Pacman Jones to sign with the Bengals (1 Viewer)

[gianmarco]

Pacman to Cincy

Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones received a second look from the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, and his signing with the team is imminent after an impressive workout, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.

Jones' representative, Ray Savage, had several conversations with the Bengals during the cornerback's visit, the source said, and the sides have the nucleus of a multiyear deal in place. Jones will not sign the deal until Thursday morning at the earliest, and he should join the team's offseason program Monday.

Savage declined to comment Tuesday, but he did confirm the sides were in negotiations.

Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer told the team's Web site on Tuesday that "I'll be on him at all times" if Jones signs. Zimmer also said Jones will not be a starter and that he talked with the cornerback's mentor, NFL Network analyst and former player Deion Sanders.

The Bengals, Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers reportedly showed the most interest in Jones, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2008 season and didn't play last year. All three attended a private workout in March held by Jones, 26, who has seen his NFL career bottom out because of his repeated arrests and off-the-field trouble.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Jones for the entire 2007 season and for six games with the Cowboys in 2008 for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy.

Jones went to the University of West Virginia, along with late Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry. The two of them got into so much trouble with their NFL teams that Goodell toughened the league's disciplinary policies.

The Bengals released Henry in 2008 following his fifth arrest. Team owner Mike Brown then referred to himself as a "redeemer" and did an about-face, bringing Henry back against the wishes of coach Marvin Lewis. Henry died in a fall from a pickup truck driven by his fiancee last year.

The Bengals became more cautious about signing troubled players after they had 10 arrested during a 14-month span. Henry and linebacker Odell Thurman were the main offenders, drawing repeated suspensions beginning in 2005.

The team has softened its stance in the last two years, bringing in players on low-risk deals. Running back Cedric Benson was released by the Chicago Bears after two alcohol-related arrests -- the cases were dropped after grand juries declined to indict -- and the Bengals signed him to a minimal financial deal during the 2008 season. The Bengals took the same approach last year with running back Larry Johnson, who received a minimal contract before eventually leaving to sign with the Washington Redskins as a free agent after the season.

In February, the Bengals signed wide receiver Matt Jones, who didn't play in the NFL last season, to a minimal one-year deal. Jones was charged with cocaine possession and with violating a plea agreement, prompting the Jacksonville Jaguars to release the former first-round draft pick after the 2008 season.

Jones, though, has the longest history of off-the-field problems.

The Titans drafted Jones sixth overall in 2005, expecting him to be a cornerstone of their defense for years. Instead, he was arrested six times and involved in 12 instances requiring police intervention. The Cowboys traded for Jones in 2008, but he got into trouble again, drawing the six-game suspension for an alcohol-related scuffle with a team-provided bodyguard.

Jones appeared in nine games with the Cowboys, starting six, but failed to record an interception. He also returned punts and averaged just 4.5 yards, prompting the Cowboys to release him after the season.

The Bengals have one of the NFL's best cornerback tandems in Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall, who had six interceptions apiece last season. The defense finished fourth in the league, one of the main reasons that Cincinnati won the AFC North with a 10-6 record.

The Bengals also drafted Wake Forest cornerback Brandon Ghee in the third round last month, looking for depth at the position.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that former Miami Dolphins safety Gibril Wilson also was in town Tuesday to work out for the Bengals. Wilson, a six-year NFL veteran, has played for the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders.

Wilson's agent, Alvin Keels, told the Bengals' Web site Wednesday afternoon that he was still working on a deal with the team.

"He really hit it off up there, and I know they liked him and he liked them," Keels said. "We're trying to get something done, and we're still talking."

Of all the teams.........

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Paging Doowain

 

[NorrisB]

Whats so funny about that

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

There's a "leopard can't change its spots" joke here somewhere but I'm kinda busy right now.

 

[cobalt_27]

Whats so funny about that

Good character team. This should work out well.

 

[SSOG]

Everyone realizes that all of these "Cincy players are all criminals" jokes stem from one offseason like 5 years ago now, right? And that since then, Cincinnati hasn't really exhibited any higher rate of lawlessness than any other NFL team (and a lower rate than several others)? I know it's fun to go for cheap laughs and everything, but I prefer my cheap laughs to have some sort of basis in reality.

