick Willis (ILB) Ole Miss
12. Buffalo, Marshawn Lynch (RB) California
13. St. Louis, Adam Carriker (DE) Nebraska
14. NY Jets (draft day trade with Carolina), Darrelle Revis (CB) Pittsburgh
15. Pittsburgh, Lawrence Timmons (OLB) Florida St.
16. Green Bay, Justin Harrell (DT) Tennessee
17. Denver (draft day trade with Jacksonville, Jarvis Moss (DE) Florida
18. Cincinnati, Leon Hall (CB) Michigan
19. Tennessee, Michael Griffin (S) Texas
20. NY Giants, Aaron Ross (CB) Texas
21. Jacksonville (draft day trade with Denver), Reggie Nelson (S) Florida
22. Cleveland (draft day trade with Dallas), Brady Quinn (QB) Notre Dame
23. Kansas City, Dwayne Bowe (WR) LSU
24. New England, Brandon Meriweather (S) Miami
25. Carolina (draft day trade with NY Jets), Jon Beason (OLB) Miami
26. Dallas (draft day trade with Philadelphia), Anthony Spencer (DE) Purdue
27. New Orleans, Robert Meachem (WR) Tennessee
28. San Francisco (draft day trade with New England), Joe Staley (OT) C Michigan
29. Baltimore, Ben Grubbs (OG) Auburn
30. San Diego, Craig Davis (WR) LSU
31. Chicago, Greg Olsen (TE) Miami
32. Indianapolis, Anthony Gonzalez (WR) Ohio St.

ROUND TWO
33. Arizona, Alan Branch (DT) Michigan
34. Buffalo, Paul Posluszny (OLB) Penn State
35. Tampa Bay, Arron Sears (OG) Tennessee
36. Philadelphia, Kevin Kolb (QB) Houston
37. San Diego, Eric Weddle (S) Utah
38. Oakland, Zach Miller (TE) Arizona St.
39. Atlanta, Justin Blalock (OG) Texas
40. Miami, John Beck (QB) BYU
41. Atlanta, Chris Houston (CB) Arkansas
42 Indianapolis, Tony Ugoh (OT) Arkansas
43. Detroit, Drew Stanton (QB) Mich St.
44. Minnesota, Sidney Rice (WR) S Carolina
45. Carolina, Dwayne Jarrett (WR) USC
46. Pittsburgh, LaMarr Woodley (DE) Michigan
47. NY Jets, David Harris (ILB) Michigan
48. Jacksonville, Justin Durant (OLB) Hampton
49. Cincinnati, Kenny Irons (RB) Auburn
50. Tennessee, Chris Henry (RB) Arizona
51. NY Giants, Steve Smith (WR) USC
52. St. Louis, Brian Leonard (FB) Rutgers
53. Cleveland, Eric Wright (CB) UNLV
54. Kansas City, Turk McBride (DT) Tennessee
55. Seattle, Josh Wilson (CB) Maryland
56. Denver, Tim Crowder (DE) Texas
57. Philadelphia, Victor Abiamiri (DE) Notre Dame
58. Carolina, Ryan Kalil (C) USC
59. Miami, Samson Satele (C) Hawaii
60. Detroit, Gerald Alexander (S) Boise St.
61. Chicago, Dan Bazuin (DE) C Michigan
62. Green Bay, Brandon Jackson (RB) Nebraska
64. Tampa Bay, Sabby Piscitelli (S) Oregon St.

DE Gaines Adams goes to Bucs; trade on horizon

The Buccaneers and Lions are talking. Jon Gruden wants Calvin Johnson badly as his next big receiver.

If the trade doesn't happen, Adams -- the top pass rusher in the draft -- is a good fit for Tampa Bay.

Look for Arizona to take left tackle Levi Brown. Atlanta, Miami and Houston all like Brown at Nos. 8, 9 and 10, respectively.

Browns get an `A' grade for drafting LT Thomas

It doesn't matter who else the Browns take in the draft; they scored an "A" by taking Joe Thomas to line up beside Eric Steinbach. The run game will be better with Jamal Lewis. The pass game will be better with Charlie Frye now getting some protection.

Brady Quinn would have been the second coming of Tim Couch -- system quarterback from a strong college offense.

Picking Thomas makes the Browns better, which is bad news for the Bengals.

Lions take WR Calvin Johnson; Joe Thomas to Browns

The Lions took a wide receiver in the first round for the fourth time in five years with Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Look for a trade to Tampa Bay, if the details can be worked out.

The Browns are on the clock. Picking Brady Quinn would not be the best pick.

If I'm Cleveland, I take left tackle Joe Thomas and plant him next to Eric Steinbach and run the ball.

Surprise, they just did.

The reason Charlie Frye doesn't have great numbers is he was running for his life because of poor pass protection.

