Bengals

Perry, Rudi back on field

2008-05-28T11:54:00.002-04:00

The Bengals are holding another offseason practice at this hour, and tailbacks Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry are participating fully. They had each missed at least one workout last week.

There are still no signs of projected offensive starters Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Willie Anderson and Levi Jones. The sessions are voluntary. The only mandatory event of the offseason is full-squad minicamp June 12-14.

Tailback Kenny Watson is not on the field. Safety Dexter Jackson and tailback Kenny Irons (knee) are working on the sideline with strength and conditioning coaches.

Bengals DT Shirley in court today

2008-05-23T11:11:00.004-04:00

Jason Shirley, the Bengals' fifth-round round draft pick from Fresno State, will be in Fresno County Superior Court today for a jury trial, stemming from a series of misdemeanor charges last fall, a court clerk said this morning.

Attempts by Shirley's lawyer to have the case dismissed Thursday were not successful. The lawyer argued that the district attorney did not legally obtain Shirley's medical records and are using them, The Fresno Bee reported.

The defensive tackle was not at the team's offseason practice Wednesday.

He was charged for driving under the influence, driving with a blood-alcohol content of .08 or higher, hit-and-run driving and driving with a suspended license and expired registration for two separate incidents last fall.

UPDATE: 10:00 p.m.

Shirley is expected to be in Fresno County Superior Court all of next week, when he will miss three more Bengals’ offseason practices, for a jury trial that stems from a series of misdemeanor charges last fall. Jury selection is expected Tuesday, followed by opening arguments Wednesday and possible closing arguments Friday, according to The Fresno Bee.

Blog move

2008-05-22T16:13:00.000-04:00

This blog has moved! The new blog can be found at http://news.cincinnati.com/bengalsblog, so be sure to update your bookmarks.

If you subscribe to this blog via an RSS reader, the new RSS feed is located here:

http://sitelife.cincinnati.com/ver1.0/Blog/BlogRss?plckBlogId=Blog:c78cbe8a-2b47-436d-a33e-623f9b65de7c

Shirley DUI case continued Thursday

2008-05-21T21:08:00.003-04:00

Defensive tackle Jason Shirley, the Bengals' fifth-round draft pick, was not at the OTA practice today. He was in Fresno County Superior Court, where his lawyer asked for his DUI case to be dismissed on grounds the district attorney did not legally obtain Shirley’s medical records and are using them, The Fresno Bee reported.

A judge will rule Thursday on the motion. If denied, a jury trial could start immediately. Shirley faces misdemeanor charges for driving under the influence, driving with a blood-alcohol content of .08 or higher, hit-and-run driving and driving with a suspended license and expired registration for two separate incidents last fall, The Bee reported.

Thurman gone, not forgotten

2008-05-21T14:21:00.004-04:00

Linebacker Odell Thurman, waived Monday by the Bengals, who waited out his two-season NFL suspension, was recalled today by a couple of his teammates.

"He had the talent and let it go to waste. His mindset just wasn't in the place. I wish him the best, whatever he does. But he had the opportunity to be here and be one of the best, but he didn't capitzlize on the opportunity." -- Safety Dexter Jackson.

"It's tough, it's tough. Odell was a well-liked guy on the team, had possibly more talent than anybody we've seen come through here. So it's tough to lose an athlete like that, a guy like that, and a draft pick. I mean, you only get so many second-round draft picks and when you only get one year out of them, it affects your team tremendously. It's just tough to lose the player that he was, and you really can't replace him." -- Quarterback Carson Palmer.

Walking off the field after today's offseason practice, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis spoke with reporters and was asked several questions about Thurman:

Question: Why did you waive Odell?
Lewis: "We made the statement, and Odell is no longer on this football team."

Q: The agent (Safarrah Lawson) said you told him that Odell had not been around enough. True?
Lewis: "That's not true."

Q: If that is not the truth, what is the truth?
Lewis: "I kind of said in the statement we're going without him. He has not played football in two years. And we have people who will be better for our football team."

Q: His representative (Lawson) told us that he wasn't around enough. Is that correct?
Lewis: "Not true."

Q: Lawson said he was disappointed that the Bengals waived Thurman right after his grandmother died.
Lewis: "His grandmother's been buried for quite a while. Don't get into his whole family structure. We've been patient enough with Odell, and he's no longer here. No big deal."

Bengals hit field for OTA practice

2008-05-21T11:40:00.005-04:00

The Bengals are into their second week of organized team activity (OTA) practices. It is their fifth of 12 this spring.

They are on the field now for the one practice of this week open to the outside media.

Notes:

-- Running back Kenny Watson and safety Dexter Jackson are in street clothes, not participating, but they are on the field. Bigger news is tailbacks Chris Perry was watching in street clothes and Rudi Johnson was not here.

Perry said after practice he was just getting a day of rest after having gone for the first four OTAs. Coach Marvin Lewis declined to comment on the whereabouts of his missing players.

-- The rookies have returned, including linebacker Keith Rivers and wide receivers Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell.

-- One rookie not here is defensive tackle Jason Shirley, who has a court date today back in California, stemming from a DUI arrest last fall.

-- Starting wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are not present.

-- Second-year running back Kenny Irons is working on the side with a member of the strength and conditioning staff. He is attempting to come back from an ACL injury.

-- First-year defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is making his presence known. "We got to outwork them," he said while watching defensive linemen run to a blocking sled and linebackers to a tackling dummy.

-- Eric Henderson is working at defensive end, his college position. He is listed on the roster as a linebacker. He could be a swing player.

-- Defensive line coach Jay Hayes is sporting the latest message T-shirt handed out by head coach Marvin Lewis. It is orange with the team logo on the front and the word "NOW" in block, white letters across the back.

-- Florida coach Urban Meyer is at practice with his father. Meyer has ties to the University of Cincinnati.

Vote vindicates Brown

2008-05-20T11:33:00.002-04:00

The following is a story written Sunday, March 30, 2008, and published in the March 31 Enquirer. (A reader posted a comment on this blog this morning that the rest of the NFL was indeed coming around to where Bengals president Mike Brown had stood all along.)

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

PALM BEACH, Fla. – Mike Brown and his daughter, Katie Blackburn, after eating lunch, walked Sunday afternoon through the lobby of the Breakers resort.

Brown didn’t call any attention to himself; it’s not his style. But he couldn’t have been blamed if he’d decided to pump his chest a bit and said to fellow owners, “I told you so.”

Two years after Brown and Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson were ridiculed for being behind the times and casting the only two votes against the league’s labor deal with the players’ union, these members of the NFL’s old guard now appear to have been ahead of the curve.

Though a league-imposed ban remains on team owners not to discuss the labor situation in public – lest they be fined – sentiment has swung among fellow owners toward Brown and Wilson’s position. The six-year extension from 2006 is not good for the league.

And for Brown and Wilson, it’s a matter of vindication.

Owners have until Nov. 8 to opt out of the six-year extension to their collective bargaining agreement with the players. They need only nine of 32 votes to get out of it. The prevailing wisdom is they will. Then the union will strike or use decertification tactics. The 2009 season would be the last with a salary cap.
Pat Bowlen, owner and chief executive officer of the Denver Broncos, is co-chair of the league’s compensation committee.

“I don’t know at this point because I’m on that particular committee, and we’re going to be talking about it a lot this week,” Bowlen said Sunday when asked if Brown and Wilson could take satisfaction in their votes. “But I have nothing but respect for Ralph and Mike.”

The CBA extension of March 2006 increased the players’ share of league revenue to 60 percent, adding another $850 million to $900 million to their take. It was approved 30-2 in a hurriedly organized vote against a union-imposed deadline.

Brown said “no” and was called cheap by national media. Wilson emerged from the vote at Grapevine, Texas, and said, “I don’t understand it. It is a very complicated issue, and I don’t believe we should be rushing to vote in 45 minutes.” The suggestion was made in the media that Wilson was senile.

“That took some courage,” Falcons president Rich McKay, co-chair of the competition committee, said of the twin no votes. “National media-wise they took some heat for it. I don't think they did internally. I think everyone respected what they said. It didn't mean that they voted that way, but they respected what they said.”

McKay has served on the competition committee with Brown. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis now is on the committee, which proposes rules changes and points of emphasis to owners for possible adoption.

“I don't think any one has more passion about the NFL than the Brown family,” McKay said. “And that passion carries over to every facet of their approach to the game. Mike has always been a guy who has dedicated a tremendous amount of time, not just to his team, but to league matters. He's a pretty well thought-out and bright person.”

The Bengals and Bills are two of the NFL’s smallest-market and lower-revenue teams.

The Bills, with league approval, have since moved eight games over the next five seasons to the Rogers Centre in Toronto. The goal is to create additional revenue for the club. They will play a preseason and a regular-season game in 2008 across the Canadian border.

The rest of the league, even large-market owners such as New England’s Robert Kraft, has come to better understand Brown and Wilson’s wisdom.

“They are well-respected. They don’t seem to hesitate when they have something to say to say it,” said Dan Rooney, chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers, another relatively small-market team.

Tom Benson is owner and president of the New Orleans Saints.

“My feeling is there is 100 percent support of everything we’re doing right now, and it includes them, too. This period of time we’re going through right now, it looks to be that we’ve got a great thing going, and everybody (owners) is going to have something they like and something they don’t like.

“I think we’ve got 100 percent across the board, including those two (Brown and Wilson).”

NFL votes not to extend labor deal

2008-05-20T11:17:00.003-04:00

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

NFL owners voted this morning to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association.

A league meeting is underway today in Atlanta, where 24 of 32 owners would have had to vote to extend the contract. No vote total was yet available.

The Enquirer requested an interview with Bengals president Mike Brown, but the club said that the NFL has sent a directive to all teams that the only league comment on the matter is to come through the office of commissioner Roger Goodell. NFLPA executive director is holding a national conference call at 11:30 this morning.

In a statement released this morning, following the vote, the NFL assured fans that football would be played uninterrupted for at least the next three seasons.

“The 2008 and 2009 seasons will be played with a salary cap,” the league said in its statement. “If there is no new agreement before the 2010 season, that season will be played without a salary cap under rules that also limit the free agency rights of the players. If not extended, the agreement would expire at the end of the 2010 league year.”

In March 2006, Brown and the Buffalo Bills’ Ralph Wilson were the only two team owners of 32 to vote against the union proposal to extend the labor contract through 2011.

Brown and Wilson saw the proposal, which gave players 60 percent of league revenues -- another $850 million of the more than $6 billion NFL – as disastrous for small-market teams.

Now some notable big-market owners – Jerry Jones in Dallas, Robert Kraft of New England and Pat Bowlen in Denver – are saying the deal is not good for the NFL.
They have said teams will struggle because players have too much money.
And though increasing numbers of team owners now think the deal was, in the words of Bowlen to The Rocky Mountain News, “not our smartest move,” they aren’t aligned in their vision for the league’s future.

No statement of reaction is available yet on the NFL Players Association web site, but Upshaw was quoted Monday on the site and said the action was expected for the past six months.

“If they don't do it next week then it will be soon after that," Upshaw said in a statement posted Monday. “They want to opt out and we don't.”

On its site, the NFLPA said measures already were underway to try to reach a new agreement.

“The end of the agreement does not necessarily mean that there will be a work stoppage,” the union wrote.

Upshaw has predicted that owners could lock out the players in 2011.
Upshaw already has have several early discussions with owners, including Bowlen and Carolina’s Jerry Richardson, two people that the union expects to be heavily involved in long-term talks.

The discussions will feature two sides that are both making a lot of money.

“The NFL earns very substantial revenues. But the clubs are obligated by the CBA to spend substantially more than half their revenues – almost $4.5 billion this year alone -- on player costs,” the NFL said in a statement. “In addition, as we have explained to the union, the clubs must spend significant and growing amounts on stadium construction, operations and improvements to respond to the interests and demands of our fans. The current labor agreement does not adequately recognize the costs of generating the revenues of which the players receive the largest share.”