 

[BuckeyeArt]

Everyone realizes that all of these "Cincy players are all criminals" jokes stem from one offseason like 5 years ago now, right? And that since then, Cincinnati hasn't really exhibited any higher rate of lawlessness than any other NFL team (and a lower rate than several others)? I know it's fun to go for cheap laughs and everything, but I prefer my cheap laughs to have some sort of basis in reality.

As much as I agree with you, I absolutely hate this signing. I can't see this ending well.

 

[cobalt_27]

Everyone realizes that all of these "Cincy players are all criminals" jokes stem from one offseason like 5 years ago now, right? And that since then, Cincinnati hasn't really exhibited any higher rate of lawlessness than any other NFL team (and a lower rate than several others)? I know it's fun to go for cheap laughs and everything, but I prefer my cheap laughs to have some sort of basis in reality.

Maualuga was just arrested for a DUI this past January, right?How about Purify getting arrested just the other day for a fight?But, you're sort of right. Those 8 arrests in 2006 were so long ago, it's tough to be critical of the franchise.

 

[doowain]

Everyone realizes that all of these "Cincy players are all criminals" jokes stem from one offseason like 5 years ago now, right? And that since then, Cincinnati hasn't really exhibited any higher rate of lawlessness than any other NFL team (and a lower rate than several others)? I know it's fun to go for cheap laughs and everything, but I prefer my cheap laughs to have some sort of basis in reality.

This.Well said.I love how people pile on the Bengals but look past when the Cowboys signed him immediately after his legal troubles. And the Cowboys have never been a team of choir boys (Irvin, Tank, Lett, Newton, etc) with far worse crimes than any Bengal ever committed.I'd assume that Zim had plenty of say in this signing and gave his stamp of approval. I don't see him allowing a bad seed onto his defense unless he feels sure he's changed. It's quite possible a year away from football changed Pacman.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Everyone realizes that all of these "Cincy players are all criminals" jokes stem from one offseason like 5 years ago now, right? And that since then, Cincinnati hasn't really exhibited any higher rate of lawlessness than any other NFL team (and a lower rate than several others)? I know it's fun to go for cheap laughs and everything, but I prefer my cheap laughs to have some sort of basis in reality.

This.Well said.

I love how people pile on the Bengals but look past when the Cowboys signed him immediately after his legal troubles. And the Cowboys have never been a team of choir boys (Irvin, Tank, Lett, Newton, etc) with far worse crimes than any Bengal ever committed.

I'd assume that Zim had plenty of say in this signing and gave his stamp of approval. I don't see him allowing a bad seed onto his defense unless he feels sure he's changed. It's quite possible a year away from football changed Pacman.

Those sons of satan have a lot of hardware to show for it.

 

[gianmarco]

Everyone realizes that all of these "Cincy players are all criminals" jokes stem from one offseason like 5 years ago now, right? And that since then, Cincinnati hasn't really exhibited any higher rate of lawlessness than any other NFL team (and a lower rate than several others)? I know it's fun to go for cheap laughs and everything, but I prefer my cheap laughs to have some sort of basis in reality.

Tank Johnson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on April 7, 2009.

Matt Jones signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on February 12, 2010.

Chris Henry REsigned with the Cincinnati Bengals on August 18, 2008

Cedric Benson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2008

Antonio Bryant signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 10, 2010

Now seriously, most jokes about the Bengals do relate to their criminal behavior that seemed to all happen at once a few offseasons ago, but let's not pretend that this is a team that seeks out high character players. I'm not saying the guys above have had issues since joining the Bengals, but they all CLEARLY had issues at some point in their careers (all recently) with tons of negative press and all found a home in Cincy. And now they sign Pacman Jones.

Just because the Bengals players haven't actively gotten arrested doesn't mean they haven't been a haven for previous drug offenders, gun offenders, assault offenders, cocaine offenders, etc. I'm glad a lot of these guys have seemingly turned the corner since landing in Cincy, but spare me the lecture. They are still a team currently (i.e. not just five years ago but as recently as THIS YEAR) that seems to sign guys that have pretty checkered pasts and instances with run-ins with the law. Every NFL team has their share of criminals, but let's not pretend that list above which spans only the last 2 years can be matched by another team.

So as long as they continue to do so, they're going to be the butt of some jokes.