Russell goes No. 1 to Raiders

Little surprise here. Oakland had to get a quarterback. It had none.

A quarterback has gone with the No. 1 overall pick in 8 of the past 10 years.

Akili Smith goes to Canadian League

OK, once and far all, barring a trade ...

I see the Bengals drafting Texas safety Michael Griffin at No. 18 overall in the first round.

I talked to a couple of additional sources late this afternoon, and Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch is no longer on the team's radar.

I've attached the link to the story I wrote earlier this week on Griffin.

Team confirms visit by QB Koy Detmer

The Bengals this afternoon confirmed a visit by veteran backup quarterback Koy Detmer.

The Bengals held a workout a couple of weeks ago for veteran free agent quarterback Tim Rattay.

The Bengals are looking for another backup quarterback. They have Doug Johnson on the roster behind starter Carson Palmer.

Looking ahead to the draft

Please, let the draft begin.

After months of study and media analysis, nobody really knows which player, for example, will go No. 18 overall to the Bengals.

The best educated guess here is a defensive player. My field of possibilities: defensive tackle Alan Branch, cornerbacks Aaron Ross or Darrelle Revis, linebacker Jon Beason or safeties Michael Griffin or Reggie Nelson.

Revis and Nelson probably will be off the board by No. 18.

If the Bengals do get an offer they like, they might trade down four or five spots in the hope of landing a third-round pick or another pick in the fourth round.

Who really knows? We'll find out tomorrow.

Enquirer's latest mock draft Online

Caleb Miller signs one-year deal

The Bengals this morning signed their final restricted free agent when linebacker Caleb Miller agreed to a one-year contract.

Miller was tendered $850,000 for one year as a restricted free agent.

Coach Marvin Lewis tried to be vague in his pre-draft news conference that ended shortly after noon. He said that the projections he has seen about the draft show that either 3 of their first 4 or 4 of the first 5 players selected could be offensive stars, which would help to push a quality defensive player down to the No. 18 picks for the Bengals.

We have the opportunity to fit some need on defense and get younger," Lewis said.

In terms of the character question, Lewis said players are more affected than teams because NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has shown he will dole out stern penalties for off-field misconduct.

Character matters to the Bengals, Lewis said and is a "consideration (because) we don't (want to) spend any more time trying to reshape lives."

Lewis also raved about Ohio State wide receiver Tedd Ginn Jr. when asked about him directly.

"Don't know if he'll be there when we pick," Lewis said.

The Bengals are expected to go for a defensive player early, but the team is believed to like Ginn and Miami Hurricanes tight end Greg Olsen.

In other developments, Lewis said he does not expect tailback Chris Perry to be ready for the start of training camp. Perry broke his ankle last season and had to undergo surgery.

Pausing to remember my hero

In Memoriam:

John T. Curnutte
April 24, 1923-February 12, 2003

Dad, thanks for everything you and Mom taught me and did for me.

I'm still doing my best to make you proud.

Pro Football Writers announce awards

The Professional Football Writers of America announced the winners of their annual awards, headed by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who was named winner of the Halas Award in voting by PFWA members.

The PFWA is an organization working to ensure that the independent media has equal access to NFL players and coaches. Its membership, primarily made up of daily newspaper reporters and columnists -- which does not include pseudo media employed and paid by NFL teams and the league -- strives to present unbiased information to football fans and general readers alike.

Other winners were San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the Good Guy Award; AFC Information Manager Steve Alic, the Horrigan Award; the Houston Texas public relations department, the Rozelle Award and ESPN.com's John Clayton, the McCann Award.

-- Brees, who suffered a shoulder injury in the final game of the 2005 season while playing for the Chargers, signed with the Saints in the off-season and helped the team to a 10-6 record while passing for 4,418 yards and 26 touchdowns. The Halas Award recognizes an individual in the NFL who overcame the most adversity to succeed.

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer was one of five finalists and received votes.

-- Tomlinson's Good Guy Award goes to the player who best helped the media do its job.

-- The Horrigan Award, won by Alic, goes to the person -- not a player or team public relations staffer -- who helped the media best do its job.

-- For the Texans, it was their second Rozelle Award (to the P.R. staff that best helped the media do its job). They also won the award in 2004.

The Bengals' PR staff -- director Jack Brennan, assistant director P.J. Combs and Inky Moore -- won the award in 2005 and was not eligible in 2006.

-- The McCann Award, won by Clayton, honors one of its members for distinguished service. Clayton has been with ESPN since 1998, and began his fulltime writing and reporting career with The Pittsburgh Press in 1976.

Signings aside, draft defense

Landon Johnson is one of the Bengals' most reliable defensive players. What he might lack in big-play ability, he makes up for with consistency. Plus, there is not a better character man in that locker room.