The NFL has enjoyed labor peace for 20 years.

NFL owners opt out of labor deal

2008-05-20T10:13:00.003-04:00

UPDATED: 10:41 a.m.

NFL owners voted this morning to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association.

A league meeting is underway this morning in Atlanta.

No statement of reaction is available yet on the NFL Players Association web site, but union executive director Gene Upshaw was quoted Monday on the site and said the action was expected for the past six months.

"If they don't do it next week then it will be soon after that," Upshaw said in a statement posted Monday. "They want to opt out and we don't."

At the meetings, 24 of 32 owners had to vote to extend the current CBA.

When the deal was approved in March 2006, only Bengals president Mike Brown and Buffalo owner Ralph Wilson voted against it.

The Enquirer has requested an interview with Brown to explain to Bengals fans what today's news means to them and the region.

Here is the NFL's statement on that decision:

What happened?

The current Collective Bargaining Agreement, initially negotiated in 1993, has been extended on several occasions, most recently in March 2006. The 2006 extension, which could have continued through the 2012 season, gave both the NFL and the NFLPA an option to shorten the deal by one or two years.

NFL clubs today voted unanimously to exercise that option and to continue negotiating a new agreement for the 2011 season and beyond that will work better for both the clubs and the players.

What does this mean to fans and games on the field?

Even without another agreement, NFL football will be played without threat of interruption for at least the next three seasons. The 2008 and 2009 seasons will be played with a salary cap. If there is no new agreement before the 2010 season, that season will be played without a salary cap under rules that also limit the free agency rights of the players. If not extended, the agreement would expire at the end of the 2010 league year.

We are resolved to do our best to achieve a fair agreement that will allow labor peace to continue through and beyond the 2011 season.

What are the issues?

A collective bargaining agreement has to work for both sides. If the agreement provides inadequate incentives to invest in the future, it will not work for management or labor. And, in the context of a professional sports league, if the agreement does not afford all clubs an opportunity to be competitive, the league can lose its appeal.

The NFL earns very substantial revenues. But the clubs are obligated by the CBA to spend substantially more than half their revenues – almost $4.5 billion this year alone -- on player costs. In addition, as we have explained to the union, the clubs must spend significant and growing amounts on stadium construction, operations and improvements to respond to the interests and demands of our fans. The current labor agreement does not adequately recognize the costs of generating the revenues of which the players receive the largest share; nor does the agreement recognize that those costs have increased substantially -- and at an ever increasing rate -- in recent years during a difficult economic climate in our country. As a result, under the terms of the current agreement, the clubs’ incentive to invest in the game is threatened.

There are substantial other elements of the deal that simply are not working. For example, as interpreted by the courts, the current CBA effectively prohibits the clubs from recouping bonuses paid to players who subsequently breach their player contacts or refuse to perform. That is simply irrational and unfair to both fans and players who honor their contracts. Also irrational is that in the current system some rookies are able to secure contracts that pay them more than top proven veterans.

Our objective is to fix these problems in a new CBA, one that will provide adequate incentives to grow the game, ensure the unparalleled competitive balance that has sustained our fans’ interest, and afford the players fair and increasing compensation and benefits.

Blog changes

2008-05-19T16:18:00.002-04:00

Starting later this week, this blog will be published in a new blog tool on our new Cincinnati.Com Web site. The blog focus isn't changing, but it will have a lot of improvements.

When we move to the new blog, this one won't go away just yet, but it will have a link to the home of the new blog. Eventually, any bookmarks and links to this blog will take you to the new one.

Once reporters start posting to the new blog, you'll get a sneak peek at the new Web site before anyone else. A link will be posted here when that happens.

We’ll also be launching a couple of new sports blogs on the new Web site. One will be dedicated to sports in Kentucky – with University of Kentucky athletics and Kentucky Speedway as the focus - and the other will be a general sports blog written by the entire Sports staff that will offer off-beat news that doesn’t fit anywhere else and links from around the Internet to give a glimpse at what the rest of the world is saying about our local sports and athletes. We’ll provide links to those new blogs when they’re started.

One big change: On the new blogs, you’ll need to sign up for an account (it’s free) in order to post comments. Anonymous comments will no longer be permitted.

Rep: No plans for Thurman grievance

2008-05-19T12:23:00.003-04:00

The Bengals cleaned out Odell Thurman's locker Tuesday, the day he did not report for voluntary on-field practice, Safarrah Lawson, one of the linebacker's Atlanta-based representatives told the Enquirer this afternoon.

The Bengals announced late this morning that they had waived the second-year linebacker from Georgia.

Thurman attended the funeral for his grandmother, Betty Thurman, 80, on Monday in his hometown of Monticello, Ga. She had brought up Thurman after the death of his mother and death a few years later of his father.

"He was overcome by grief once he was down there," Lawson said. "The kid had a lot to deal with. She was the only family he had left."

The Bengals had three practices on field last week.

Thurman's representatives have no immediate plans to file a grievance over Thurman's release, Lawson said. At the same time, at least two teams already have been in contact with representives to express their interest in possibly signing Thurman.

"We just want to move on and get him back on the field," Lawson said. "He's disappointed. He wanted to reclaim his career in Cincinnati and help them get back to the playoffs."

Bengals release Thurman

2008-05-19T10:42:00.003-04:00

UPDATED:

After sticking with Odell Thurman through a two-year NFL suspension, the Bengals will announce by the end of business today that they are waiving the second-year linebacker from Georgia.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis called Safarrah Lawson, one of Thurman’s Atlanta-based representatives, and told him that the team has cut ties with Thurman, Lawson told The Enquirer this morning.

The Bengals later confirmed the transaction.

Thurman was in his native Monticello, Ga., last week to attend his grandmother’s funeral and take care of family matters, Lawson said. Thurman’s parents are dead, and the woman that brought up Thurman had died, Lawson said.

“The NFL provided Odell the opportunity to earn his way back onto our team, but we have not seen the right steps taken by him,” Lewis said this morning in a statement released by the Bengals.

“With our offseason work in progress and new talent added at our linebacker position, we’ve determined it’s best to keep moving in a direction that does not include Odell.”

Thurman missed three voluntary on-field practices. Lawson said Lewis told him that the Bengals needed Thurman in the building, that he wasn’t in the building and that they were going in a different direction.

“The support he got from the fans, from the people of Cincinnati, from Marvin Lewis and (team president) Mike Brown, this comes as a surprise,” Lawson told The Enquirer in a phone interview.

Thurman missed the past two seasons because of a league suspension for repeated violations of its substance abuse policy. He was suspended for all of the 2006 seasons following a September DUI arrest in the East End. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell then extended Thurman’s sentence to an entire season. The league then denied his application for reinstatement last July and said he could re-apply following the 2007 season. Thurman was allowed to begin working out with the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in January and reinstated April 21.

The Bengals earlier this spring, on April 3, released wide receiver Chris Henry following his fifth arrest in 28 months.

Thurman led the Bengals with 148 total tackles as a rookie in 2005 and tied a franchise rookie record with five interceptions. He started 15 of 16 regular season games and the team's wildcard playoff loss to the Steelers -- which would be the last game he would play in a Bengals uniform.

The Bengals used their first-round pick April 26 in the NFL draft on Southern Cal linebacker Keith Rivers.

The Bengals now have none of their first-day draft picks from 2005 remaining on the team. Linebacker David Pollack, taken in the first round, has retired, Lewis said, because of a fractured C6 vertebra. Thurman was the second-round pick and Henry the third.

Catching up with Reggie Williams

2008-05-15T12:50:00.009-04:00

The New York Times featured former Bengals linebacker Reggie Williams recently in a story detailing his post-football medical problems. The link is above.

Tenable job fair for Bengals games

2008-05-15T08:43:00.004-04:00

Tenable Event Services, the company that provides assorted services for Bengals home games at Paul Brown Stadium, will hold a job fair the first weekend of June.

The times and dates are Friday, June 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, June 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tenable is looking for suite attendants, security personnel, ushers, wheelchair escorts, elevator operators and gate staff. Call 455-8728.

Participants should enter Gate C, on the north end of the stadium near the Bengals Pro Shop.

Henry: Pacman like a brother

2008-05-15T08:24:00.004-04:00

Wednesday on "The SIRIUS Blitz": on SIRIUS NFL Radio, hosts Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots spoke with former Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry. Henry discussed, among other topics, his current legal situation, departure from the Bengals and his former college teammate at West Virginia, cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones.

Wilcots: Where are you right now with the legal process and where are you right now with seeking another team to call home?

Henry: Well, right now with the legal thing I’m pretty much waiting for my last court date which is next month. And other team wise, I’m just sitting back waiting to hear something from somebody.

Schein: If I’m a general manager why do I believe, if I sign Chris Henry, that Chris Henry will stay out of trouble?

Henry: Because, I mean, I would have to sit down and talk to him and explain what type of a guy I am and just let them know what I bring to the table as far as playing ball and hopefully he can believe in me and give me a chance.

Schein: How are you doing mentally?

Henry: I’m fine, you know? Only I know that I really ain’t in the wrong for anything. I’m fine. I’m kind of hurt being released from the Bengals because I really did think I was going to be here for a long time. Like I said, just trying to stay positive and trying to see where I’m going to be at in here the future. Hopefully I’ll be still living my dream, playing ball.

Wilcots: Are you able to leave the house to go work out? Are you able to go run routes? What football related things are you able to do at this point in time?

Henry: Actually I’ve been totally locked down in my home. Only working out I’ve been doing is push-ups every day.

Schein: Have you had any contact with your former college teammate, Pacman Jones?

Henry: Yeah, me and Pacman talk all the time. He’s like my brother and we’re always talking.

Schein: Are you convinced that his demons are a thing of the past?

Henry: Yeah. We were young and got caught up in making some mistakes and, you know, people mature and learn from their mistakes. I think we’re both going to be fine.

Bengals add long-snapper

2008-05-14T15:53:00.004-04:00

The Bengals today signed rookie long-snapper Tim Bugg of Indiana to a two-year contract. A college free agent, Bugg, who is 6 feet, 257 pounds, participated in the team's rookie minicamp May 2-4 on a tryout basis.

Team not signing WR Brazell

2008-05-13T15:45:00.002-04:00

Former Bengals wide receiver Bennie Brazell, who made a surprise appearance in the locker room around 1 p.m. today, will not be re-signed. He was here for other business, possibly worker's compensation.

Post-OTA notes

2008-05-13T13:29:00.003-04:00

Some observations from practice, which went from 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m.:

-- Head coach Marvin Lewis said the team is installing a new defense.

-- Linebacker Ahmad Brooks said he has been moved to strong-side linebacker, a shift that suggests the Bengals are counting on Odell Thurman to regain his spot at middle linebacker Thurman missed the first OTA practice today because he was in his native Georgia, where his grandmother's funeral was held Monday.

Brooks said he was limited to five repetitions in practice because he still is struggling with the aftereffects of surgery to repair a groin injury last season.

-- Several offensive linemen worked out with position coach Paul Alexander on the sideline. Other than centers Dan Santucci, Eric Ghiaciuc and Kyle Cook, who took turns snapping the ball during the seven-on-seven drills, the linemen did not participate. Working out with Alexander, in addition to the centers, were guard Bobbie Williams, guard-tackle Andrew Whitworth, tackle-guard Scott Kooistra, Nate Livings, tackle Dane Uperesa and tackle-guard Stacy Andrews. Tackles Levi Jones and Willie Anderson were not here.

-- Tailback Rudi Johnson, 100 percent after missing five games in 2007 because of a hamstring injury, said he is now in the area of 225 pounds, up from the 212 pound he played at last season. Johnson is carrying most of that added weight in his chest and shoulders, where, he said, "You've got to have it."

-- Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, in his first year with the Bengals, spent a great deal of practice time personally coaching cornerback Johnathan Joseph.

-- Tailback Chris Perry, on a football field for the first time since fracturing his ankle in November 2006, looked smooth and quick and showed his great hands in passing drills with a couple of one-handed catches. Perry said afterward that he has been humbled, is more appreciative of his chance to play football and thinks he can help the team again.

-- Safety Ethan Kilmer, a key special teams player coming back from knee surgery in August, said his feet felt heavy while covering wide receivers live for the first time and received extra coaching from Darrin Simmons, special teams coach.

-- Safety Chinedum Ndukwe intercepted Carson Palmer but was chewed out by coaches for running across the field as opposed to staying on the sideline for his return.

-- Wide receiver Bennie Brazell walked into the locker room at about 1 p.m. He had not been re-signed to the 80-man roster. His practice squad contract ran out. There was no word from Bengals PR whether Brazell had re-signed. He was a seventh-round draft pick by the Bengals in 2006 from LSU.

T.J., Chad not at first OTA

2008-05-13T11:21:00.002-04:00

The practice now underway for the Bengals, the first of 12 organized team activity (OTA) days, is described as a passing camp. No offensive linemen are present on the practice fields adjacent to Paul Brown Stadium.

Neither are the team's top two wide receivers, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson. Johnson is threatening to holdout, and Houshmandzadeh -- as he did in 2007 -- prefers to work out in the offseason at home in California.

The wide receivers on the field are Marcus Maxwell, Doug Gabriel, Glenn Holt and Antonio Chatman. Rookie draft pick wide receivers Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell and Mario Urrutia aren't able to be here until next week because of league rule.

Tight ends Reggie Kelly, Ben Utecht, Daniel Coats and Nate Lawrie are on the field, too, with long-snapper/tight end Brad St. Louis.

The four top running backs are on the field: Rudi Johnson, Chris Perry, Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey. Kenny Irons is working on the sideline with a trainer.

Perry is on the field for the first time since fracturing his ankle in a November 2006 game at Cleveland, and his return bodes well for the offense, if he can stay healthy, and probably means the Bengals won't offer a contract to former Seahawks great Shaun Alexander.

Also cleared is safety Ethan Kilmer, who underwent knee surgery in August and missed all of the 2007 season on the injured reserve list.

All four quarterbacks are on the field: Carson Palmer, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jeff Rowe and Jordan Palmer.

Thurman still in Georgia

2008-05-13T09:42:00.001-04:00

Linebacker Odell Thurman remains in Georgia today to tend to family business. His grandmother's funeral was Monday.

The Bengals' first organized team activity (OTA) practice will begin at 11 this morning. I'll have updates here.

Bengals power down to 25th

2008-05-09T12:20:00.002-04:00

The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, but they can't beat them out for the top spot in USA TODAY's NFL power rankings.

(Power rankings reflect votes by 12 staffers after the NFL draft, with 32 points awarded for a first-place vote, 31 for a second ...)

QUESTIONS: Bengals fans, where do you rank your favorite team, 1 to 32, why, and who are your top five and bottom five at this point of the offseason?

1 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Last rank: 2 Total points: 376
Notes: Surprising that 18-1 team receives NFL's easiest schedule. (Four first-place votes)

2 N.Y. GIANTS Last rank: 1 Total points: 362
Notes: Really no superstars, but burgeoning depth is impressive. (Five first-place votes.)

3 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS Last rank: 5 Total points: 357
Notes: Marvin Harrison's health could be least of his worries now. (One first-place vote.)

4 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS Last rank: 3 (tie) Total points: 353
Notes: Title hopes probably hinge on Philip Rivers' knee. (Two first-place votes.)

5 DALLAS COWBOYS Last rank: 7 Total points: 346
Notes: With Jerry, Felix, Pacman and in tow, Dallas loves Joneses. (Sorry, Julius.)

6 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS Last rank: 6 Total points: 325
Notes: Hey, Peyton, they're coming after you on the field and in the standings.

7 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Last rank: 9 Total points: 288
Notes: Mike Holmgren could return to Super Bowl in his swan song.

8 CLEVELAND BROWNS Last rank: 11 (tie) Total points: 286
Notes: The Browns look primed to make a run at first division title since NFL return.

9 GREEN BAY PACKERS Last rank: 3 (tie) Total points: 271
Notes: Over/under: Is Brett Favre back under center by Week 6?

10 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Last rank: 14 Total points: 270
Notes: Donovan McNabb reverted to Pro Bowl form at end of '07. Will it continue in '08?

11 PITTSBURGH STEELERS Last rank: 8 Total points: 263
Notes: If patchwork line can block, offense (with Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall in backfield) could be really scary.

12 MINNESOTA VIKINGS Last rank: 17 Total points: 224
Notes: QB questions persist, but with that defense, 13 points a game might net 11 wins.

13 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS Last rank: 16 Total points: 215
Notes: Sedrick Ellis will stop the run. But will the Saints be able to run themselves?

14 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Last rank: 13 Total points: 207
Notes: Jon Gurden is quietly building the best young offensive line in the league.

15 HOUSTON TEXANS Last rank: 15 Total points: 199
Notes: They must overcome the division. Despite the injuries, they were 7-3 outside AFC South.

16 TIE ARIZONA CARDINALS Last rank: 18 Total points: 198
Notes: Issue No. 1: Can Matt Leinart reclaim (and thrive in) his starting role?

16 TIE TENNESSEE TITANS Last rank: 10 Total points: 198
Notes:Are they going to run the Wing-T or the wishbone this year?

18 WASHINGTON REDSKINS Last rank: 11 (tie) Total points: 193
Notes: Jason Campbell must now learn his third NFL offense since 2005.

19 CAROLINA PANTHERS Last rank: 23 Total points: 170
Notes: The draft showed that this regime is clearly in a win-now mode.

20 DENVER BRONCOS Last rank: 21 Total points: 168
Notes: It's been awhile since Mike Shanahan's had this many question marks.

21 BUFFALO BILLS Last rank: 20 Total points: 152
Notes: If Trent Edwards progresses, the Bills could reach the playoffs ... as a wild card.

22 CHICAGO BEARS Last rank: 19 Total points: 133
Notes: The defense had better rebound as the offense could be non-existent.

23 ST. LOUIS RAMS Last rank: 27 (tie) Total points: 127
Notes: Avoiding the injuries is key. But the Rams have the tools to be a major factor.

24 N.Y. JETS Last rank: 26 Total points: 115
Notes: They addressed plenty of needs in the offseason ... just not quarterback.

25 TIE CINCINNATI BENGALS Last rank: 22 Total points: 111
Notes: Even if Chad Johnson returns, the damage may be irreparable.

25 TIE DETROIT LIONS Last rank: 24 Total points: 95
Notes: Jon Kitna has set 10 wins as the goal again, but can they maintain progress despite the offensive overhaul?

27 BALTIMORE RAVENS Last rank: 25 Total points: 86
Notes: Ray Lewis might be in a nursing home before Joe Flacco's ready.

28 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Last rank: 27 (tie) Total points: 82
Notes: And you thought Mike Nolan was tough. Alex Smith, meet Mr. Martz.

29 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Last rank: 29 Total points: 50
Notes: Will Herm Edwards still be around to reap this excellent draft's rewards?

30 OAKLAND RAIDERS Last rank: 30 Total points: 49
Notes: The Raiders have skill players aplenty, but what about the trenches?

31 MIAMI DOLPHINS Last rank: 32 Total points: 27
Notes: Next up on Bill Parcells' agenda: What to do with Jason Taylor?

32 ATLANTA FALCONS Last rank: 31 Total points: 24
Notes: Matt Ryan will need lots of time and seasoning before this team takes flight.

Bengals sign WR Purify

2008-05-08T18:21:00.001-04:00

The Bengals this afternoon signed rookie wide receiver Maurice Purify of Nebraska to a two-year contract. A college free agent, Purify -- who is 6 feet, 3 inches and 224 pounds -- participated in the team's rookie minicamp last weekend on a tryout basis.

Alexander agent will talk to Bengals

2008-05-08T12:24:00.002-04:00

Shaun Alexander has returned home to Seattle following two free-agent visits this week, first to Cincinnati on Sunday and Monday and then New Orleans on Wednesday.

"Will be talking to Shaun today and in touch with Bengals today or tomorrow," agent Jim Steiner said in a noon-hour e-mail today to The Enquirer.

Alexander, who grew up in Florence and the league MVP in 2005, was released April 22 after eight seasons with the Seahawks.

The Bengals have a glut of running backs but are believed to be interested in Alexander as a possible backup to starter Rudi Johnson. Coach Marvin Lewis also said Chris Perry, the Bengals' first-round draft pick in 2004, is ready for on-field work beginning May 13.

Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey are other members of the Bengals backfield at tailback. Jeremi Johnson is the starting fullback.

Reader request: Brooks update

2008-05-08T10:06:00.003-04:00

The Bengals have had no comment about linebacker Ahmad Brooks, accused of punching a Florence, Ky., woman in the left eye. Brooks, who lives in Union, Ky., has been summoned to appear June 6 in Boone District Court to answer to the charge of misdemeanor assault, punishable by up to a year in the jail.

The original Enquirer report from May 1 is linked above.

Alexander visits Saints

2008-05-08T09:02:00.004-04:00

Free agent running back Shaun Alexander visited the New Orleans Saints but returned home to Seattle without a contract offer, the Times-Picayune reports.

The link is above.

Teams might be accountable

2008-05-07T11:24:00.003-04:00

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says teams might be fined or otherwise penalized for off-field behavior of their players.

The story is linked above.

My questions to you, especially fans of the Bengals, a team that has been willing to take risks on players with character questions -- including fifth-round defensive tackle Jason Shirley this year -- are should teams be held accountable financially for the negative behavior of players off the field? Why or why not?

Bengals sign rookie WR Brown

2008-05-06T21:04:00.001-04:00

The Bengals today acquired rookie wide receiver Travis Brown of New Mexico on waivers from Seattle. Brown was a first-team All-Mountain West Conference selection as a junior and a senior. His 182 career receptions rank third in New Mexico school history, and his 2196 receiving yards rank fifth. He was signed by Seattle on April 29 and was waived Monday.

UPDATED: Henry allowed to tryout

2008-05-06T10:33:00.002-04:00

A judge has granted Chris Henry's request that will allow the former Bengals wide receiver to travel to other cities to tryout for other NFL teams, The Enquirer reports this morning.

In an interview with ESPN.com, Henry said he would like to play for his hometown New Orleans Saints or the Cowboys. Of course, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to Henry in April 2007 -- when he suspended the then-Bengals wide receiver for the first eight games of the 2007 season -- that another violation of the league's personal conduct policy could result in additional punishment up to banishment from the NFL.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3385733

Alexander's possible role

2008-05-06T09:01:00.005-04:00

From what I'm hearing, the Bengals' interest in Shaun Alexander is for Alexander to be a backup to Rudi Johnson and an insurance policy if Chris Perry can't play. This did not come from the team.

Perry, who missed all of 2007 rehabbing from ankle and shin injuries sustained in a late-season game in 2006, is expected to be on the field May 13 for OTA (organized team activity) practices, coach Marvin Lewis said Sunday.

Johnson and Lewis say Johnson has recovered from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss five games in 2007.

My hunch is Alexander will receive the prospects of a larger role and a corresponding contract offer from another team.

Alexander visit ongoing

2008-05-05T15:18:00.001-04:00

Bengals coaches and executives are wrapping up a two-day visit this afternoon with former league MVP Shaun Alexander.

Alexander, a Boone County High School graduate from Florence, was released April 22 after eight seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.