 

[doowain]

Everyone realizes that all of these "Cincy players are all criminals" jokes stem from one offseason like 5 years ago now, right? And that since then, Cincinnati hasn't really exhibited any higher rate of lawlessness than any other NFL team (and a lower rate than several others)? I know it's fun to go for cheap laughs and everything, but I prefer my cheap laughs to have some sort of basis in reality.

This.Well said.

I love how people pile on the Bengals but look past when the Cowboys signed him immediately after his legal troubles. And the Cowboys have never been a team of choir boys (Irvin, Tank, Lett, Newton, etc) with far worse crimes than any Bengal ever committed.

I'd assume that Zim had plenty of say in this signing and gave his stamp of approval. I don't see him allowing a bad seed onto his defense unless he feels sure he's changed. It's quite possible a year away from football changed Pacman.

Those sons of satan have a lot of hardware to show for it.

Winning Super Bowls excuses felony convictions? But a couple AFC North crowns in 5 years after a decade and a half of being one of the very worst teams in the NFL doesn't excuse a few misdimeanors from 5 years ago? Especially considering none of those players remain on the roster. Your rationalization speaks volumes about yourself (and I'm sure it's an opinion shared by many).

 

[Jayrod]

Whew! I thought they were going to have to actually start Ndukwe all year.

 

[Donnybrook]

Everyone realizes that all of these "Cincy players are all criminals" jokes stem from one offseason like 5 years ago now, right? And that since then, Cincinnati hasn't really exhibited any higher rate of lawlessness than any other NFL team (and a lower rate than several others)? I know it's fun to go for cheap laughs and everything, but I prefer my cheap laughs to have some sort of basis in reality.

Tank Johnson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on April 7, 2009.

Matt Jones signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on February 12, 2010.

Chris Henry REsigned with the Cincinnati Bengals on August 18, 2008

Cedric Benson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2008

Antonio Bryant signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 10, 2010

Now seriously, most jokes about the Bengals do relate to their criminal behavior that seemed to all happen at once a few offseasons ago, but let's not pretend that this is a team that seeks out high character players. I'm not saying the guys above have had issues since joining the Bengals, but they all CLEARLY had issues at some point in their careers (all recently) with tons of negative press and all found a home in Cincy. And now they sign Pacman Jones.

Just because the Bengals players haven't actively gotten arrested doesn't mean they haven't been a haven for previous drug offenders, gun offenders, assault offenders, cocaine offenders, etc. I'm glad a lot of these guys have seemingly turned the corner since landing in Cincy, but spare me the lecture. They are still a team currently (i.e. not just five years ago but as recently as THIS YEAR) that seems to sign guys that have pretty checkered pasts and instances with run-ins with the law. Every NFL team has their share of criminals, but let's not pretend that list above which spans only the last 2 years can be matched by another team.

So as long as they continue to do so, they're going to be the butt of some jokes.

I think every single team has at least one player that has been in trouble with the law or the substance abuse policy. I am not sure if the Saints get to the Super Bowl without the pass rush provided by Tony Hargrove. It is a credit to the coaching staff if they can give a player a second chance (or a 3rd or 4th chance in Pacman's case) and make him into a productive member of the team. Besides you are on thin ice criticizing the Bengals if the allegations against the Saints coaching staff turn out to be true.

I am glad that the Vikings franchise gave a second chances to players like Cris Carter and Randy Moss even if they fell short of getting to the championship.

 

[gianmarco]

Everyone realizes that all of these "Cincy players are all criminals" jokes stem from one offseason like 5 years ago now, right? And that since then, Cincinnati hasn't really exhibited any higher rate of lawlessness than any other NFL team (and a lower rate than several others)? I know it's fun to go for cheap laughs and everything, but I prefer my cheap laughs to have some sort of basis in reality.

Tank Johnson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on April 7, 2009.

Matt Jones signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on February 12, 2010.

Chris Henry REsigned with the Cincinnati Bengals on August 18, 2008

Cedric Benson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2008

Antonio Bryant signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 10, 2010

Now seriously, most jokes about the Bengals do relate to their criminal behavior that seemed to all happen at once a few offseasons ago, but let's not pretend that this is a team that seeks out high character players. I'm not saying the guys above have had issues since joining the Bengals, but they all CLEARLY had issues at some point in their careers (all recently) with tons of negative press and all found a home in Cincy. And now they sign Pacman Jones.