Defensive tackle Michael Myers has played a lot of football. Another experienced tackle can't hurt, but I wonder why the Bengals keep signing defensive linemen (Bryan Robinson, Sam Adams and now Myers) at the ends of their careers?

Still, if I am the Bengals (and I'm not; I work for The Enquirer), I would use the top picks -- at Nos. 18 and 49 -- on defensive players.

If the Bengals use one of those picks on offense, it would be fair to say the plan is to win games 45-40.

Team signs DT Meyers for 2, LB Landon Johnson for one

The Bengals this morning, as expected, announced that they had signed defensive tackle Michael Myers to a two-year contract. He was released last month by Denver.

The Bengals also signed linebacker Landon Johnson to a one-year contract. A restricted free agent, Johnson had been offered a one-year tender at $850,000, which would have allowed the Bengals to receive draft-status compensation (third round) had he signed an offer sheet with another team. The Bengals would have had the right to match.

Johnson is the team's likely starting weak-side linebacker in 2007.

Bengals close to deal with DT Myers

The Bengals canceled their scheduled visit from Bears free agent defensive tackle Ian Scott because they are close on a one-year contract with Broncos free agent Michael Myers.

The deal is believed to be a minimum salary of $720,000 for Myers, a nine-year veteran from Alabama. He would receive $40,000 to sign.

Myers started all 16 games for Denver last season, collecting 80 total tackles, 51 unassisted, and two sacks and two fumbles recovered.

A fourth-round pick by Dallas in the 1998 draft, Myers has played in 123 NFL games with 64 starts. He has 14.5 sacks.

He was part of the transplanted Cleveland defensive line in Denver. He played for the Browns in seven games in 2003 after he release by the Cowboys. He was acquired by the Broncos before the 2005 season in a trade from the Browns.

Myers is 6-2, 300 pounds.

The Bengals had four defensive tackles listed on their Dec. 31 depth chart. Shaun Smith since signed as a restricted free agent with the Browns.

The others are Sam Adams, John Thornton and Domata Peko. Bryan Robinson is listed as a defensive end but said Wednesday that he would play tackle again if needed.

At least two defensive tackles are believed to be of interest to the Bengals in the upcoming draft, Michigan's Alan Branch and Louisville's Amobi Okoye. Draft boards, however, are fluid.

Okoye is expected to be gone by the time the Bengals draft at No. 18, but Branch might be available.

On Wednesday, Thornton bristled over reports that the Bengals are definitely going to draft defensive players in the first two rounds and that the defense was solely responsible for the Bengals missing the playoffs. They lost the final three games in a row to finish 8-8, when one victory in the three would have earned them a postseason spot.

Last season, after now-retired center Rich Braham was injured in Game 2, Thornton said many fans and the media made excuses for the offense when such a key player was lost for the season.

“Everybody goes to throw a life jacket to the offense, and says, `Oh, no, you're fine, that's the reason you're not doing well. Rich is out,’” Thornton said. “When we had our problems (at middle linebacker), we didn't get those same kinds of words."

Bengals players perform in NFL Europe

A couple of Bengals of players performed well in NFL Europe this past weekend.

Jimmy Verdon started at left defensive end and had four tackles and a forced fumble for the Hamburg Sea Devils. Alan Reuber started at right tackle for the Cologne Centurions.

Agent: LB Hartwell visiting Cincinnati on Thursday

Linebacker Ed Hartwell, who started eight games at middle linebacker for Atlanta last season, will visit the Bengals on Thursday and Friday, agent Harold Lewis said tonight.

Hartwell was a fourth-round draft pick out of Western Illinois in 2001 by Baltimore. The Ravens defensive coordinator was Bengals coach Marvin Lewis.

"Marvin is one of his favorites," Harold Lewis said. "Ed's not necessarily looking for the most money. He's looking for the best fit."

Hartwell signed a $27 million free agent contract with the Falcons before the 2005 season but injured his Achilles tendon after five games. He had knee cleanout surgery on both knees the week before the 2006 season opened.

"He is completely healthy now," Harold Lewis said.

Hartwell started 46 of 48 games for the Ravens from 2002 through 2004 and established himself, at 250 pounds, as a top run-stopped in the NFL.

The Falcons released Hartwell last month.

The Bengals are shopping for veteran defensive help. They have visited this week with free agent defensive tackles Michael Myers (Denver) and Ian Scott (Chicago).

Bengals continue to entertain prospects

Item 1: Harvard running back Clifton Dawson is visiting the Bengals today as one of the team's 30 pre-draft prospect visits.

Item 2: Carson Palmer said late this morning that he is confident that Doug Johnson would be a solid No. 2 quarterback now that Anthony Wright has signed with the Giants.

Item 3: A reader asked earlier if I thought Odell Thurman would be back with the Bengals this season. Thurman's representatives have been very quiet lately, and Thurman is not around the team for its offseason program. He is believed to be in alcohol rehab in Georgia.