He began a visit with the Bengals on Sunday and had dinner downtown that night with coaches, the team’s official Web site said. Today the team gave him a tour of Paul Brown Stadium, and Alexander underwent a physical. Alexander did pass a physical in Seattle before he was released, according to the Associated Press.

Discussions are very preliminary, and no real direction has been set by either side. More information might be available later today, though both sides are keeping quiet.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis had declined comment on the Alexander visit on Friday, the first day of rookie minicamp. No additional comment was available today from the club.

Agent Jim Steiner has not returned e-mail seeking comment, as well.

In 2005, when he was voted league MVP, Alexander set a league record with 28 touchdowns and a franchise record with 1,880 rushing yards. The Seahawks won the NFC title but lost in the Super Bowl to the Steelers.

After the MVP season, the Seahawks signed Alexander to an eight-year, $62 million contract, which included $15.1 million in guaranteed money. He would only see two years of the contract and was supposed to make a base salary of $4.475 million in 2008.

Alexander played in 13 games with 11 starts last season, missing three games with a sprained left knee. He played through a left wrist fractured in Week 1. In 2006, he missed six games because of a severely bruised left foot that eventually resulted in a fracture.

He will be 31 Aug. 30.

Clarifying rookie minicamp

2008-05-05T08:52:00.002-04:00

These were the players signed as rookie free agents by the Bengals, as announced Friday morning by the team:

NAME / POSITION / HEIGHT, WEIGHT / COLLEGE / HOMETOWN

James Blair / G / 6-3, 323 / Western Michigan / Detroit, Mich.

Justin Britt / G-C / 6-4, 302 / Alabama / Cullman, Ala.

Simeon Castille / CB / 6-0, 195 / Alabama / Birmingham, Ala.

Bradley Glatthaar / RB / 5-11, 245 / Cincinnati / Cincinnati

Anthony Hoke / LB / 6-0, 238 / Cincinnati / Warren, Ohio

James Johnson / RB / 5-11, 202 / Kansas State / Port Arthur, Texas

Michael Marquardt / DT / 6-3, 292 / Arizona State / Vista, Calif.

Tyler Whaley / FB / 5-11, 252 / Ohio State / Ironton, Ohio

The Bengals then signed three of its tryout candidates Sunday to contracts following camp: Defensive tackle Antwon Burton signed a one-year deal; he is a third-year NFL player from Temple. And rookie linebacker Dan Howell from Washington and rookie wide receiver Clyde Logan of Idaho State each signed two-year contracts with the Bengals following minicamp.

Of the 46 players participating in rookie minicamp for the Bengals, five played college ball at the University of Cincinnati. Defensive end Angelo Craig was drafted. Fullback Bradley Glatthaar and linebacker Anthony Hoke are rookie free agents. Running back Greg Moore and safety Anthony Williams are in camp on a try-out basis, but niether Moore nor Williams received a contract offer Sunday.

Rookie minicamp a wrap

2008-05-04T14:05:00.001-04:00

Marvin Lewis closed the three-day, five-practice rookie minicamp Sunday in positive terms.

Coaches now know even more than they did about the team’s 10 draft picks, and new defensive coaches – coordinator Mike Zimmer and linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald – had time on the field to work with actual players after four-months of scouting and office work.

“When you can get as much football in as we did, it helps the rookies coming back,” Lewis said Sunday afternoon at Paul Brown Stadium.

Most of the rookies, both draft picks and free agents, will be back to participate
May 20 in organized team activities (OTA) that will start May 13 for whole team.

Those activities are voluntary.

Lewis said that veteran running back Chris Perry (ankle, shin) and safety Ethan Kilmer (knee) – both of whom missed all of the 2007 season – “should be ready to go May 13” for on-field work.

Second-year running back Kenny Irons (knee) will not be available, Lewis said.
Asked what he took personally from the three days of work, Lewis said he often was left saying “wow.”

“But,” he added, “that’s why we drafted them.”

Lewis and his coaches had 15-minute interviews at the NFL scouting combine in February in Indianapolis with prospects. Some of the prospects visited Cincinnati. Coaches and scouts visited their campuses for pro day workouts.

“You don’t see if they can handle install,” Lewis said in reference to the process of learning plays and schemes.

“You also get to see them playing at the speed of football in 11-on-11 drills. That matters.”

In addition, Lewis and his coaches could see the functional strength of linemen they selected – such as offensive tackle Anthony Collins and defensive tackles Pat Sims and Jason Shjrley.

First-round draft pick Keith Rivers, the Southern Cal linebacker, worked on the weak-side position, where he had in college, and impressed coaches with his fluid play and work ethic.

Coaches were impressed, too, with Rivers’ natural leadership and ability to call his position players together.

“He showed things that are innate,” Lewis said of Rivers. “Every time he was not in a meeting he was upstairs watching tape on his own.

“He already gets it.”

Forty-six players participated in the minicamp.

In addition to the 10 draft picks, there were eight college free agents. The rest were either rookie or veteran players participating on a try-out basis.

The Bengals signed three of the try-out players from rookie minicamp: defensive tackle Antwon Burton signed a one-year deal; he is a third-year NFL player from Temple.

Rookie linebacker Dan Howell from Washington and rookie wide receiver Clyde Logan of Idaho State each signed two-year contracts with the Bengals following minicamp.

Beyond OTA practices on the field, starting May 13, the Bengals’ next major team event is the mandatory full-squad minicamp scheduled for June 12-14.

Defensive tackles must perform

2008-05-03T16:32:00.001-04:00

Defensive tackle remains a position of uncertainty for the Bengals behind projected starters Domata Peko and John Thornton.

The Bengals took Pat Sims in the third round and fellow defensive tackle Jason Shirley in the fifth.

“Yeah, I think Pat for sure should have an impact right away,” Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said during rookie minicamp.

“I think Jason has a lot to learn. But he will be a willing learner. He’s a big, big strong man, so we’ll get him … into the correct stances and be faster and quicker with his hands and allow him to use all that big man that he’s got there because right now he’s wasting about two-thirds of it.”

Sims, of the team’s 10 draft picks, might be the most important because of the need at the position.

“I know they expect a lot out of me,” Sims said today between minicamp practices. “I'm going to work hard to give them that. As a rookie, I'm just going to try to contribute as early as I can, helping stop the run and putting some pressure on the quarterback.”

Defensive line coach Jay Hayes has encouraged Sims, “to work on my technique, work on my footwork.”

Saturday morning at stadium

2008-05-03T11:17:00.002-04:00

Rookie minicamp practice continues this morning in the rain inside Paul Brown Stadium.

Some quick observations:

-- Offensive lineman Anthony Collins, a former basketball player, has great feet.

-- Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell have excellent size for wide receivers and are catching most everything thrown their way, even in heavy rain.

-- A lot will be expected of third-round defensive tackle Pat Sims. He might be the single-most important player drafted simply because of the need at his position.

-- If all things are equal between Jordan Palmer and Jeff Rowe for the third quarterback spot on the roster, which player has the built-in edge?

Vets make presence known

2008-05-02T18:22:00.002-04:00

Quarterback Carson Palmer and cornerbacks Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph came out to watch the morning practice today at rookie minicamp. Tight end Ben Utecht was out on the field, too. Safety Dexter Jackson addressed rookie camp participants Thursday night.

“We tried to surround them with the guys here, a group that – in the worst way – wants to win some football games,” head coach Marvin Lewis said. “They know … a few of them (rookies) are going to help contribute to that this year early on, and hopefully the rest of them later as we go.”

Rivers flows on weak side

2008-05-02T18:09:00.001-04:00

First-round linebacker Keith Rivers played weak-side linebacker, opposite the tight end, throughout Friday.

“I think any time you can take a guy like we did in the first round and continue to do the things he's been doing for the last three, four years on his college campus, it makes that transition so much easier because he's natural at it,” head coach Marvin Lewis said.

Alumni watch; remembering PB

2008-05-02T16:01:00.003-04:00

The Bengals will hold their annual player alumni dinner tonight.

Wide receiver Isaac Curtis, safety Robert Jackson and cornerback Ray Griffin were among the former Bengals players at rookie minicamp practice this afternoon. It was moved inside Paul Brown Stadium on the artificial turf because of steady rain.

Former Bengals offensive lineman Dave Lapham, who watched from the cover of the stadium tunnel, was there, too.

Minicamp reminded Lapham of training camp, which reminded him of what former coach Paul Brown would say to players in the first team meeting.

"Training camp is not a hardship. We feed you. We exercise you. You sleep well at night. It is not a hardship."

Simpson in bind

2008-05-02T14:51:00.002-04:00

Wide receiver Jerome Simpson struggled early this afternoon with a tape-cutter while sitting at his locker. The second-round pick was having trouble getting the ankle tape off his big toes.

"I know, I can't get it off," Simpson said.

The idea that Simpson, who played college ball at I-AA, small-school Coastal Carolina, was a draft reach will stick to him until he proves otherwise.

“There are a lot of fans back (in North Carolina) who don’t think I was a reach. They think I got drafted right where I was supposed to," said Simpson, who is wearing No. 89.

“You go out there and work hard. Even if you go out to a small school, if you work hard they will find you.”

Quarterback Carson Palmer called Simpson after he was drafted. This morning, Jordan Palmer threw to Simpson.

"He called me Sunday or Monday," Simpson said of Carson Palmer, who watched film of Simpson before the draft. "I told him I was ready to go to work with him and let him help me learn. He said he would be willing to help. He seems like a really nice guy. His brother is real nice, too. His brother is great throwing to you, too, and he communicates very well with you. I’m expecting even better from his big brother."

Carson: `Reload' at receiver

2008-05-02T13:01:00.003-04:00

Carson Palmer watched practice this morning at rookie minicamp. He kept an eye on the quarterback wearing No. 5, younger brother Jordan Palmer, but Carson was most interested in receivers Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell -- selected in the second and third rounds.

“Got to reload; Chad (Johnson) and T.J. (Houshmandzadeh) are both getting older, and it’s part of the deal. When a certain position gets older you’ve got to restock for the years to come. I don’t think it’s anything more than that. People talk about Chad and all the other stuff going on, but it’s just restocking a position, just like every other team does."

Lewis mum on Brooks, Alexander

2008-05-02T12:46:00.002-04:00

After rookie minicamp practice early this afternoon, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis declined comment when asked about the visit by free agent running back Shaun Alexander and the criminal complaint filed against linebacker Ahmad Brooks for allegedly hitting a woman in the face.

Rookie camp practice

2008-05-02T11:39:00.003-04:00

Early observations from rookie minicamp:

First-round linebacker Keith Rivers reminds me a lot of Brian Simmons in the way he moves and runs.

On consecutive plays, draft pick tight end Matt Sherry and wide receiver Jerome Simpson dropped passes. Sherry did 10 pushups.

Quarterback Jordan Palmer has a strong arm, like his older brother, Carson.

Carson Palmer, Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph came out to watch practice.

The former Astroturf practice field is being torn up and is being replaced by a Bermuda grass field that will hold up better in hot weather.

Local flavor to college free agents

2008-05-02T09:44:00.003-04:00

The Bengals today announced the signing of eight college free agents.

The list includes three players with local/regional connections. Half back Bradley Glatthaar is from Cincinnati (Elder High School) and played at the University of Cincinnati. Linebacker Anthony Hoke played at the University of Cincinnati, and fullback Tyler Whaley is from Ironton, Ohio (Ironton HS) and played at Ohio State.

The complete list of today’s signings:

NAME / POSITION / HEIGHT, WEIGHT / COLLEGE / HOMETOWN

James Blair / G / 6-3, 323 / Western Michigan / Detroit, Mich.

Justin Britt / G-C / 6-4, 302 / Alabama / Cullman, Ala.

Simeon Castille / CB / 6-0, 195 / Alabama / Birmingham, Ala.

