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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > May > 01 > Entry
Arrested development in the ‘Nati
PARADISE LOST
Slow news day? Are you kidding me?
On the Cincinnati Bengals beat, there is never a dull moment.
I say “It’s Armageddon every day” for a reason.
Because it is.
First, I blogged about rookie minicamp, which unfolds Friday through Sunday, May 2-4.
Then, I blogged about the Bengals pink-slipping linebacker Anthony Schlegel, leaving the roster with ZERO Buckeyes. (Psst! The Bengals haven’t drafted a Buckeye since 1994 when Big Daddy Wilkinson and Jeff Cothran were taken in rounds 1 and 3.)
AGONY VS. ELATION
Then I find out about former Ohio State coach Cooper getting elected to the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2008 along with Lou Holtz.
I dial up Cooper at his home in Columbus, and I find him in pieces. Equal parts elation and agony. Elation for reaching the pinnacle of his career. Agony because one of his Ohio State players, Dayton’s Derrick Foster, was charged with shooting two Columbus police officers during a drug raid.
Then I discover that former Seattle Seahawks star Shaun Alexander has a visit scheduled for Monday in Cincinnati with the Bengals.
BROOKS DUE IN COURT
Finally, I learn that Bengals linebacker Ahmad Brooks stands accused of punching a woman in the face last month. Brooks has been ordered to appear June 6 in Boone District Court in Northern Kentucky. Based on a complaint, prosecutors have charged Brooks with fourth-degree assault, a misdemeanor that carries up to a year in prison.
If you’re the Bengals, what do you do?
Do you sign Alexander, the Seahawks’ career rushing leader, who turns 31 on Aug. 30? I say no, no, a thousand times no. Alexander is a prince in gym shoes, but he’s reached the magic age (30) when NFL running backs reach full-throttle free-fall. It’s time Shaun moves on and finds his life’s work.
Do you release Brooks, who was arrested May 17, 2003, for marijuana possession, who played three seasons at Virginia before being kicked off the team, who has accomplished very little in two seasons since being taken in the third round of the July 2006 NFL Supplemental Draft? Or do you give him another chance.
‘BLOODSHEDDER’
All I can do is utter the immortal words of WONE’s Mark Schlemmer.
“It’s another day in paradise,” Schlem tells me.
When I spell-check “blogosphere,” three words pop up as alternatives:
Bookshelves, bloodsucker and bloodshedder.
I like “bloodshedder” the best.
It describes this Bengals beat writer to a T.
SMELL OF 6-10 LINGERS
I smell a trend with the Bengals.
From 11-5 in ‘05 to 8-8 in ‘06 to 7-9 in ‘07 … to 6-10 in ‘08.
I promise loyal LUDWIG AT LARGE readers this:
I’ll keep my helmet on and chin strap fastened.
24/7.
Contact Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (50) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Brian
May 1, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Got to disagree with you about Shaun Alexander, Chick. What would it hurt to sign him to an incentive laden contract and let him slug it out with the other RBs for a roster spot? As far as Brooks goes, let’s see how this all shakes out before doling out chances and/or punishments.By psychostats
May 1, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Here we go again with another criminal complaint against a Bengal. Makes you wonder what goes on behind the scenes. If a team likes to draft guys with troubled pasts, maybe they should take extra steps to guide their behavior. Chick, how do the Bengals stack up against the rest of the league in this regard? Do they lean more toward “you’re on your own”?By Gary
May 1, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
If there’s any, any trust to this charge, then they have to cut Brooks. I would wait on signing Shaun. I think they’ll be fine with who they have. I think Rudi will come back strong & if Perry can stay healthy - awesome. Yes, I know it’s a big if, but the guy was never injured at Michigan. I also like Watson & Dorsey a lot.By harold williams
May 2, 2008 6:27 AM | Link to this
i think they have a good d-line and will do good without brooks,especially with ordell back.brooks didnt do well last year anyhow i would cut him loose and show others we are’nt playing about these arrest issue.if players dont stay out of trouble make an example to the ones who likes to stay in trouble an everyone elese will get the picture.By wow
May 2, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this
Jerome Simpson: arrested, also got in trouble with team for cursing/jawing with fans Pat Sims: academic issues Jason Shirley: arrested a number of times (DUI), suspended from the team 3 times Mario Urrutia: arrested for a fight with a cop, coaches at UL benched him for attitude Yeah, they seemed to have learned their lesson. Cut the fool and fire Marvin. Any other team would have let a coach this poor go!By Stone
May 2, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Uhh… no brainer. CUT! And I’ll have fries with that burger you are serving Ahmad.By Mr. Clean
May 2, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Wait and find out if its true or not. Bengal players are target`s now. Not everything we read or hear about can be true.By glenn
May 2, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
How about we all take a deep breath here!! lets see what really happened first. The team has become an easy target for those who are seeking an extra dollar. Hell,if Carson was accused of this I bet you all would agree with me, Right? I say cut him IF this turns out to be true but there are some quick to react blabbermouths in here already!By Zach
May 2, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Complaint filed a month after alleged incident? Woman claimed to be knocked unconscious but no hospital report? Hellooooooo?!?!?! If he touched her, it wasn’t much of anything. Only charged with misdemeanor assault. This should tell you that this case is BOGUS!!!By ha