Do I think he will play for the Bengals this season? One day I think he might, the next I think it's not possible. Nobody is really talking, but Marvin Lewis has been more pointed in his public criticism of Thurman than any other player he has coached in Cincinnati in four years.

Mock drafts getting re-done

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., the top draftnik out there, now sees the Bengals selecting Pitt cornerback Darrelle Revis in the first round at No. 18 overall. Kiper also likes the Bengals selecting defensive tackle Paul Soliai of Utah in the second round at No. 49 overall.

Soliai would be a third native of American Samoa on the roster, joining Jonathan Fanene and Domata Peko -- also defensive linemen. Peko so far is the best of the bunch, a great value pick in the fourth round last year.

I still see the Bengals going after linebackers and defensive backs in the first two rounds, especially given their shopping spree this week for a veteran defensive tackle -- a hunt that includes Michael Myers of Denver and Ian Scott of Chicago.

Specifically, I like the Bengals grabbing an outside linebacker (the middle is well-manned by Ahmad Brooks with Caleb Miller as the backup) in the first round and defensive back in the second.

Jon Beason of Miami stands out. A second-round pick could be a cornerback or a safety. I still don't know what Keiwan Ratliff isn't doing that has landed him in the depth-chart doghouse. He was their first pick in the second round in 2004. He has been bounced between cornerback and safety and not had the opportunity to settle at one position.

Bengals talking with DT Ian Scott

The Bengals, who entertained Broncos free agent defensive tackle Michael Myers this week, are now talking with Bears free agent DT Ian Scott.

Scott is a four-year veteran. He has played in 49 career games for Chicago, including 15 last year when the Bears won the NFC. Scott, who is 6-feet 2, 302 pounds, had 22 total tackles and six passes defensed. He apparently gets good rush up the middle on pass downs and can knock balls down.

James agrees to terms with Patriots

Former Bengals cornerback Tory James has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with New England.

James was an unrestricted free agent after playing four seasons with the Bengals. The team made no attempt to re-sign him. Former first-round pick Johnathan Joseph is expected to start where James did in 2006, opposite Deltha O'Neal.

James could earn $1.35 million, with incentives upping the potential value of the package to $2.7 million.

He had four interceptions in 2006, bringing his NFL total to 42. James had slowed considerably over the past season and a half.

Denver free agent Myers visits Bengals

Denver defensive tackle Michael Myers was in Cincinnati on Monday night visiting with the Bengals, according to The Denver Post this morning.

Meanwhile, free agent quarterback Tim Rattay worked out Monday for the Bengals, according to the team-owned Web site.

April 15, 1947

"A life is not important, except in the impact it has on other lives." -- Jackie Robinson

Bengals lose QB Wright to Giants

The New York Daily News reported this morning that quarterback Anthony Wright has signed a two-year contract to be the Giants' top backup behind starter Eli Manning.

As recently as Tuesday, Wright, who spent 2006 as Carson Palmer's backup, had a nameplate above a cubicle in the Bengals' locker room.

Internet reports say the Bengals have turned their attention to former Buccaneers quarterback Tim Rattay. The only other quarterback on the Cincinnati roster is Doug Johnson, who was No. 3 last season.

LB Wilson to Bengals? Doubtful

The Denver Broncos terminated the contract of linebacker Al Wilson today. The Bengals have a need at linebacker. Though the Bengals could use a player of Wilson's talent and experience on defense, he would be way too expensive for the Bengals. They'd be interested if they could get a bargain.

Henry suspension: No money changes hands

During Chris Henry's eight-game, unpaid suspension, the Bengals do not have to pay into a league charity fund that is used to collect player fines.

No money will change hands during the Henry suspension. The Bengals do not get a salary cap adjustment on Henry until the suspension officially begins in September. In essence, the money the Bengals would have had to pay Henry over eight weeks, some $205,000, will be used to pay another player on the 53-man roster, a league spokesman said today.

Porter on ESPN: Willing to apologize to Levi

Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter said on ESPN today that he hopes to put his fight with Bengals left tackle Levi Jones behind him.

"I wish it never would have happened," Porter said on television this afternoon. "I don't know how Levi feels, but the faster we can get this behind us ... "

Porter said he was in Las Vegas to celebrate his mother's 50th birthday.

Jones was jumped March 18 at the Palms casino by Porter and several associates, Jones said.

Today, Porter said he would like to apologize to Jones.

"I don't mind calling him. If he truly believes, if he feels like I was wrong, I'm sorry," Porter said on ESPN. "I can apologize. I am reaching out now."

Jones did not immediately answer messages placed on his cell and home phones this afternoon.