Bradley Glatthaar / RB / 5-11, 245 / Cincinnati / Cincinnati

Anthony Hoke / LB / 6-0, 238 / Cincinnati / Warren, Ohio

James Johnson / RB / 5-11, 202 / Kansas State / Port Arthur, Texas

Michael Marquardt / DT / 6-3, 292 / Arizona State / Vista, Calif.

Tyler Whaley / FB / 5-11, 252 / Ohio State / Ironton, Ohio

Each of the eight players signed a two-year contract.

The CFA signees are having their first work with the team during this weekend’s minicamp for rookies and eligible first-year players at Paul Brown Stadium. The first practice is at 10:30 this morning.

TRYOUT PLAYERS

The Bengals also have arranged for a number of unsigned players to work with the team during the minicamp on a tryout basis.

Seven of the tryout players have local/regional connections: Offensive lineman Tom Anevski of Boston College is from Cincinnati (Elder HS). Cornerback Clay Hamblen is from Georgetown (Ky.) College. Running back Greg Moore is from the University of Cincinnati, and his hometown is Dayton, Ohio (Trotwood Madison HS). Running back Jay Peck of Alabama State is from Columbus, Ohio (Brookhaven HS). Wide receiver Brian Piper is from Georgetown (Ky.) College, and his hometown is Villa Hills, Ky. (Covington Catholic HS). Quarterback Jeff Smith is from Georgetown (Ky.) College, and his hometown is Fort Thomas, Ky. (Newport Catholic HS). Safety Anthony Williams is from the University of Cincinnati.

Heart-warming comment from reader

2008-05-02T09:09:00.002-04:00

A reader identified as ladybeatriceV left a comment on a post about Odell Thurman that ran back in January. As moderator, I just put it up with the post, but it might be lost because of the date. I want to make sure other readers see it.

It's a gentle reminder that these are people inside the helmets and beneath the shoulder pads.

Her comment:

I pray every day for Odell and for his healing, and his return to the Bengals. Odell always been a good person- with a contagious grin and a good heart. I know he's had some "bumps in the road," but I've always believed that he can straighten things out. Whether he was a 'Cane, a Dawg, or a Bengal, he has always been a fighter- and I know he can fight the good fight for himself this time! We love you, Odell!

Alexander visit Sunday and Monday

2008-05-02T06:12:00.003-04:00

Running back Shaun Alexander, released April 22 by the Seahawks, will visit the Bengals on Sunday and Monday, agent Jim Steiner confirmed to The Enquirer.

Alexander grew up in Florence and played at Boone County High School before going on to the University of Alabama. He is an eight-year NFL veteran and 2005 league MVP.

Brooks in trouble

2008-05-01T19:35:00.002-04:00

BURLINGTON – Bengals linebacker Ahmad Brooks has been accused of punching a Florence woman in the left eye. Brooks, who lives in Union, has been summoned to appear June 6in Boone District Court to answer to the charge of misdemeanor assault, punishable by up to a year in the jail.

For more details, please hit the above link.

Then there were nine

2008-05-01T13:27:00.004-04:00

The Bengals this afternoon waived two of their 11 linebackers, letting go of Anthony Schlegel and Roy Manning.

Manning is a fourth-year NFL player from Michigan. He played in five games for Cincinnati last season and had seven special teams tackles.

Schlegel is a third-year NFL player from Ohio State. He played in 13 games for the Bengals last season, with five starts, and had 34 tackles on defense with four special teams tackles.

The Bengals still have nine linebackers under contract, not counting first-round draft pick Keith Rivers of Southern Cal.

Next question: Linebackers

2008-05-01T09:42:00.003-04:00

Not counting first-round draft pick Keith Rivers, the Bengals have nine linebackers under contract as of today.

UPDATED: They had 11 this morning, until they announced early this afternoon that they've wavied Anthony Schlegel and Roy Manning.

Assuming Rivers signs on time, which he says he will, the Bengals might take 10 linebackers to training camp.

They are: Darryl Blackstock, Ahmad Brooks, Eric Henderson, Rashad Jeanty, Brandon Jones, Dhani Jones, Corey Mays, Rivers and Odell Thurman.

Question: Who are the six of seven who open the season on the roster? And give me your two-deep, for example -- MLB: Odell Thurman / Ahmad Brooks

Remember, special teams plays a part in the decision of which players will earn backup jobs.

(And thanks again for all of the thoughtful input.)

SLB:

MLB:

WLB:

Best of Alexander debate

2008-05-01T09:37:00.003-04:00

To the minute, 39 readers have posted comments on the question of whether the Bengals should try to sign tailback Shaun Alexander, released April 22 by Seattle.

Here are some of the best comments from readers: (Thanks for the input.)

-- The affirmative.
Offer him a short term deal. Make it insentive based. That way he gets paid well if he earns it. It would be nice, but I don't want us having an anchor around our neck if he doesn't have any game left. -- ewad

-- The neutral.
Would he be the next Ken Griffey Jr. Really good in Seattle and average in Cincy? -- Bengal43

-- The negative.
Signing Alexander would be ridiculous. He's done. These running backs just lose a step and we shouldn't be the ones to overpay him to linger a few more years in the NFL. Great guy...but he shouldn't be in our backfield. We already have a guy on the decline (Rudi J). -- WhoDeyNYC

Paper: Bengals invite Purify

2008-04-30T15:42:00.004-04:00

The Bengals will announce their list of college free agents either Thursday or Friday, the start of their annual three-day rookie minicamp.

Alexander to Bengals?

2008-04-30T08:24:00.002-04:00

The draft is completed. The Bengals did not select a running back. Coach Marvin Lewis said the team is optimistic that tailbacks Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry will return to health and the field in 2008. There is depth with Kenny Watson. There is the untapped potential of DeDe Dorsey, who has been a regular during the offseason at the facility. There is the Kenny Irons, who probably won't be ready for the start of training camp as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL injury, but he was the Bengals' second-round pick in 2007.

OK, what about adding a former league MVP to the mix in Shaun Alexander? The former Boone County star and Florence resident was terminated by the Seahawks this offseason after eight years in Seattle.

"Making calls to teams. Bengals are on our list!" Jim Steiner, Alexander's agent, told The Enquirer in an e-mail this morning.

The NFL's most valuable player in 2005 hit some impressive statistical milestones in 2007.

His four rushing touchdowns give him 100 for his career. He added another receiver touchdown and has 12 in his career.

He rushed 207 times for 716 yards. He now has 2,176 attempts for 9,429 yards. He started 11 games and played in two more, pushing his career totals to 97 starts and 119 games played.

He will turn 31 on Aug. 30.

Questions: If you are the Bengals, do you attempt to sign Alexander and bring him home to end his career? Would the move be more emotional than a dispassionate one that could help the team?

Kiper: C-plus for Bengals draft

2008-04-29T14:13:00.003-04:00

Keith Rivers is solid player with great character. Jerome Simpson is a hard-working receiver and WR Andre Caldwell could be a second or third option right away. While junior DT Pat Sims was a very underrated player out of Auburn, OT Anthony Collins should have stayed at Kansas for another year. Still, he was decent fourth-round pick. Safety Corey Lynch is a playmaker (he blocked the field-goal attempt in the closing seconds of Appalachian State's upset win at Michigan last season). Some scouts I spoke with thought Lynch -- who went in Round 6 -- could go as high as the fourth round. Villanova TE Matt Sherry is not a very good blocker, but he has very good hands and could push for a roster spot. Wide receiver Mario Urrutia didn't have a great 2007 season and I'm not sure why he came out. Urrutia has talent, but should have gone back to Louisville for his senior season. Angelo Craig flashed pass-rushing abilities at times; at other times he disappeared.

Bengals waive S Turnbull

2008-04-28T11:25:00.001-04:00

The club waived third-year pro Nick Turnbull this morning, a day after using one of its two sixth-round draft picks on Appalachian State safety Corey Lynch.

Bengals rookie free agents

2008-04-28T10:08:00.003-04:00

The Bengals won't release the names of their rookie free agents until they are all signed.

Bill Koch, who covers UC sports for The Enquirer, reported this morning that Bearcats running back Bradley Glatthaar and defensive end Anthony Hoke signed rookie free agent contracts with the Bengals, guard Digger Bujnoch with the Giants and fullback Doug Jones with the Rams. Glatthaar and Bujnoch are Elder grads. Jones is from Dixie Heights.

The Bengals also drafted UC defensive end Angelo Craig in the seventh round Sunday.

Former UC safety Haruki Nakamura was drafted in the sixth round by Baltimore.

Anderson HS's Norwell to Pats

2008-04-27T20:57:00.002-04:00

Chris Norwell, a 303-pound defensive lineman who played at the University of Illinois, is signing as a college free agent with New England. He played high school ball at Anderson.

Louisville tight end Scott Kuhn, who is from Burlington and played at Conner High School, is signing as an undrafted college player with the Baltimore Ravens.

5 picks on offense, 5 on D

2008-04-27T19:04:00.003-04:00

The Bengals added 10 players to their roster this past weekend in the NFL draft. A quick look:

Round / Overall / Player / Pos. / School / Comment

1 / 9 / Keith Rivers / LB / Uncommon leadership potential, likely to start as rookie, strong against run as sure tackler

2 / 46 / Jerome Simpson / WR / Coastal Carolina / Give Bob Bratkowski benefit of doubt for history of picking receivers

3 / 77 / Pat Sims / DT / Auburn / Strong junior season suggests he can contribute in rotation again run, as pass rusher in rookie season

3 / 97 / Andre Caldwell / WR / Florida / Experienced pass catcher might be able to add threat on kickoff returns

4 / 112 / Anthony Collins / OT-G / Kansas / Bengals coaches like his flexibility to play either guard or tackle positions on the line

5 / 145 / Jason Shirley / DT / Fresno State / Marvin Lewis is convinced that off-field problems will be resolved for 330-pounder

6 / 177 / Corey Lynch / S / Appalachian State / Probably will m make roster on special teams, six blocked kicks in college

6 / 207 / Matt Sherry / TE / Villanova / Will be given chance to add weight and develop as blocker, talented receiver

7 / 244 / Angelo Craig / DE-LB / Cincinnati / Hard-playing prospect could get opportunity to develop on practice squad

7 / 246 / Mario Urrutia / WR / Louisville / Third receiver drafted is a tall target at almost 6-5 and had big 2006 season with 58 receptions (six touchdowns)

-- Mark Curnutte

Final pick is WR Urrutia

2008-04-27T18:23:00.000-04:00

With their second of two seventh-round picks, the Bengals picked wide receiver Mario Urrutia of Louisville. He is the third wide receiver taken in 10 picks. He is almost 6 feet, 6 inches and weighs 232 pounds.

Bengals take UC DE Craig at 244

2008-04-27T18:18:00.003-04:00

The Bengals stayed home to select Angelo Craig, a defensive end from the University of Cincinnati. He is projected to be an outside linebacker in the NFL. It was the 244th overall pick of the draft and the first of two for the Bengals in the seventh round. They come back at 246 with their final selection.

He is 6 feet, 4 inches, 252 pounds. He started 11 of 13 Bearcats games in 2007 and finished with three sacks. He also played basketball at UC for part of one season.

TE Sherry at No. 207

2008-04-27T16:49:00.002-04:00

With the 207th overall selection, their second pick of the second round, the Bengals selected Villanova tight end Matt Sherry. He is almost 6 feet, 4 inches and 250 pounds. He had 37 receptions for 461 yards and five touchdowns last season.

He was team captain at Villanova last season. So were Bengals first-round linebacker Keith Rivers at Southern Cal, second-round wide receiver Jerome Simpson at Coastal Carolina and fourth-round wide receiver Andre Caldwell.

S Corey Lynch at 177

2008-04-27T15:37:00.002-04:00

The Bengals have selected safety Corey Lynch of Appalachian State with the 177th overall pick in the sixth round.