May 2, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
BENGALS ARE THE LAUGHING STOCK OF ALL SPORTS! THIS IS RIDICULOUS. True or not. This crap has to stop. An overhaul needs to happen ASAP. Mike Brown is to blame but we can’t get rid of him. Marvin must go in an effort to clean house and start new. Wheather he is the problem or not SOMEONE needs to take the blame and move on!By Randy
May 2, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
I am a Browns fan and this isn’t even funny anymore, it is just sad. I am not even sure the number of guys this is to have a run in with the law now (like 13?) in the last couple of years. Is Marvin Lewis made of teflon or what? How does none of this come back on him. These are all his guys and being the team leader he should bear some of the responsibility.By Agree w/ Randy
May 2, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
I agree with Randy. Marvin should take the heat. We know that Miek Brown is a HUGE problem that won’t go away. But if no one takes the blame nothing can get better! Starting fresh with a new coach and philosophy is NEEDED whether Marvin is truly to blame or not. He has NO credibility in the league or his own locker room.By Steve
May 2, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
I realize that Bengals’ players are now guilty until proven innocent. But, was he technically “arrested?” Summoned to appear in court, yes. A complaint was filed. I am prepared to give him a chance to hear his side. But, I agree. If he is found guilty - he is gone.By Todd
May 2, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Regardless of the Ahmad Brooks allegations, 6-10 may be optimistic. At least we are used to it.By Josh
May 2, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
They need to get rid of him. we cant have these stupid instances keep happening its getting ridiculous. Also we need to trade Chad for some defensive players…By Josh
May 2, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
They need to get rid of him. We cant have these stupid instances keep happening its getting ridiculous. Also we need to trade Chad for some defensive players…By John F. Rolsen
May 2, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
I think they should cut Brooks before he causes any more problems. The Bengals need to demonstrate that they will no longer tolerate criminal behavior on this team. Maybe the draft of a LB was for a good reason after all.By DD
May 2, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
It is time for the sports world to make these guys accountable for thier actions. I think that a zero tolerence policy needs to be put in place. These guys are idiolized by our youth. It sends the message that it is “OK” to behave badly, do drugs, beat women, etc, etc, etc. They hold a place in thier sport because of talent they have. It is a job that they have earned, and I think it should come with a set of conduct rules. Like any other profession, if you can’t keep your nose clean, you don’t keep your job. Give it to someone that can handle the responsibility. You are in the public eye ALL the time. You not only embarrass yourself, you embarrass your team, your city, and all of your fans. Kick him to the curb. I personally don’t like the Bengals BECAUSE of all the trouble. A bunch of losers, that can’t be responsible enough to NOT break the law.By DD
May 2, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
It is time for the sports world to make these guys accountable for thier actions. I think that a zero tolerence policy needs to be put in place. These guys are idiolized by our youth. It sends the message that it is “OK” to behave badly, do drugs, beat women, etc, etc, etc. They hold a place in thier sport because of talent they have. It is a job that they have earned, and I think it should come with a set of conduct rules. Like any other profession, if you can’t keep your nose clean, you don’t keep your job. Give it to someone that can handle the responsibility. You are in the public eye ALL the time. You not only embarrass yourself, you embarrass your team, your city, and all of your fans. Kick him to the curb. I personally don’t like the Bengals BECAUSE of all the trouble. A bunch of losers, that can’t be responsible enough to NOT break the law.By dave
May 2, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
For anyone who is in favor of kicking Brooks out of Cincinnati for being charged with misdomenor assult needs to be slapped! Performance of the past on the feild maybe, but not because “He said,She said.” Maybe you should be fired from your job because someone accused you of a crime you may not have done. Wake up people, then fire Marvin for his past performances on the sidelines.By Sam
May 2, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
If he is found guilty in court, release him. He was trouble when they got him. There will be linebackers available that can help as much or more than he has. The Bengals HAVE to make a stand!By Bruce
May 2, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Maybe they need to start at the top and get rid of Marvin Lewis and the coaching staff. If the players can’t be accountable for themsevles, the coaches should be. Enough is enough. This team is worse than the Miami Hurricanes were in the 1980s and 1990s.By Bruce
May 2, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Maybe they need to start at the top and get rid of Marvin Lewis and the coaching staff. If the players can’t be accountable for themsevles, the coaches should be. Enough is enough. This team is worse than the Miami Hurricanes were in the 1980s and 1990s.By Allyson
May 2, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Why is no one addressing the fact that this woman tried to break up an altercation? Why didn’t she go get help instead of trying to break it up herself? Why would she put herself in that position? She’s an idiot for trying to break it up in the first place.By Allyson