“He (Porter) got my attention from the front, and wouldn't get near me until the six guys jumped me from behind, he took part," Jones said April 2, the first day of the Bengals offseason strength and conditioning program. "What started everything was the dude hit me from behind. From then on, I had to protect myself. I was attacked by seven guys. I don't know what man is going to withstand that, especially with an NFL player involved."

Porter was charged with misdemeanor battery and released. He reported to the Dolphins’ offseason program the next day.

Jones said he needed no stitches to close a cut above his left eye. He did not say if he would file a civil suit.

"We'll see how it plays out," he said.

Porter said, "At the end of the day, none of us is going to get anything good out of this."

Police in Las Vegas have yet to release the security tape of the incident because the investigation is ongoing.

On Tuesday, April 10, Jones said there was nothing new from his end to discuss about the case.

Bengals are prime-time players

In addition to their Monday night home opener Sept. 10 against the Ravens, the Bengals will have a second Monday night game at Paul Brown Stadium, Oct. 1, against New England.

On Dec. 2, a Sunday night, the Bengals will play at Pittsburgh in a game that is scheduled to change on the flexible schedule plan.

On Saturday, Dec. 15, the Bengals will have an 8:15 p.m. Cincinnati time start at San Francisco.

CINCINNATI BENGALS 2007 SCHEDULE
All times are Eastern.
An asterisk (*) denotes a game subject to flexible scheduling.

PRESEASON (day, date, opponent, time)
Thurs., Aug. 9, at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 18, NEW ORLEANS, 7:30 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 27, at Atlanta (ESPN), 8 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 31, INDIANAPOLIS, 7:30 p.m.

REGULAR SEASON (day, date, opponent, time)
Mon., Sept. 10, BALTIMORE (ESPN), 7 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 16, at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 23, at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.
Mon., Oct. 1, NEW ENGLAND (ESPN), 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 7, (BYE)
Sun., Oct. 14, at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 21, N.Y. JETS, 4:05 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 28, PITTSBURGH, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 4, at Buffalo, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 11, at Baltimore, 4:05 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 18, ARIZONA*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 25, TENNESSEE*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 2, at Pittsburgh* (NBC), 8:15 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 9, ST. LOUIS*, 1 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 15, at San Francisco (NFL Network), 8:15 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 23, CLEVELAND*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 30, at Miami*, 1 p.m.

Read the NFL's new personal conduct policy

Free agent safety Colin Branch in Oakland

Safety Colin Branch, a former Carolina Panthers player declared a free agent March 2, visited the Bengals on Monday. He is in Oakland today. No word yet on whether the Bengals have begun to discuss a possible contract.

NFL will release schedule close to 1 p.m.

An NFL spokesman this morning said the league would release the 2007 regular season schedule to all media at approximately 1 p.m., about the time an ESPN program would air on the schedule.

The program is supposed to run two hours.

Two hours? Talk about overkill. Teams' opponents are already set, so ESPN and other television networks are most interested in whatever games they would get on their broadcast schedule.

The Bengals already have a Monday night game, and a team employee said the Bengals expect to get a Sunday night game in the showcase spot on NBC.

QB Wright in NY to meet with Giants

This item in this morning's New York Post:

In the never-ending quest to bolster their backup quarterback position behind Eli Manning, the Giants this week will meet with Anthony Wright, who will make a visit to Giants Stadium to speak with the offensive coaching staff.

Wright, 31, is arguably the last proven quarterback remaining on the market. The nine-year veteran spent last season with the Bengals and enjoyed his best success in Baltimore, where he started seven games in 2003 and seven more in 2005. In his career, Wright has completed 55.4 percent of his passes along with 20 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.

Henry's financial loss: $204,706

Chris Henry's eight-game suspension is without pay.

He is scheduled to earn $435,000 in the third season of his five-year rookie contract signed in 2005. The new collective bargaining agreement from March 2006 raised minimum salaries by $40,000 a year.

NFL players are paid in 17 weekly game checks during the season. Each of Henry's checks would be worth $25,588. His total eight-game loss will be $204,706.

Bengals confirm free agent visit

Former Carolina Panthers safety Colin Branch visited the Bengals on Monday, the team confirmed today.

Branch, 27, was a fourth-round pick by the Panthers out of Stanford in 2003. He played in 16 games as a rookie and in 2004 and 2006. He missed all of 2005 with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

He has four career interceptions. The 5-11, 205-pound Branch was declared a free agent March 2.

NFL suspends Henry for eight games

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell this afternoon announced that he has suspended Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry for eight games. Henry was arrested four times between December 2005 and June 2006. He was suspended for two games last season by Goodell. The latest suspension is the result of Henry's repeated off-field legal issues.

“We support the commissioner’s ruling,” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement released by the team, “and while we regret the circumstances that called for it, it’s good for both Chris and the Bengals to have the matter resolved. Our team will move forward, and now it is up to Chris to acquire a more mature understanding of his responsibilities as a player for the Bengals and a representative of the NFL.”