Lynch blocked three kicks last season on special teams. He is almost 6 feet, 1 inch and 204 pounds. He has played well in big games for the Mountaineers and projects to be a solid backup safety in the NFL and an immediate contributor on special teams.

One of his blocked kicks was Michigan's field-goal attempt at the end of Appalachian State's upset of the Wolverines, which he also recovered and returned deep downfield.

Bengals grab DT Shirley

2008-04-27T14:06:00.005-04:00

With the 145th overall pick in the draft, their lone fifth-round selection, the Bengals have chosen defensive tackle Jason Shirley of Fresno State. He is 6 feet, 5 inches and 338 pounds.

He was arrested in October for suspension of driving under the influence.

By Shannon Russell
srussell@enquirer.com

The Bengals took a big risk by picking Fresno State defensive tackle Jason Shirley in the fifth round of Sunday’s NFL draft.

Not because of his football skills, but because of his checkered past.

The Bengals, reeling from 10 player arrests in a 14-month span in 2006 and 2007, made a surprise move in Shirley. He played only three games last season because of three separate off-field incidents and suspensions.

“It’s a little bit of a risk, yes,” coach Marvin Lewis said. “There’s a lot of guys who have gone over the last two days with more substantial things hanging over their heads.”

The 6-foot-5, 330-pound former Bulldog was suspended for Fresno State’s first two games for conduct detrimental to the team.

“That was a team issue, a personal team issue with coaches and teammates. I made a bad decision and it was one of those things that I had to pay for,” Shirley said.

He crashed his car into an apartment building Oct. 8 and fled the accident scene. He posted a blood-alcohol level of 0.12 -- which is well beyond the state’s 0.08 legal limit, the Associated Press reported, and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Shirley was suspended from the team for the season, but returned four weeks later when athletic director Thomas Boeh reversed his decision.

Shirley had medical documents that showed a concussion he received days before the crash, according to the Fresno Bee. His reprieve didn’t last long. Shirley was dismissed from the team almost one month later. He was cited on suspicion of driving with a suspended license and expired tags. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of driving under the influence and one count of hit-and-run because of the October incidents.

A jury trial is pending.

“I have a court date May 21. And right now, everything’s going kind of smooth. I can’t really get into the details about it, as advised to me by my lawyer, but it’s going smooth,” Shirley said. “It’s looking real good, and hopefully I can get that expunged off my record.”

Lewis said Shirley was “a guy we’ve done a lot of homework on,” and that the Bengals believe the case’s outcome will favor Shirley.

Shirley became the teams’ second defensive tackle drafted this weekend, following Auburn’s Pat Sims, who was selected in Round 3. Shirley took off the spring semester to prepare for the draft and said he’s just four classes shy of graduating with a degree in African-American Studies. He plans to graduate next spring.

Shirley hoped his past wouldn’t affect his chances to be drafted. He conveyed to Bengals officials that he is not the person his previous actions indicate.

“I was just making sure to them, that they knew that what happened was in the past,” Shirley said. “I really am a good person, and the things that happened to me off the field were just some mistakes that I made that’s not in my character.”

No. 112: Bengals take OT Collins

2008-04-27T12:19:00.004-04:00

The Bengals used their fourth-round pick on offensive tackle Anthony Collins of Kansas. He was a two-year starter and gave up his final year of eligibility to enter the draft. He was rated as a second- to third-round pick. He is 6 feet, 5 inches, 310 pounds.

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Bengals line coach Paul Alexander said this afternoon that Kansas tackle Anthony Collins, drafted by the team with the 112th overall pick of the weekend, is the prototypical Bengals offensive lineman.

“Big, explosive, strong, long arms (and) tough,” Alexander said of Collins, the team’s fourth-round pick.

And versatile, don’t forget versatile.

Collins, at 6 feet, 5 inches, 310 pounds, can play either tackle or guard position.

What about center?

“I could play anywhere they wanted me to play,” said Collins, who played both tackle positions in the same game at Kansas.

Collins started 23 of 24 games the past two seasons. He is an early-entry junior.

“There were four guys we really liked as a Bengals offensive lineman,” Alexander said. “When you watch film, his guy doesn’t hit the quarterback.”

The official stat sheet handed out by Bengals public relations, though, listed that Collins allowed six sacks for losses of 41 yards and three quarterback pressures in 476 pass plays.

Alexander said Collins is expected to come in and compete immediately, unlike 2004 fourth-round pick Stacy Andrews, who was a project but has developed into a top-flight lineman.

Collins played left tackle in college but might project more as a right tackle or guard in the NFL.

He played right tackle in 2006.

Collins, a first-team Associated Press All-America selection in 2007, said he could gain the necessary weight to make the move to guard.

Alexander said Collins does not play too high and has the type of body that would allow him to make the transition to guard.

At No. 97, Bengals take WR Caldwell

2008-04-27T11:39:00.006-04:00

The Bengals added their second wide receiver of the draft when they picked Florida's Andre Caldwell. He had 56 receptions for the Gators in 2007 with seven touchdowns and is regarded as having explosive kickoff return ability. He is 6 feet, 207 pounds and projected to a second-to-third round pick.

He started the first three games of the 2005 season but then broke his right leg. He gained a medical red-shirt season.

Caldwell ran a 4.35 40-yard dash and can make people miss after catching the ball.

He started all 11 games in 2007 and converted 17 of 27 third-down plays he was involved in.

Caldwell, the younger brother of Rams wide receiver Reche Caldwell, is the second receiver drafted by the Bengals. They took Coastal Carolina's Jerome Simpson with the 46th overall pick in the second round on Saturday.

By Shannon Russell
srussell@enquirer.com

Andre Caldwell broke his right leg on a kickoff return against Tennessee in 2005 and missed the remainder of the season at Florida.

Recovering from that injury was among the hardest things he has ever done.

“It took me about a whole year before I was 100 percent,” Caldwell said. “It was a long, tough year.”

He hasn’t missed a step since then. Coming off a senior season in which he ranked second among Gators players with 56 receptions for 761 yards and seven touchdowns, Caldwell dazzled in the Under Armour Senior Bowl in January.

He scored on a 2-yard touchdown run as time expired, setting up the game-winning extra point in a thrilling South victory.The Bengals liked what they saw in the 6-foot, 203-pound wide receiver and picked him in the third round of Sunday’s NFL Draft.

He was selected 97th overall.

Caldwell, the brother of St. Louis wide receiver Reche Caldwell, has been lauded by draft analysts for his offensive versatility. He saw time at split end and slot receiver last season.

“We talking upstairs about what we’d do with him, and he has played a lot of slot work when he was at Florida, so that’s a good thing for him,” said offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski. “But it goes back to initially starting him at one spot and going from there, and getting a real sense of (his) football intelligence.”

The Bengals took wide receiver Coastal Carolina’s Jerome Simpson in the second round, but coach Marvin Lewis said Saturday that Simpson probably “isn’t a guy who we would put value on in returns.”

Caldwell has explosive speed and may be called upon to do just that. He said his time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine was about 4.35.

Bratkowski said special teams coach Darrin Simmons will take a look at both receivers.

“He always asks these skill guys coming in, ‘Have you ever returned kicks? Did you do it in high school? How much did you do it in college?’ I’m sure (Caldwell will) get some looks back there, because you always have to have a back-up, an emergency guy,” Bratkowski said.

Lewis was glad Caldwell stayed on the board as long as he did, and believes his size, athleticism and speed translate into big potential.

While the Bengals weren’t on Caldwell’s radar, he was pleasantly surprised and eager to join the franchise.

One of his memorable brushes with Ohio was when the Gators beat Ohio State, 41-14, in the 2006 national championship. Caldwell caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Tim Tebow with 23 seconds left until halftime and the Gators led, 34-14.Caldwell had 35 starts in 53 games at Florida. He owns the school career record with 185 catches for 2,349 yards and 16 touchdowns.

The former Gators captain said he models himself after Chad Johnson, Marvin Harrison and Terrell Owens. But unlike Johnson, he has no plans to celebrate after scoring.

“No, I ain’t a dancer,” Caldwell said. “I just go out there and make plays and do everything to help the team win the game.”

Bengals take DT Sims in third

2008-04-27T10:40:00.005-04:00

The Bengals finally addressed a pressing need at defensive tackle and took Auburn's Pat Sims in the third round this morning with the 77th overall pick. He is 6 feet, 2 inches and 310 pounds.

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

In 2005, defensive tackle Pat Sims quit the Auburn football team to cope with the death of one of his four sisters, Vonda Nimmo, who had a heart attack at age 31.

“She was the first person I called mom,” said Sims, a defensive tackle taken this morning by the Bengals with the 77th overall pick in the NFL draft.

Sims, who fills a gaping need at defensive tackle for the Bengals, started all 13 games for Auburn last season and had 37 total tackles, including 4.5 sacks.

He left the team after two games of the 2005 season to cope with his half-sister’s death.

“I still think about her every day,” Sims, 23, said.

After staying on campus and in school, he asked coaches to return to the team in 2006. He played in all 13 games, though he did not start, and had three sacks.

“In my head, I missed football,” he said. “It was time to get back. (He missed) everything, hitting, the ability to tackle. It was not a good year. I needed time to get myself together.”

He appears to have an appreciation for the game that comes with time away from it.

Sims, at 6 feet, 2 inches, 310 pounds, was projected as a second-round pick.

“He’s a very, very strong man,” Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said this morning. “He had to grow up and come through some things. We’re happy with that selection.”

In 2007, Sims played seven games with a cast on his left hand after breaking a bone in his middle finger in practice.

“In the Mississippi State game, he made play after play after play with that cast on his hand,” said Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes, who came away impressed with Sims’ toughness.

Sims is the youngest of 10 children. In addition to the loss of his half-sister, he said he had a brother die, as well.

His father is a retired longshoreman who still holds jobs building houses and as a janitor.

“He’s always working,” Sims said of his father. “He can’t sit still.”

Movement describes Sims’ game, as well.

“I can bring penetration (as a pass rusher),” Sims said. “I can stop the run.”

From Keith Rivers' blog

2008-04-26T22:13:00.001-04:00

Bengals take WR Simpson at 46

2008-04-26T19:31:00.006-04:00

The Bengals selected Jerome Simpson, a wide receiver from Coastal Carolina. Pro Football Weekly projected Simpson as a fourth- to fifth-round pick.

Simpson had 41 receptions last season for a 17-yard average and 11 touchdowns. He is 6-1, 193 pounds. In four years, he had 161 receptions and 44 touchdowns.

The Bengals had their pick of some better-known receivers, including Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly, Texas' Limas Sweed, Michigan's Mario Manningham and Cal's DeSean Jackson. Defensive tackles Pat Sims of Auburn, Trevor Laws of Notre Dame and Marcus Harrison of Arkansas were available, too.

Looking ahead to No. 46

2008-04-26T18:05:00.001-04:00

In the second round, the Bengals should be in the neighborhood to get a solid defensive tackle. The two that could be there are Notre Dame's Trevor Laws and Auburn's Pat Sims.

Numerology

2008-04-26T17:52:00.002-04:00

The Saints traded their 10th overall and 78th overall (third round) picks to New England for the seventh selection, where New Orleans took defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis of Southern Cal.

The Bengals, logic would say, could have gotten that trade with the Patriots for their ninth and 77th picks.

The Bengals were willing to trade that very same pick, No. 77, their third-rounder, to Detroit, along with a fifth-round pick, for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.

More on Keith Rivers

2008-04-26T17:10:00.001-04:00

Ravens move up, take QB Flacco

2008-04-26T17:06:00.003-04:00

The Ravens, who traded down to No. 26, moved up to No. 18 with Houston in the first round to take quarterback Joe Flacco.