May 2, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Why is no one addressing the fact that this woman tried to break up an altercation? Why didn’t she go get help instead of trying to break it up herself? Why would she put herself in that position? She’s an idiot for trying to break it up in the first place.By christopher luneke
May 2, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
If this story proves to be true, they just need to let him go right away. The last thing the bengals organization needs is another run in with police by a player.By Rick
May 2, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Does nobody here have any common sense? Anybody can file a complaint against anybody, anytime they want, no matter how ridiculous it is. I dont know you, and I could file a complaint against you today for selling drugs. It doesnt even matter if I know you. Notice that the report says that police responded to the scene and did not witness any altercation, which is kind of suspicious if the women was knocked unconscious, dont you think? Brooks was not arrested, and for that matter, not even brought in by the police for questioning. So, either the police turned a blind eye to a Bengal causing trouble, HIGHLY doubtful, or he is innocent, as hard as that is to conceive for some of you so-called “Bengals fans”. And we cannot trade Chad because of the salary cap hit. And to the Browns fan, you guys signed Eric Steinbach, who was one of those players arrested for a DUI on the Ohio River. And you paid him a lot more then we did. And Marvin Lewis is not a babysitter for grown men. He is responsible for field conduct and team performance. He does not live with the players. And look at the lost of players in that streak of arrests, and look at who is still with the team. Less than 5. You guys are just as bad as the liberal drive by media, by saying that the team is a bunch of losers. Look at other teams. Marvin Harrison just got charged with shooting at someone, and injuring a little girl in the process, and there is a WHOLE lot more evidence there, and there is not a single Indy fan today saying to throw him off the team. And he was brought in by the police, not an erroneous complaint. Pull your heads out of … and take a look at something, before you make a fool of yourselves!By john
May 2, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
i dont think the Bengals should do anything about it. BUT i think the NFL should suspend the entire team for 1-3 years. You may hear about this crap from other pro teams….but not as much as the Bengals. Maybe the Begals should have a zero tollerance policy. The Bengals have been MY team since the 3rd grade, lately however i can’t stand the players…..just a bunch of punks with money.By john
May 2, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
i dont think the Bengals should do anything about it. BUT i think the NFL should suspend the entire team for 1-3 years. You may hear about this crap from other pro teams….but not as much as the Bengals. Maybe the Begals should have a zero tollerance policy. The Bengals have been MY team since the 3rd grade, lately however i can’t stand the players…..just a bunch of punks with money.By Rick
May 2, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
No other pro teams? Where have you been over the last year? Have you seen the things going on with the Knicks? Their coach had to settle out of court on a sexual harassment charge. 2 years ago, the Vikings had more player arrested in one night, than the Bengals have total. Not to mention that the Vikings just traded 2 3 rounds picks and a first round pick for a player that has 2 RECENT DUI’s. Dallas picked up Tank Johnson who was indicted on federal gun charges, and traded for Pac-man Jones, who has been ARRESTED, how many times now? And is now being accused of framing somebody in a shooting. Not to mention Terrell Owens, with his overdose of pills, and his antics in Philly, basically getting kicked off the team. Yes, Shirley is a BIG risk, but with a Gigantic upside. He was kicked off a college team, young and dumb. Owens was kicked off an NFL team, a full grown man. New England traded for Randy Moss, convicted of assault, drugs, etc… Convicted! You forget Dallas in the 90’s, with Irvin arrested with posessing crack, and the rape charges against other players that same year. I could go on and on and on… Jerome Simpson was his team’s captain. He worked delivering pizzas. Fans were trying to taunt him at a game, and were getting abussive, again, he is a young guy. What would you do? And his coaches rave about his character. And by the way, he was never arrested. Urrutia was never convicted of anything, except having a bad year because of turf toe. And if you are going to slam Pat Sims for education, you do understand that he left for a year when his mother died. How focussed would you be of your mother died? The Bengals had one questionable character pick up, Shirley, with a 5th round choice. 5th round! Again, look at the Minnesota move. New England traded a third round for Randy Moss. Did they get the same criticism? The team is turning around the character problem. Have you ever heard the term, no risk, no reward? You dont become a superbowl team by taking no risks. Sometimes they work out, Randy Moss, and sometimes they dont, Chris Henry. But on draft day back then, everyone raved about how Henry was a steal. Stop all of the overreacting. You all act like a bunch of pregnant wives. Use that thing that God put in between your ears!By Evan
May 2, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
I’m so sick of hearing on the potential of this guy. Bengals.com keeps talking about this guy’s “first round” talent—too bad he has the attitude of a loser and too bad he hit a woman harder than he ever filled on an iso. Let this bum go—there’s obviously a reason why he went in the supplemental draft. Next they should get rid of Frostee Rucker, Ocho Stinko, and Odell and start to clear the locker room of all the garbageBy Evan