Tennessee cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones was suspended for the entire 2007 sesaon.
He and Henry each player must earn the right to be reinstated.

“We must protect the integrity of the NFL,” Goodell said. “The highest standards of conduct must be met by everyone in the NFL because it is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right. These players, and all members of our league, have to make the right choices and decisions in their conduct on a consistent basis.”

In a letter to each player, Commissioner Goodell wrote: “Your conduct has brought embarrassment and ridicule upon yourself, your club, and the NFL, and has damaged the reputation of players throughout the league. You have put in jeopardy an otherwise promising NFL career, and have risked both your own safety and the safety of others through your off-field actions. In each of these respects, you have engaged in conduct detrimental to the NFL and failed to live up to the standards expected of NFL players. Taken as a whole, this conduct warrants significant sanction.”

Henry will be reinstated after the Bengals’ eighth regular-season game if he meets certain conditions during his suspension that will be monitored closely by the Bengals and the NFL. The leage said those conditions include the following:

-- He must have no further adverse involvement with law enforcement.

-- He must fully cooperate with all required counseling, education, and treatment assigned to him under league programs.

-- He is eligible to be at the Bengals’ facilities during the rest of the offseason for customary activities and he must meet weekly with the team’s player development director.

-- If he fully complies with all other conditions, he may participate in the Bengals’ training camp and preseason games.

-- During the regular season, he is permitted to be at the Bengals’ facility for team meetings and must meet weekly with the team’s player development director, but he may not attend or participate in practice.

-- He must fully comply with all conditions imposed on him by any court, including requirements of community service.

Jones and Henry were told that any failure to comply with these conditions will result in additional discipline, including possible banishment from the league.

“I must emphasize to you that this is your last opportunity to salvage your NFL career,” Goodell wrote to Jones and Henry. “I urge you to take full advantage of the resources available to support you in that effort.”

Notes: Henry news today or Wednesday

-- Marvin Frazier, the agent for Chris Henry, said the wide receiver should learn either later this afternoon or Wednesday whether he will be suspended by the NFL.

-- Jon Beason, an outside linebacker from Miami (Fla.), visited the Bengals today. He was in the locker room with Bengals linebackers coach Ricky Hunley.

-- Defensive end Frostee Rucker, the team's third-round pick from 2006, said he has been cleared 100 percent from the shoulder injury that forced him onto the injured reserve list for all of his rookie season. Rucker also said he has been working on every position on the defensive line and is prepared to contribute however he is asked.

-- Second-year cornerback Johnathan Joseph said he is preparing himself to start this season. He also said he and defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle counted at at least 10 interceptions Joseph dropped as a rookie.

"I wasn't looking the ball in," Joseph said.

-- The NFL schedule will be released Wednesday.

Bengals RFA Andrews visits Jets

Stacy Andrews, a restricted free agent, is visiting the New York Jets today.

He is expected to compete with Andrew Whitworth for the starting left guard position.

Andrews arrived in New York on Monday night. His visit is tied to that with the Jets of Patriots' cornerback Randall Gay.

In 2006, Andrews enjoyed his first starting experience on offense. He started three games at right guard in place of starter Bobbie Williams, who underwent an emergency appendectomy.

Andrews played in all 16 games for the first time in his three NFL seasons. He started Games 10-12 and played at right tackle in the second half in place of the injured Willie Anderson at Indianapolis Dec. 18.

As a restricted free agent, Andrews has the right to make free agent visits to other teams. The Bengals would have a one-week period in which to decide whether to match any offer sheet that Andrews might sign.

Andrews is beginning to deliver on his immense athletic talent. The Bengals drafted him in the fourth round in 2004, even though he had played just one season of organized football – his senior year at Ole Miss.

As a result, the Bengals tendered Andrews a $1.3 million, one-year offer this spring as a restricted free agent. They would receive a second-round draft pick as compensation from any team that signed him, which would help the Bengals retain him.

CB James close to signing with Patriots

Word out of the Boston area tonight is former Bengals cornerback Tory James is close to signing a contract to play for the Patriots. They must be hurting for help.

James got old fast in the past season and a half. He was maybe the fourth best cornerback on the roster last season. Rookie Johnathan Joseph should have been starting sooner.

If I were a Bengals' fan, I would have rather seen Keiwan Ratliff on the field than James. Ratliff will come up and tackle against the run.

No NFL schedule today

The NFL schedule is not going to be released today. With team public relations directors traveling Tuesday to the league PR meetings in Philadelphia, don't look for the 2007 schedule to be made public then, either.

The best guess now is Wednesday.

