With the current NFL lockout coming near an end, several players have remained in the news. Some for playing golf, a few have retired, some cut grass for money, others are practicing for the upcoming season and a few are keeping their local police departments busy. True to form, the Cincinnati Bengals are known to have more players arrested since 2000. When I last checked, the record was more than 30. Normally, most NFL players stay out of trouble and keep away from any criminal behavior.
But there are always exceptions to the rule. Back in the days, stripes were associated with criminals locked away in jail cells before the orange jumpsuit became the new rage in jail gear.
Regarding the NFL, we now associate stripes with Bengals stripes; as in recent Bengals players who have made national headlines for either bad judgment, stupidity or both.
If you don't have your scorecard, here are a few current and former Bengals in the media:
Adam "Pacman" Jones: While at a bar in Cincinnati celebrating his wife's birthday, it's alleged that he shouted profanities and tensed his arms when the police tried to handcuff him. This isn't the first, second or even third time Jones has been arrested. He missed the entire 2007 season after being suspended by the NFL for misconduct. In May 2010, he signed a 2 year deal with the Bengals. Currently, Jones is on probation in Nevada and you can bet (pun intended) they will review this incident. A possible parole violation could potentially land him sitting in a Nevada jail cell watching the NFL on television.
Cedric Benson: Benson was arrested in Texas for a physical confrontation with a former roommate. Benson's attorney says that Benson had asked his roommate to leave a few days before the incident. The arrest affidavit claims that Benson struck his former roommate with a closed fist several times and injuring the victim's face. After posting bond, Benson had no comment about the incident. Like his teammate Adam Jones, Benson is no stranger to trouble. He has been arrested 3 times in the past 4 years. This incident could potentially lead to a suspension by the NFL for violating their personal-conduct policy.
Terrell Owens: Former Bengal Terrell Owens was accused of not paying child support. Melanie Paige Smith had filed court papers in Atlanta in June claiming Owens was refusing to pay the full $5,000 monthly child support. Since the filing, its been reported that Owens has since paid his back support and Smith has dropped contempt charges against Owens.
Corey Dillon: Former Bengal Corey Dillon plead no contest to reckless driving in Malibu, California. The charges stem from last year when he was arrested for driving under the suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol. Dillon was sentenced to 2 years probation, pay a $250 fine and attend a 12 hour alcohol program.
Marvin White: White was charged with simple assault and disturbing the peace in Louisiana. The incident took place when he went to a daycare to pay for his child. Sometime during his visit, he became angry with management and was asked to leave. He then allegedly made threatening comments and threats to his son's grandmother who was at the facility to pick up the child according to St. Landry Paris police. White has since apologized and denied that he made any threats against anyone.
David Lee "Deacon" Turner: Turner played for the Bengals from 1978-1980. After a scuffle with police outside of a convenience store, Turner was shot to death on July 10 by police officers in Bakersfield, California. Authorities said he struck a deputy with a bag containing two cans of beer. The shooting has since been ruled as justifiable.
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