The Irish Doggy Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 A positive sign for sure, but I guess the commissioner is keeping the strings tight on Odell.... Could be very good for the Bengals D if they switch to a 3-4... Cincinnati Enquirer Thurman can work outBut linebacker has not yet been reinstated by the NFL BY MARK CURNUTTE | MCURNUTTE@ENQUIRER.COM E-mail thisE-mail | Printer-FriendlyPrint | digg us! | del.icio.us! * | Listen to this article or download audio file. Click-2-Listen The Bengals' announcement Saturday that Odell Thurman has been granted permission by the NFL to return to Paul Brown Stadium to train with his teammates is a positive sign that reinstatement is the next step for the suspended linebacker. But Thurman has not yet been reinstated. He 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. ADVERTISEMENT "We're optimistic that he will be reinstated in time for minicamp," Safarrah Lawson, one of Thurman's representatives, told The Enquirer on Saturday. Bengals veteran minicamp is held in June. Lawson initially had been hopeful that Thurman would be reinstated during the second week of February. "We're happy he's being allowed to work out with his teammates and strength coaches, but we're not sure any more of a timetable," Lawson said. Permission to return to team activities was a positive precursor for Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry. In late October, the NFL allowed Henry to begin practicing with the team, two weeks before he was eligible to return from an eight-game league suspension for violating the personal-conduct policy. Henry played two weeks later for the first time, Nov. 11 at Baltimore. Thurman's situation appears to require a more formal process for reinstatement than Henry's. But the announcement Saturday is a good omen for him. "Odell remains on the league's suspended list, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to meet the conditions for reinstatement," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement released Saturday by the club. "If he is re-instated, he will then have to earn the confidence of our management and coaching staff that he is ready to compete for a roster spot as an active member of our team. In the meantime, he is allowed to work out with our strength and conditioning and our training staffs." Thurman reported to Paul Brown Stadium late this past week to check in with Bengals staff, and he will be working at the facility in days to come. Per team policy regarding players on suspension, he is not cleared to do media interviews, the Bengals said. 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 is 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, Lawson said. 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 A positive sign for sure, but I guess the commissioner is keeping the strings tight on Odell.... Could be very good for the Bengals D if they switch to a 3-4... Cincinnati Enquirer And if Thurman can stay clean this time. Can he? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahawks21 Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 Just an odd story from the beginning. Huge talent. Talent wise, he can help the Bengals, but obviously he could hurt them even more if he comes back and gets in trouble again. I just don't see how they can take these kinds of chances anymore. It has to be time to do the Portland Trailblazer thing and start recruiting character even more so than talent, even if it costs you some good players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 Just an odd story from the beginning. Huge talent. Talent wise, he can help the Bengals, but obviously he could hurt them even more if he comes back and gets in trouble again. I just don't see how they can take these kinds of chances anymore. It has to be time to do the Portland Trailblazer thing and start recruiting character even more so than talent, even if it costs you some good players. You mean like when the Cowboys [assed on Randy Moss? If I remember right they picked Greg Ellis instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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