At 14, Chicago took offensive tackle Chris Williams. At 15, following a trade with Detroit, Kansas City took guard Branden Albert.

Then at 16, without a trade, Arizona took cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Then Detroit, in a spot traded by Minnesota to Kansas City and then to the Lions, selected offensive tackle Gosder Cherilis.

Picks stack up

2008-04-26T16:28:00.001-04:00

At No. 10, New England took Jerod Mayo. At 11, Buffalo took cornerback Leodis McKelvin.

At 12, Denver took offensive tackle Ryan Clady. And, with 13, Carolina took Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart.

Bengals take LB Rivers

2008-04-26T16:03:00.004-04:00

With defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis off the board, the Bengals just selected linebacker Keith Rivers with the ninth overall pick. Bengals linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald ran the linebacker drills at the Southern Cal pro day workouts in early April.

Ellis is a proven run defender.

The Bengals have taken a defensive player in four consecutive first rounds, with Rivers joining linebacker David Pollack (2005) and cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall.

Jags trade up from 28, take DE Harvey

2008-04-26T16:00:00.002-04:00

The Jaguars moved up to No. 26 to eighth to select Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey.

The Bengals now have their choice from linebacker Keith Rivers, cornerback Leodis McKelvin and Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Saints trade up, take DT Ellis

2008-04-26T15:48:00.003-04:00

The Bengals sat on their ninth pick, while New Orleans leap-frogged over them and Baltimore to select defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis from Southern Cal. He was the player the Bengals were thought to like most.

The Saints gave New England the 10th and 78th overall picks for the No. 7 pick to get Ellis.

Jacksonville has just traded up No. 26 in the first round to get the No. 8 pick from Baltimore.

Jets take DE Gholston sixth

2008-04-26T15:41:00.002-04:00

The Jets, who wanted running back Darren McFadden, selected defensive end Vernon Gholston of Ohio State.

Two picks until the Bengals go. Do they trade up for Ellis? New England at No. 7 likes Ellis.

6-7-8 scenario?

2008-04-26T15:35:00.001-04:00

Gholston to Jets at 6.

Guard Branden Albert to Patriots at 7.

Cornerback Leodis McKelvin to Ravens at 8.

That would leave Ellis for the Bengals at No. 9.

DT Dorsey goes to KC at 5

2008-04-26T15:30:00.002-04:00

Sedrick Ellis is still available with three teams still left to pick before the Bengals.

Kansas City has taken defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey from LSU.

The Jets, Patriots and Ravens are the next three picks.

The Jets are expected to take defensive end Vernon Gholston.

Raiders take RB McFadden No. 4

2008-04-26T15:25:00.002-04:00

Oakland, which has other needs, has selected Arkansas running back Darren McFadden with the fourth overall pick.

With four picks remaining until the Bengals go at No. 9, top defensive tackles Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis remain available.

Kansas City is next at 5 with one of the most mysterious selections. Do they take Dorsey, left offensive tackle Ryan Clady or Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston?

Falcons take QB Ryan No. 3

2008-04-26T15:16:00.002-04:00

The Falcons, who had debated taking LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey with the third overall pick, have selected Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan.

Dorsey was not expected to get past Atlanta. Now Dorsey and Southern Cal defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis are still in play with three picks gone. The Bengals are at No. 9.

DE Chris Long No. 2 to Rams

2008-04-26T15:12:00.001-04:00

Word is ...

2008-04-26T14:37:00.004-04:00

... that my projection of the Bengals' interest in linebacker Keith Rivers is over-stated.

A more likely pick, if defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis is gone, could be cornerback Leodis McKelvin. The former Troy star would be the third consecutive cornerback taken in the first round, joining Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall.

Hall, who is a smart player, could play some safety as the nickel defender -- against a division filled with pass-catching tight ends Kellen Winslow Jr., Heath Miller and Todd Heap.

McKelvin, in addition to being the top-rated cornerback, is the top kick returner available with seven career kick returns for touchdowns.

For a team desperate to improve its punt return game, the Bengals could use McKelvin. He had three punt returns for touchdowns last season and averaged an incredible 18.3 yards per punt return.

If it's not Ellis at No. 9 for the Bengals, the top trio now appears to be McKelvin, defensive end Derrick Harvey or running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Round 1 shaping up -- maybe

2008-04-26T14:11:00.002-04:00

NFL media says that the Rams are leaning toward defensive end Jake Long at No. 2 and that Atlanta will take quarterback Matt Ryan at 3. Then Oakland will take the player the Jets want at 6, running back Darren McFadden.

LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey could go to Kansas City at No. 5, but the Chiefs need an offensive tackle.

Then it's the Jets, Patriots and Ravens -- at Nos. 6, 7 and 8 -- before the Bengals go at No. 9.

Nobody is saying, but would the Bengals talk to the Chiefs and take a shot at getting Dorsey? But the Bengals are thought to like Sedrick Ellis better than Dorsey.

Chad to NFL TV: I'll sit out

2008-04-26T14:08:00.002-04:00

In an interview with NFL Network, Chad Johnson said he is prepared not to play in 2008.

"I will take the criticism," Johnson said. "I will stick by my guns, and I will not be there. I feel things need to be done to make this team better. I don't blame Marvin Lewis. I love him. You have never heard me say one bad thing about my coaches or teammates. I know it's not up to Coach Lewis. Whether I'm traded, or if we get better players, is not up to him. If it was up to Coach Lewis, then he would do it."

Johnson is demanding a trade. Once a face of the Bengals, Johnson wants out of Cincinnati.

"What's changed for me is that I don't feel that we can compete," Johnson told the league-owned TV channel. "Look at Cleveland and what they are doing to win. The Patriots and Indianapolis are going for a ring every year. When going for a ring, it all starts at the top. We need to do more and bring in more. We're staying the same. Yes, we have good players, but we need great players. We need defense. They say the money is tied up on offense; I'm not buying it. Look at others teams who are doing it, like Cleveland."

Draft Day: Post 1

2008-04-26T13:21:00.002-04:00

The Bengals aren't scheduled to pick for at least three hours -- around 4:20-4:30 this afternoon.

I'm at Paul Brown Stadium, where we work in a press room across a hall from the locker room.

I just saw Bengals running backs coach Jim Anderson and asked him if he would be appearing in the interview room today -- Rounds 1 or 2 -- to introduce a running back.

"Don't know, never know," Anderson said.

The Bengals are interested in Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall at No. 9.

The Bengals also like Southern Cal defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, Southern Cal linebacker Keith Rivers and Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey.

Under the radar: Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin, who is considered both the top corner and return man available. Would the Bengals draft a cornerback in the first round three years in a row? They took Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall the past two years.

The Bengals coaches and front office executives are in their offices in the administration building. Media is not allowed up there.

Pro Football Writers awards

2008-04-25T12:30:00.002-04:00

The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) is announcing its award winners today for 2008.

-- Good Guy Award: Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre

This award is given for the player who best helped the media do its job. A PFWA member who nominated Favre said there was "no better interview in the game. Ask the guy a question and he'll bare his soul."

Favre not only gave detailed, honest answers but increased his availability to national and out-of-town reporters. Leading into games, Favre did more conference calls than in previous seasons with media covering the opposition even knowing he would inevitably be asked the same questions about his possible retirement.

Favre answered the inquiries with class and dignity before making his retirement official in March.

-- Horrigan Award: Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren

This award is given to the person (not a player or team media relations member) who helped the media best do its job last season. Holmgren enters his final season as Seattle's coach -- and perhaps his last as a coach anywhere -- much to the dismay of those who cover him. In fact, those PFWA members consider it an upset that he has never won this award considering his openness and incredibly consistent availability even to those critical of him.

Holmgren is very patient in explaining his thinking about a variety of issues, including those that other coaches might be reluctant to discuss. It should be noted that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was a very close runner-up, falling just three votes short of tying Holmgren in the balloting.

-- Halas Award: Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett

This award is given to the individual in the NFL who overcame the most adversity to succeed last season. Everett was chosen among one of the strongest groups of candidates the PFWA has ever nominated for this award.

In the 2007 season-opener, Everett sustained a fracture and dislocation of his cervical spine. Doctors initially characterized the injury as life-threatening and stated he was likely to have suffered permanent neurological impairment. But days later, Everett showed significant movement in his arms and legs, which led doctors to speculate that he may eventually be able to walk again. Everett walked in public for the first time at Ralph Wilson Stadium before the home finale against the New York Giants on December 23, 2007.

-- Rozelle Award: Seattle Seahawks

This award is given to the media relations staff that best helped PFWA members do their jobs. Seattle has become a perennial finalist and received the most nominations for the second time in three years. The Seahawks are regarding as one of the NFL's most media-friendly teams. This is evidenced by the strong support Seattle coach Mike Holmgren received in Horrigan Award voting and outpouring of tributes being paid to Gary Wright, the former media relations director who is retiring in June as the team's vice president of administration.

Extra touches set the Seahawks apart, like the overnight shipping of CD-ROMs with game releases to out-of-town media and complimentary valet parking for visiting reporters during the playoffs. Dave Pearson, Seattle's director of communications and broadcasting, has spearheaded these changes while earning respect as one of the NFL's top media relations chiefs. A support staff that includes Lane Gammel, Julie Barber, Rich Gonzales and Jeff Garza also is considered one of the league's most helpful.

-- McCann Award: Len PasquarelliThis award is named in honor of the first executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Dick McCann Award is given annually by the PFWA to honor one of its members for distinguished service.

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh and working as a teacher, coach and newspaper stringer, Pasquarelli became editor of Pittsburgh Steelers Weekly in 1978. He joined the Pro Football Weekly staff in 1982, then went to the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel to handle the Indianapolis Colts beat in 1986. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution hired Pasquarelli to cover the Atlanta Falcons in 1989. A decade later, he entered cyberspace with SportsLine.com before landing at ESPN.com in 2001.

Pasquarelli became ill during Pro Football Hall of Fame voting at the last Super Bowl and had emergency, quintuple bypass surgery -- but not before he voted and wrote his column. Pasquarelli will be honored at this year's Hall of Fame dinner in Canton.

PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS (2003 to 2007)

HORRIGAN
2003 - Herm Edwards, New York Jets
2004 - Ozzie Newsome, Baltimore Ravens
2005 - Rich McKay, Atlanta Falcons
2006 - Floyd Reese, Tennessee Titans
2007 - Steve Alic, NFL media relations

GOOD GUY (Award instituted in 2005)
2005 - Jerome Bettis, Pittsburgh Steelers
2006 - Tiki Barber, New York Giants
2007 - LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego.

HALAS
2003 - Robert Edwards, Miami Dolphins
2004 - Sam Mills, Carolina Panthers
2005 - Mark Fields, Carolina Panthers
2006 - Tony Dungy, Indianapolis
2007 - Drew Brees, New Orleans

ROZELLE
2003 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2004 - Houston Texans
2005 - Philadelphia Eagles
2006 - Cincinnati Bengals
2007 - Houston Texans

McCANN
2003 - Joel Buchsbaum, Pro Football Weekly
2004 - Rick Gosselin, Dallas Morning News
2005 - Jerry Green, Detroit News
2006 - John McClain, Houston Chronicle
2007 - John Clayton, ESPN

Bengals won't get Robertson

2008-04-25T11:13:00.003-04:00

The Broncos are comfortable with the condition of Robertson's knees. The Bengals weren't but would have been OK with signing him if the Jets had decided to release him in June.

Rosenhaus: Bengals, please trade Chad

2008-04-25T07:31:00.001-04:00

Ellis, and if not Ellis, then Rivers

2008-04-24T13:54:00.009-04:00

If I am the Bengals with the No. 9 overall pick Saturday in the NFL draft, I take Southern Cal defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis if he is there.

If Ellis is gone, most likely to Kansas City, then I take Ellis' Southern Cal teammate, linebacker Keith Rivers. Rivers excels in run defense and is solid in pass coverage. He can play all three linebacker positions.