Just because the Bengals players haven't actively gotten arrested doesn't mean they haven't been a haven for previous drug offenders, gun offenders, assault offenders, cocaine offenders, etc. I'm glad a lot of these guys have seemingly turned the corner since landing in Cincy, but spare me the lecture. They are still a team currently (i.e. not just five years ago but as recently as THIS YEAR) that seems to sign guys that have pretty checkered pasts and instances with run-ins with the law. Every NFL team has their share of criminals, but let's not pretend that list above which spans only the last 2 years can be matched by another team.

So as long as they continue to do so, they're going to be the butt of some jokes.

I think every single team has at least one player that has been in trouble with the law or the substance abuse policy. I am not sure if the Saints get to the Super Bowl without the pass rush provided by Tony Hargrove. It is a credit to the coaching staff if they can give a player a second chance (or a 3rd or 4th chance in Pacman's case) and make him into a productive member of the team. Besides you are on thin ice criticizing the Bengals if the allegations against the Saints coaching staff turn out to be true.

I am glad that the Vikings franchise gave a second chances to players like Cris Carter and Randy Moss even if they fell short of getting to the championship.

I'm not "criticizing" the Bengals. In fact, I think it's actually a testament to the team that they've recently been able to add the above players and they've all managed to keep their noses clean. I give the Bengals a ton of credit for that.That's not the issue, though. The issue is someone tried to point out that the Bengals have done nothing to deserve the "reputation" that they have bad character guys on their team since "5 years ago". That's simply not so. The guys have done well since joining the Bengals, but they've brought in a very large number of players with suspensions/arrests compared to other teams. This is all recently and in addition to the 2006 offseason. It's not a bad thing, it just kinda "is" and it perpetuates the jokes about Cincy. The fact that the guy with the most notorious off-field problems over the last couple years landed in Cincy is mildly humorous. If some of you don't agree with that, then ok. It's not funny. He's a great guy and it's no different than if he had landed on the Packers.

As for the Saints and their recent allegations, no doubt it's terrible and it puts a blackeye on the organization. Virtually every organization has incidents like this that look bad. I don't get how being a fan of another team with an incident or two means jokes can't be made about Cincinnati and their recent history. But I guess we all just need to be a little more PC and not talk about any other team lest we offend someone.

I'll just add the I was posting this mostly about the news. The smiley and the 3 word comment were nothing but mild humor (if that). Calling it a criticism is a bit much, no? The response later on was only as a result of stating that they don't just have that reputation based on actions 5 yrs ago.

ETA--Bringing up Hargrove as some sort of example as to why I can't post about the Bengals is hilarious. I could find at least one player with an arrest/suspension problem on every Super Bowl winning team if I wanted. So does that mean that NO ONE can joke about or talk about another team?

 

[flapgreen]

Didn't Pacman just have a tryout with the Saints and didn't bother showing up?

 

[SSOG]

Tank Johnson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on April 7, 2009.

Matt Jones signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on February 12, 2010.

Chris Henry REsigned with the Cincinnati Bengals on August 18, 2008

Cedric Benson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2008

Antonio Bryant signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 10, 2010

Now seriously, most jokes about the Bengals do relate to their criminal behavior that seemed to all happen at once a few offseasons ago, but let's not pretend that this is a team that seeks out high character players. I'm not saying the guys above have had issues since joining the Bengals, but they all CLEARLY had issues at some point in their careers (all recently) with tons of negative press and all found a home in Cincy. And now they sign Pacman Jones.

Just because the Bengals players haven't actively gotten arrested doesn't mean they haven't been a haven for previous drug offenders, gun offenders, assault offenders, cocaine offenders, etc. I'm glad a lot of these guys have seemingly turned the corner since landing in Cincy, but spare me the lecture. They are still a team currently (i.e. not just five years ago but as recently as THIS YEAR) that seems to sign guys that have pretty checkered pasts and instances with run-ins with the law. Every NFL team has their share of criminals, but let's not pretend that list above which spans only the last 2 years can be matched by another team.

So as long as they continue to do so, they're going to be the butt of some jokes.