The Bengals already know they will open on Monday night at home against Baltimore. Other home games are division rivals Cleveland and Pittsburgh, as well as New England, the Jets, Arizona, St. Louis and Tennessee.

The road games are at Baltimore, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, as well as Buffalo, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle and Kansas City.

HENRY UPDATE: Also, Marvin Frazier, agent for Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, told The Enquirer last week that the NFL told them they would learn of any possible suspension somewhere between Tuesday and Friday of this week.

Henry had a disciplinary hearing Tuesday in New York with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Henry's agent: Decision in 7-10 days

Marvin Frazier, agent for Chris Henry, said the Bengals' wide receiver will learn whether he is suspended within a week to 10 days of his Tuesday meeting in New York with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Frazier said this afternoon that the league told him to expect word of Goodell's decision between Tuesday and Friday of next week.

"They said they would let us know then," Frazier said.

Henry and former college teammate Adam "Pacman" Jones of the Tennessee Titans met separately in New York with Goodell, other NFL personnel and an NFL Players Association representative Tuesday. They were called to New York to see Goodell because of their repeated off-field legal problems.

Henry, the talented but troubled third-year wide receiver, was arrested four times from December 2005 through June 2006.

Estimates vary on how long a suspension could be. Union chief Gene Upshaw told The Washington Post that he expected Henry and Jones to receive suspensions but did not think they would be lifetime banishments.

Henry, suspended for two games last season by Goodell, could face anywhere from a four-game to season-long suspension.

Henry is an especially productive receiver near the goal line. In just 27 games, he has 15 touchdown receptions. He has scored touchdowns on 22 percent of his 67 career NFL catches.

He had nine touchdowns in 36 receptions in 2006 and has a 15.3-yard average.

The Bengals would count on a combination of receivers, primarily Tab Perry and Antonio Chatman, to fill in for Henry as the team's No. 3 receiver behind starters Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

The Bengals appear ready to go forward without Henry.

Last week, at the league meeting in Phoenix, head coach Marvin Lewis was asked about Henry's uncertain status.

"We didn't count of Chris last year. That's the problem. You can't count on him. That's why he's the 53rd guy," Lewis said.

Lewis: Robinson a `great icon of sports'

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, one of six African-American head coaches in the NFL, issued this statement this morning through the team's PR staff on the death of former Grambling coach Eddie Robinson:

"There can’t be another person who has had a more profound affect on minorities in both college and pro sports. The inspiration and courage Coach Robinson displayed, the program he built, and the dozens of players he sent from Grambling to successful careers in the NFL -- it’s unsurpassed. To members of the African-American community, Coach Robinson will always be one of the great icons of sports."

Goodell statement in memory of Eddie Robinson

The NFL released this statement this afternoon from commissioner Roger Goodell regarding the death of former Grambling coach Eddie Robinson:

"Eddie Robinson's name is synonymous with the sport of football. We will be forever grateful for the more than 200 young men he developed at Grambling who starred in the NFL and those who later coached the next generation of NFL players. He always focused on coaching his players to be better men as well as better football players. My most vivid memory of Coach Robinson was seeing how pleased he was as he stood in the Redskins’ locker room after his former Grambling standout Doug Williams led his team to victory and was named the Super Bowl XXII MVP.

"The entire football world will miss Eddie Robinson. His contributions will never be forgotten. Our sympathies go to his family and friends."

Bengals begin meeting with draft prospects

The Bengals, like all NFL teams, have begun entertaining draft prospects at Paul Brown Stadium.

Texas cornerback Aaron Ross visited the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday and said he was headed next to Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Washington.

The Bengals also are visiting with Florida safety Reggie Nelson and Howard University defensive back Geoff Pope, according to various sources.

Nelson and Ross are considered first-round prospects. The Bengals have the Nos. 18 and 49 picks in Rounds 1 and 2.

Upshaw to paper: Henry facing suspension

From this morning's Washington Post:

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told representatives of the players' association yesterday that he is leaving open the possibility that the new player conduct policy will include a provision allowing him to ban for life a player involved in serious criminal incidents.

Such a ban is not being considered in the cases of Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones and Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, but Goodell is poised to suspend both players and might rule on their cases this week, union chief Gene Upshaw said after participating in yesterday's meeting in New York.

"None of these cases we're talking about will be a permanent ban," Upshaw said in a telephone interview. "I don't think we're at that point yet with these cases. We understand there will be some type of suspension, but not that."

Lyric of the Day

Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride

In the name of love
What more in the name of love

-- U2, Pride (In the Name of Love)

Henry: Meeting `went pretty good'

Chris Henry had his day in court this afternoon with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and came away feeling good about the experience.

“It went pretty good, to have the chance to meet the commissioner face to face,” Henry told The Enquirer of the meeting, a precursor to likely discipline for the wide receiver’s repeated legal brushes as an NFL player.