Second round: More defense.

Third round: Wide receiver.

Crystal (foot)ball

2008-04-23T08:26:00.003-04:00

With Michigan offensive left tackle Jake Long agreeing to terms Tuesday with Miami, making him the first overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Bengals are now expected to pick one from the following players at No. 9:

Ryan Clady, Boise State offensive left tackle

Sedrick Ellis, Southern Cal defensive tackle

Derrick Harvey, Florida defensive end

Chris Long, Virginia defensive end

Leodis McKelvin, Troy cornerback

Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois running back

Keith Rivers, Southern Cal linebacker

Jonathan Stewart, Oregon running back

Report: Bengals did turn down Redskins

2008-04-22T15:38:00.015-04:00

UPDATED, 4:56 p.m. (Blogger has been malfunctioning all day, repeatedly delaying my posts from Paul Brown Stadium.)

In scouring my tape of Marvin Lewis' press conference from 11:30 this morning, I have come across this question and answer:

Reporter: "Have you received any trade offers for Chad (Johnson)?"

Marvin Lewis: "No."

INITIAL BLOG POSTING: After the second ESPN this afternoon, in which Lewis told Chris Mortensen that his initial report was correct and that the Bengals had turned down Washington's trade offer for Chad Johnson, The Enquirer contacted Bengals public relations director Jack Brennan.

Brennan gave the following statement to The Enquirer:

"A questioner (a television producer) said ESPN had reported a Redskins trade offer of two first-round picks. Coach Lewis denied such an offer had been made.

"But ESPN, in fact, did not report an offer of two first-round picks. Coach Lewis later confirmed that the ESPN story, as actually written, was accurate. Marvin told the Redskins that we were not interested trading Chad."

ESPN initially reported that Washington had offered its first-round pick this year (No. 21 overall) and a conditional third-round pick in 2009 that could escalate to a first-round pick if Johnson met performance levels.

Drew Rosenhaus, Johnson's agent, has not returned a phone message from The Enquirer seeking comment on the day's news of Washington's trade offer.

The Bengals would take an $8.03 million salary cap hit if they traded or released Johnson before June 1. After June 1, the Bengals could spread the salary cap hit into 2009.

Palmer on Chad: I've moved on

2008-04-22T13:28:00.005-04:00

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer this morning down-played the reaction Chad Johnson had to comments Palmer made last week.

Palmer had said he had talked to Johnson, who has demanded to be traded, and Palmer said Johnson had told him he would be "there when he had to be."

Johnson, though ESPN.com, fired back to Palmer and essentially told Palmer to mind his own business.

"I take it with a grain of salt," Palmer said this morning when asked about Johnson's reaction. "I've moved on."

"No," Palmer said when asked if he had talked to Johnson in the past week.

"I've always tried to be a (forgiving-and-forgetting) guy. I hope he's here. He's a good player," Palmer said. "It's just part of the gsame. It's such a business. You have to be prepared to move on."

Lewis: No Chad trade offers

2008-04-22T12:05:00.024-04:00

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, in a pre-draft news conference this morning, said the Bengals have not received any trade offers, including one from the Redskins for their first-round pick this year and third-round pick next year, for disgruntled wide receiver Chad Johnson.

The 2009 pick could elevate to a first if Johnson were to hit performance incentives, according to ESPN.com.

"Errant," is how Lewis described the report of the trade offer. "I don't think Mike Brown received a call."

"No," Lewis said again when asked if Brown had received any trade offers.

"In don't think anything has changed. We're going to go through and not be concerned," Lewis said when asked if Johnson's threat to not to play would affect the team's draft plans. "I think he has made it clear he's not going to play, and that's what I've been aware of since the end of last season. I think it's time to do what you say you're going to do, and we'll move forward.

"He has a contract through 2011. He stated, without an opportunity to go to another team with a new contract he wasn't going to play. I think he's a man of his word, and says he's not going to play, so don't play."

Lewis: Pollack will retire

2008-04-22T12:03:00.000-04:00

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

Bengals linebacker David Pollack has expressed to head coach Marvin Lewis that he is “headed to retirement,” Lewis said late this morning in a news conference.

“He is not completely comfortable where he is medically,” Lewis said. “We know the quality of the person. We’re proceeding that he will not be part of the football team.”

Pollack, the team’s first-round draft pick in 2005, fractured his C6 vertebrae in Game 2 of the 2006 season and has not played since.

Lewis said he spoke with Pollack a week ago, when Pollack told him of his decision.

“The good thing he is going to have an outstanding life,” Lewis said of Pollack.

Bengals confirm Thurman return

2008-04-21T16:20:00.001-04:00

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.

NFL reinstates Thurman

2008-04-21T15:48:00.000-04:00

Wyche running for office in S.C.

2008-04-21T09:47:00.001-04:00

T.J.: Maybe best to trade Chad

2008-04-17T18:34:00.007-04:00

By Mark Curnutte
mcurnutte@enquirer.com

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chad Johnson's confidant, said Thursday that his teammate of seven years is serious about not playing again for the Bengals.

Houshmandzadeh told The Enquirer that it might be best, in spite of the salary cap hit, if the Bengals were to grant Johnson’s wish to be traded.

"If he’s not traded, he’s going to be a problem," Houshmandzadeh said.

He found himself talking to both Johnson and quarterback Carson Palmer on Wednesday, the day Johnson strongly refuted Palmer’s comment that Johnson had told him he would report to the Bengals when required.

"Honestly, it’s the same thing; he doesn’t want to be here," Houshmandzadeh said. "Will he eventually show up? I don’t know. Logic would tell you he would show up and get a credited season. Whatever month it is – September, October (or) November – it’s going to be a distraction."

Houshmandzadeh compared the situation to a husband and wife divorcing. If one spouse wants to leave, the only reason that spouse might stay is out of pity, he said.

"It’s going to be ups and a whole lot of downs," said Houshmandzadeh, comparing Johnson’s relationship to the Bengals. "It’s early. We’ve got May, June and July. We have 53 players on the team. Do you want to roll the dice and get him to Cincinnati and see if he will perform and be professional? But will it be such a disruption that it will be another season down the drain – a season when (esteemed right tackle) Willie Anderson doesn’t get to the playoffs?"

Houshmandzadeh, the team’s player representative, told Johnson that he faces more than $14,000 a day in fines for not reporting when required.

"He doesn’t care," Houshmandzadeh said of Johnson’s reaction.

By crossing swords with Palmer, Houshmandzadeh said, Johnson might have picked a fight he can’t win.

"Carson is the $119 million man," Houshmandzadeh said. "I talked to him (Wednesday). He said, `I don’t know what I said to (anger Johnson).'"

Fitzpatrick signs for one year

2008-04-17T14:51:00.002-04:00

Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, one of the Bengals' restricted free agents, signed a one-year contract today, the club announced.

It is for the one-year RFA tender of $927,000.

Fitzpatrick is a fourth-year NFL player in 2008. He was on the roster all season in 2007 as the No. 2 QB behind Carson Palmer but did not have a pass attempt. He has six games of NFL experience with three starts, five of those games with St. Louis. He is 76-for-135 passing in his career with four touchdowns and eight interceptions.

He was acquired by the Bengals on Sept. 1 from St. Louis in exchange for the Bengals' seventh-round draft pick this year.

Chad to Carson: Out of my business

2008-04-16T14:19:00.004-04:00

Chad Johnson, the Bengals' disgruntled five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, took exception to comments made this morning about Johnson by quarterback Carson Palmer.

Palmer said Johnson told him that he would be at the mandatory minicamp in mid-June.

Unhappy with what he read on the Internet, Johnson called EPSN.com's John Clayton and told Palmer to stay out of Johnson's business and that he would not report.

Johnson has refused to speak to Cincinnati-based media since October.

Locker-room notes

2008-04-16T12:13:00.003-04:00

The Bengals are in their fourth week of their offseason strength and conditioning program and just held an open locker-room period for the media.

-- Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said he would sign his $927,000 restricted free agent offer with the Bengals in a day or two.

-- Carson Palmer, speaking for the first time about the release two weeks ago of wide receiver Chris Henry, "You thought it might happen, given his track record. It's too bad. (Henry is) an amazing talent, and to see him throw it away is tough. He's a good-hearted person. It's just too bad."

-- On the need Henry's departure creates for the Bengals at wide receiver, Palmer said he was concerned but also enthused about the players in the program.

"It doesn't seem we have a lot of options from the outside perspective," Palmer said. "But we have Antonio (Chatman), Glenn (Holt), and now Doug (Gabriel) is here. We still have T.J. (Houshmandzadeh) and Chad (Johnson). ... None of them are rookies. They are guys with experience."

-- Palmer said he has spoken via phone with Johnson, who is skipping the offseason program because of lingering unhappiness with the organization, and Johnson told Palmer that "he'll be there he has to." That would be the mandatory minicamp in mid-June.

-- Gabriel, signed as a street free agent after a year out of football, said his early work with Palmer reminds him of New England quarterback Tom Brady, with whom he also played.

-- New tight end Ben Utecht said he would throw later today with Palmer for the first time.

Bengals not on Monday, Sunday night

2008-04-15T13:53:00.008-04:00

Bengals' 2008 regular season schedule, announced at 2 p.m. by the NFL:

Sun., Sept. 7, at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 14, TENNESSEE, 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 21, at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 28, CLEVELAND, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 5, at Dallas, 4:15 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 12, at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 19, PITTSBURGH, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 26, (BYE)
Sun., Nov. 2, JACKSONVILLE, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 9, at Houston, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 16, PHILADELPHIA*, 1 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 20, at Pittsburgh (NFL NETWORK), 8:15 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 30, BALTIMORE*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 7, at Indianapolis*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 14, WASHINGTON*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 21, at Cleveland*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 28, KANSAS CITY*, 1 p.m.

From Bengals PR:

The Bengals’ 2008 schedule, released today by the National Football League, features a rigorous first half. Four of the first six games are on the road, and four of the first seven are against 2007 playoff qualifiers.

The home opener will be on Sun., Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. against Tennessee, an ’07 playoff team. The Bengals posted their most lopsided win of ’07 in a home game against the Titans, prevailing 35-6. Cincinnati starts the season on the road for the fourth time in the last five years, facing Baltimore at 1 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 7. It marks the second straight Bengals season opener against the Ravens, following a wild 27-20 Bengals win at Paul Brown Stadium in last year’s lid-lifter.

Road games at the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys stand out during the opening six-game stretch.

The Giants game, on Sun., Sept. 21, will be only the second Cincinnati match in the last 10 years against a defending Super Bowl champion from outside the Bengals’ division. The Bengals have held their own in their last 15 games overall against defending Super Bowl champs, showing a 7-8 record.

The Dallas game on Oct. 5 will be the featured doubleheader game on CBS, with a Cincinnati kickoff time of 4:15 p.m. The Cowboys tied for the NFC’s best record last season at 13-3.

"As always, it’s exciting to receive our schedule, and we know the challenges right from the start,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. “We have a division opponent on the road, the home opener against a young playoff team in Tennessee, and then the defending world champions."

Barring possible changes due to flex scheduling, Cincinnati’s only night game will be at Pittsburgh on Thursday, Nov. 20 -- a week before Thanksgiving -- at 8:15 p.m. The game will be aired on the NFL Network, and will also be simulcast by a local Cincinnati station yet to be determined.

"Battle of Ohio" games against Cleveland are scheduled Sept. 28 at Paul Brown Stadium and Dec. 21 at Cleveland. The Bengals lead Cleveland 35-34 in the all-time series.

The Bengals will close the season at home for only the second time in the last five years, hosting Kansas City on Dec. 28. Though they are not in the same division, the Bengals and Chiefs will be playing for the fourth consecutive year.