Wait, so the Bengals have brought in "problem children" and not one of them has had so much as a parking ticket since joining the team... and yet this somehow demonstrates that this is somehow going to end poorly?Besides, I never said that the Bengals were a team of choir boys, I just said that they exhibited no higher rate of lawlessness than the average NFL team, and a lower rate than several other teams. People don't pick on them because their players have broken laws... they pick on them because the perception is that their players have broken laws AT THE HIGHEST (or, at the least, one of the highest) RATES OF ANY FRANCHISE. Mentioning a couple of players with checkered pasts (who have done nothing wrong in a Bengals uniform) and bringing up a DUI arrest isn't enough to demonstrate that the Bengals are somehow one of the least lawful clubs in the league.

 

[got_nugs]

"Florida has the arrogance of Notre Dame and the tradition of Wake Forest."

Dan Jenkins quote doesn't hold the weight anymore...unfortunately. Except the arrogance part.

Same applies here.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

I think every single team has at least one player that has been in trouble with the law or the substance abuse policy.

At least one? Way to set the bar low.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

He probably has nothing left to offer a team and I won't be surprised to see him get cut before the season starts. But why not? They could use some help in the defensive backfield, he's still young and was decent once (though that was a few years ago).

Really, what's the downside? He gets arrested and carries on the joke about the Bengals and thugs?

 

[BuckeyeArt]

Really, what's the downside? He gets arrested and carries on the joke about the Bengals and thugs?

I think the potential downside is he drags someone else down with him.

 

[Bri]

I'd assume that Zim had plenty of say in this signing and gave his stamp of approval. I don't see him allowing a bad seed onto his defense unless he feels sure he's changed. It's quite possible a year away from football changed Pacman.

A predraft rookie did very well against him. In the end, the Cowboys had issues with his work ethic. Those two facts concern me. Lewis has been drafting or signing bad seeds for a defense for a long time, I don't get why Zimmer would have to approve here. He hasn't in the past.Pacman has to produce and he should be bright enough to know that. I think the criminal aspect is a fair point but, I also think the Bengals see players that have their backs to the wall and are even a bit desperate to succeed. They don't even really have to have Matt or Pacman do well but if those two play as well as their potential, they added two elite talents then. There's camp arms and extra FBs and TEs and linemen and.....let's not forget the Bengals can cut these guys as well. Zim has nothing to lose here if Pacman stinks. Pacman has everything to lose.

 

[Bri]

Really, what's the downside? He gets arrested and carries on the joke about the Bengals and thugs?

I think the potential downside is he drags someone else down with him.

when has he done that though? We have a history of what Pacman could negatively do.

 

[doowain]

I'd assume that Zim had plenty of say in this signing and gave his stamp of approval. I don't see him allowing a bad seed onto his defense unless he feels sure he's changed. It's quite possible a year away from football changed Pacman.

A predraft rookie did very well against him. In the end, the Cowboys had issues with his work ethic. Those two facts concern me. Lewis has been drafting or signing bad seeds for a defense for a long time, I don't get why Zimmer would have to approve here. He hasn't in the past.

Pacman has to produce and he should be bright enough to know that. I think the criminal aspect is a fair point but, I also think the Bengals see players that have their backs to the wall and are even a bit desperate to succeed. They don't even really have to have Matt or Pacman do well but if those two play as well as their potential, they added two elite talents then.

There's camp arms and extra FBs and TEs and linemen and.....let's not forget the Bengals can cut these guys as well. Zim has nothing to lose here if Pacman stinks. Pacman has everything to lose.

Zim has only been the DC since the 2008 season. Since then they've drafted Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga in the 1st round. Outside of Rey's DUI (which 1000s of us do every day....don't throw stones), those were two excellent picks. Hard workers and in no way thugs. So, I'd venture to guess that he does have some say.

 

[H.K.]

Everyone realizes that all of these "Cincy players are all criminals" jokes stem from one offseason like 5 years ago now, right? And that since then, Cincinnati hasn't really exhibited any higher rate of lawlessness than any other NFL team (and a lower rate than several others)? I know it's fun to go for cheap laughs and everything, but I prefer my cheap laughs to have some sort of basis in reality.

Tank Johnson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on April 7, 2009.

Matt Jones signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on February 12, 2010.