“I just wanted to explain my situation to the commissioner and move on. I told him I was learning from my mistakes and how to handle myself in a better manner.”

The wide perception is Goodell would suspend Henry for eight games to one whole season. Goodell said last week at the NFL annual meeting in Phoenix that he would announce his decision within 10 days of the meeting.

Henry and his former college teammate at West Virginia, Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, met separately with Goodell.

“Whatever happens, happens,” Henry said. “I can’t predict what will happen, hopefully nothing.”
Henry was headed back to Cincinnati to participate in the Bengals’ offseason strength and conditioning program.

“The commissioner was wonderful,” said Marvin Frazier, Henry’s New Jersey-based agent. “Chris got his chance to answer questions. Chris apologized. He said he knew he had embarrassed himself, the Bengals, his coaches, the fans of Cincinnati and Kentucky.”

The meeting, held at an alternate site in New York, also was attended by two additional NFL officials and a representative of the NFL Players Association.

Henry and Jones are among the NFL’s repeat offenders and could be the first suspended under the league’s new personal conduct policy.

Henry was arrested four times from December 2005 through June 2006. Goodell suspended Henry for two games during the 2006 season.

Jones has had 10 encounters with police and was arrested five times since he was drafted in 2005, the same weekend as Henry.

The Bengals have no comment on Henry’s situation because it is a league matter. The league had no comment.

“The decision of a suspension would be announced as soon as possible, so the team could plan,” AFC Information Manager Steve Alic said.

Goodell talked at length last week about the need for a new conduct policy to curb the rash of off-field incidents involving players that could tarnish the league’s image.

“We're not trying to send a signal here, we're not trying to make an example of people,'' Goodell said in Phoenix. “We're trying to do what's necessary to protect the integrity of the (NFL). That's our objective.”

The meetings will give Goodell “more information, more facts so that I can make a better decision,” he said. “I look at this as a step in the process to make sure we're making the smart decision for the player, for the NFL and for the team.”

Indy here in preseason; CB Brooks signs

The Bengals will have a preseason home game against Indianapolis and will play at Atlanta on a Monday night broadcast on ESPN.

The Bengals released their preseason schedule this afternoon.

The game against Indianapolis will close the preseason schedule, on Friday night, Aug. 31.

The Monday night game will be Aug. 27 at Atlanta. In Cincinnati, the ESPN telecast will also be aired by a local, non-cable station, yet to be announced.

The Bengals will open the 2007 preseason at Detroit, and will play their preseason home opener in Week 2 against New Orleans, which reached the NFC Championship game last season. Exact dates and kickoff times for those games are yet to be announced.

Also this afternoon, the Bengals announced they had signed restricted free agent cornerback Greg Brooks to a one-year contract. The team had tendered Brooks the one-year deal of $850,000.

Brooks played in five games in 2006 with two special teams tackles. He suffered a knee injury and spent the last eight games on injured reserve.

Preseason schedule
Week 1 – at Detroit, Aug. 9-11
Week 2 – NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 17 or 18
Week 3 – at Atlanta, Aug. 27, 8 p.m., ESPN
Week 4 – INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 31, time TBA

Jones: Porter part of `cowardly act'

The Bengals went back to work this morning on the first day of their offseason strength and conditioning program.

Left tackle Levi Jones, the cut above his left eye still visible, talked about his altercation in a Las Vegas casino last month with Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter. Most of the $40,000 worth of jewelry Jones said he lost in the fight has been returned to police and is being kept as evidence.

"It was like that, it was problematic for me and my family, especially when the true story wasn't out there," Jones said. "The particulars about how everything went down, I mean, ESPN, all they wanted to report was Joey Porter hit me in the face. Six guys attacked me from behind before he did it. When the true story came out, ESPN still didn't want to report it."

Jones called it a "cowardly act."

He recalled the event t the Palms casino.

"He (Porter) got my attention from the front, and wouldn't get near me until the six guys jumped me from behind, he took part," Jones said. "What started everything was the dude hit me from behind. From then on, I had to protect myself. I was attacked by seven guys. I don't know what man is going to withstand that, especially with an NFL player involved."

Jones said he needed no stitches.

He did not say if he would file a civil suit.

"We'll see how it plays out," he said.

Jones has had two arthroscopic operations on his left knee since the middle of last season.

"I want to get in the best shape I can and get the season underway," he said. "I'm pretty excited about where it (the health of his knee) is."

In other news this morning:

-- Wide receiver Tab Perry said he has been cleared medically to participate fully in physical activity. He suffered what he called a bone bruise to his hip. He missed the final 14 games. Doctors cleared him last week.

-- Quarterback Carson Palmer said he is enjoying the offseason without questions and concerns about the health of his left knee. Palmer is working out and researching how Japanese baseball pitchers strengthen their throwing arms.