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.