Chris Henry REsigned with the Cincinnati Bengals on August 18, 2008

Cedric Benson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2008

Antonio Bryant signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 10, 2010

Now seriously, most jokes about the Bengals do relate to their criminal behavior that seemed to all happen at once a few offseasons ago, but let's not pretend that this is a team that seeks out high character players. I'm not saying the guys above have had issues since joining the Bengals, but they all CLEARLY had issues at some point in their careers (all recently) with tons of negative press and all found a home in Cincy. And now they sign Pacman Jones.

Just because the Bengals players haven't actively gotten arrested doesn't mean they haven't been a haven for previous drug offenders, gun offenders, assault offenders, cocaine offenders, etc. I'm glad a lot of these guys have seemingly turned the corner since landing in Cincy, but spare me the lecture. They are still a team currently (i.e. not just five years ago but as recently as THIS YEAR) that seems to sign guys that have pretty checkered pasts and instances with run-ins with the law. Every NFL team has their share of criminals, but let's not pretend that list above which spans only the last 2 years can be matched by another team.

So as long as they continue to do so, they're going to be the butt of some jokes.

Does Cedric Benson belong in that company? Wasn't he found innocent and cleared of charges in both his alcohol related incidents? He may have not been the most mature Chicago Bear, but from a legal stand point, he hasn't had issues like the others on the list.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Leon Hall, Johnathon Joseph, Brandon Ghee and Pacman? If the latter two live up to their potential, I don't think Pittsburgh or Baltimore will be able to pass on them at all. Forget Cleveland. This has the makings of an elite secondary, even with Roy Williams in it.

Also, why was Antonio Bryant on the above list? Did he get arrested for something? I don't remember that.

 

[doowain]

Leon Hall, Johnathon Joseph, Brandon Ghee and Pacman? If the latter two live up to their potential, I don't think Pittsburgh or Baltimore will be able to pass on them at all. Forget Cleveland. This has the makings of an elite secondary, even with Roy Williams in it.Also, why was Antonio Bryant on the above list? Did he get arrested for something? I don't remember that.

I think the OP is referring to his failed drug test in 2007. Bit of a reach.ETA -- Completely agree on the secondary. Minimal risk with Pacman. Release him if it doesn't work out. I could see this secondary being a close second to the Jets this year. Love Ghee and Joseph/Hall are spectacular.

 

[Dexter Manley]

I don't get why the OP thinks this is funny either.

Now if he signed with the Steelers, that would be hillarious.

 

[Bri]

I'd assume that Zim had plenty of say in this signing and gave his stamp of approval. I don't see him allowing a bad seed onto his defense unless he feels sure he's changed. It's quite possible a year away from football changed Pacman.

A predraft rookie did very well against him. In the end, the Cowboys had issues with his work ethic. Those two facts concern me. Lewis has been drafting or signing bad seeds for a defense for a long time, I don't get why Zimmer would have to approve here. He hasn't in the past.

Pacman has to produce and he should be bright enough to know that. I think the criminal aspect is a fair point but, I also think the Bengals see players that have their backs to the wall and are even a bit desperate to succeed. They don't even really have to have Matt or Pacman do well but if those two play as well as their potential, they added two elite talents then.

There's camp arms and extra FBs and TEs and linemen and.....let's not forget the Bengals can cut these guys as well. Zim has nothing to lose here if Pacman stinks. Pacman has everything to lose.

Zim has only been the DC since the 2008 season. Since then they've drafted Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga in the 1st round. Outside of Rey's DUI (which 1000s of us do every day....don't throw stones), those were two excellent picks. Hard workers and in no way thugs. So, I'd venture to guess that he does have some say.

Zimmer is involved in predraft stuff watching tape and all but it's not common for a DC to be at a draft making picks. His opinion is just one of a few on paper at the draft. Plus they got Dunlap in the second, also because of a DUI, and many teams (that passed) thought he was a possible first round talent.

Zimmer flat out didn't bring any change in drafting or acquiring possible trouble-makers. The % on the roster is probably the same as it's been lately.

 

[Bri]

here's a snip, note Lewis, Zim and DL coach involved:

“I think that at sometimes it has been (fair), that in some of the games he has disappeared a little bit,” said Zimmer. “But I’ve been watching a lot of tape – way too much tape this time of year – and there are a lot of guys that have already gone off the board that take off a lot more plays than this guy. That’s our job as coaches to make sure they’re not taking plays off.”

