Bengals confirm Thurman return

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman, after what has amounted to a two-year NFL suspension, learned this afternoon that he has been reinstated by the league, the Bengals announced this afternoon.

"Odell has met the NFL’s conditions for reinstatement and has been added to our offseason roster," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement released by the club. "It is now up to Odell to continue to meet all NFL guidelines, and to maintain a standard of personal responsibility that will allow him the chance to compete for a spot on our team."

Thurman missed the past two seasons because of repeated violations of the NFL substance abuse policy.

His first application for reinstatement was denied in July, and he was told he could reapply after the 2007 regular season.

In January, Thurman was granted permission to begin working out with the team at Paul Brown Stadium.

Thurman was the Bengals second-round draft pick in 2005 from Georgia. He played in every game, including the playoff loss, and led the team with 148 tackles during the regular season. He also led the team with four forced fumbles, and his five interceptions tied for the most for an NFL rookie that season.

Thurman had been splitting time between Greater Cincinnati and his hometown of Monticello, Ga. He is working out and regularly attending Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings and working with a counselor.

Thurman opened the 2006 season with a four-game suspension, but it was extended to a full year Sept. 27 following his DUI arrest Sept. 25.

The Bengals expected to have him back for the 2007 season.

Much has changed for 2008.

The Bengals have a new defensive coordinator in Mike Zimmer and linebackers coach in Jeff FitzGerald. The team also is considering a switch to a base defense that uses four linebackers instead of three.

Thurman could team with Ahmad Brooks to form an imposing, big-play tandem of linebackers in the middle.