Then there is the issue of Dunlap’s DUI arrest last December 1. Dunlap, who didn’t turn 21 until February, was awakened by Gainesville police, according to police reports, at 3:58 a.m. while at the wheel of his car at a traffic light. Dunlap eventually pleaded no contest and was sentenced to one year probation, 50 hours of community service, participation in a victim’s impact panel and $1,000 in court costs and fines.

He was also suspended for the Gators’ game against Alabama in the SEC championship. Florida lost the SEC title, 32-13. Dunlap was reinstated to the team in time to play against the University of Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl and produced a pair of sacks in Florida’s 51-24 victory.

“That was the only incident on my record and I pretty much just told (the Bengals) that was my first and last incident,” said Dunlap. “I never had anything before that and I’m not going to have anything after that. I feel like you’ve got to learn from your mistakes and I feel that I’ve learned from it. I apologized to everybody and now I’m ready to move forward with my life and turn that negative into a positive.”

The Bengals did more than just take Dunlap at his word.

“That was thoroughly investigated,” said head coach Marvin Lewis.

A final phone call from defensive line coach Jay Hayes to contacts within the Florida program on Friday morning solidified the Bengals’ belief in Dunlap.

“The people I know, and I’ve known them for a long time, vouch for the kid,” said Hayes. “They said the incident he had was a one-time thing. That was it. There was nothing other than that. I had spoken to the kid before about all of this, but I also have close associations with the people on that (Florida) staff and they spoke highly of him.”

 

[ChargersOH]

Tank Johnson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on April 7, 2009.Matt Jones signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on February 12, 2010.Chris Henry REsigned with the Cincinnati Bengals on August 18, 2008Cedric Benson signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2008Antonio Bryant signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 10, 2010

All of them together still are > than Ray Lewis. Which reminds me, didn't the Ravens sign Carmeggedon Stallworth, too?Misdemeanor-Cinci has nothing on Felony-more.

 

[Bri]

Browns

 

[H.K.]

Also, why was Antonio Bryant on the above list? Did he get arrested for something? I don't remember that.

Link from 2006 not sure what the outcome was...SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Antonio Bryant was arrested on reckless and drunken driving charges after his orange Lamborghini was seen speeding faster than 100 mph on a freeway.

Bryant, 25, was arrested Sunday night on suspicion of misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, driving under the influence and resisting arrest, police Capt. Kevin Raffaelli said.

An officer entering U.S. Highway 101 saw Bryant speed past and tried unsuccessfully to catch him, Raffaelli said. He radioed another officer who pulled over Bryant.

Bryant showed "signs and symptoms" of being drunk, and he was uncooperative, combative and verbally abusive, Raffaelli said. He refused to step out of the car, he said.

The officers were forced to use leather restraints to put Bryant in a seated position with his legs straight and his hands cuffed behind his back, Raffaelli said.

Bryant was booked into the San Mateo County jail early Monday morning and released a few hours later on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 28, according to San Mateo County sheriff's Lt. Lisa Williams.

Aaron Salkin, a spokesman for the 49ers, said the team was aware of the arrest, but declined to comment further.

The arrest came hours after the 49ers recorded their biggest win of the season, a 20-14 victory over the division-leading Seattle Seahawks.

Bryant signed a four-year, $15 million deal with 49ers in March.

Rumblings about Bryant's testy, prickly nature have followed the Miami native since his days at Pittsburgh, where he won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top college receiver.

He infamously blew up at Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells at a preseason practice in 2004, throwing a sweaty jersey at him during an argument. He took anger management classes and was traded to Cleveland a few months later.

 

[Sebowski]

Pacman to Cincy

In February, the Bengals signed wide receiver Matt Jones, who didn't play in the NFL last season, to a minimal one-year deal. Jones was charged with cocaine possession and with violating a plea agreement, prompting the Jacksonville Jaguars to release the former first-round draft pick after the 2008 season.

Jones, though, has the longest history of off-the-field problems.

The Titans drafted Jones sixth overall in 2005, expecting him to be a cornerstone of their defense for years. Instead, he was arrested six times and involved in 12 instances requiring police intervention. The Cowboys traded for Jones in 2008, but he got into trouble again, drawing the six-game suspension for an alcohol-related scuffle with a team-provided bodyguard.

They're both named Jones, jackass.