May 2, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
I’m so sick of hearing on the potential of this guy. Bengals.com keeps talking about this guy’s “first round” talent—too bad he has the attitude of a loser and too bad he hit a woman harder than he ever filled on an iso. Let this bum go—there’s obviously a reason why he went in the supplemental draft. Next they should get rid of Frostee Rucker, Ocho Stinko, and Odell and start to clear the locker room of all the garbageBy Rick
May 2, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
And that is why you are a fan, and have nothing to do with sports. There are these things called contracts, and you cannot just terminate one. And that does not even mention that you still have to pay them if you let them go, illegally that is. There is a group called the player’s union, and you are not allowed to kick a player off the team because of off field conduct. You can only kick them off if they will not make the team. Otherwise, you take the cap hit, pay them, and they are not even playing anymore. That is a real smart idea. Tell us some more good ones.By Randy
May 2, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
Hey Rick, NFL contracts are not guaranteed like MLB contracts. There are salary cap ramificatios, but if a player is cut he gets paid nothing. That is why a lot of guys are cut before they are due roster bonuses whether they are not performing or are delinquents aka Chris Henry. So basically, NFL contracts are a series of one year deals when you look at it inteeligently. So next time you are going to rip someone, have all of your facts straight Copernicus.By Evan
May 3, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Hey Rick, keep it up…I heard the Reds have an opening for the GM. Randy, thanks for pointing out the obvious to our real “sports mind.” Also, the Bengals released Nicholson after his latest arrest, and the Steelers also did the same to Cedrick Wilson (he also punched a woman-maybe he can room with Brooks?). True, the union has that official position, but the NFL Commish and Union both understand the need to clean up the league.By Evan
May 3, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Hey Rick, keep it up…I heard the Reds have an opening for the GM. Randy, thanks for pointing out the obvious to our real “sports mind.” Also, the Bengals released Nicholson after his latest arrest, and the Steelers also did the same to Cedrick Wilson (he also punched a woman-maybe he can room with Brooks?). True, the union has that official position, but the NFL Commish and Union both understand the need to clean up the league.By Ridnaway
May 3, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Release him. He was a known trouble maker before they signed him and he just used his last get out of jail free card.By atrain
May 3, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
nothing, we need ahmed. let’s just be like the rest of the nfl and turn our backs to this. the chick should have minded her own business.By atrain
May 3, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
nothing, we need ahmed. let’s just be like the rest of the nfl and turn our backs to this. the chick should have minded her own business.By atrain
May 3, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
nothing, we need ahmed. let’s just be like the rest of the nfl and turn our backs to this. the chick should have minded her own business.By easyed
May 3, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
He should be put on team probation now… If he is found Guilty as Charged, he should be dropped imediately. Which Marvin won’t do because Charactor isn’t important to him.By Joe
May 3, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Get the Bengals OUT of CINCINNATI. They are ALL a disgrace to the city. The team should be disbanned or at the least taken away from Mike Brown. Brown doesn’t give a crap about winning, only about making the money in which YOU people are supporting to see a losing team with a buch of whinners and crimminals. GO BROWNS!!!!!By Lea
May 3, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
I feel that they should not do a thing. If she was truly punched in the face by this linebacker then it would have been reported at the time of the incident rather than a month later when camp is starting for these fellows.By Lea
May 3, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
I feel that they should not do a thing. If she was truly punched in the face by this linebacker then it would have been reported at the time of the incident rather than a month later when camp is starting for these fellows.By Lea
May 3, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
I feel that they should not do a thing. If she was truly punched in the face by this linebacker then it would have been reported at the time of the incident rather than a month later when camp is starting for these fellows.By Lea
May 3, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
I feel that they should not do a thing. If she was truly punched in the face by this linebacker then it would have been reported at the time of the incident rather than a month later when camp is starting for these fellows.By Jeff H.
May 3, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
I have a simple solution to all of this garbage that the Bengals organization cannot seem to gain control. Hire me as thier babysitter with an annual salary of $100,000. I make a decent living of taking care of bunch of kids and they get to sleep easier at night!By bungal
May 4, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Maybe she deserved it!By whodeyman
May 5, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Hes guilty until proven inocent..just like everyone else in this wonderful country. Why dont you novice judges look up the definition of the word “accusation”. Cops love to arrest famous people, especially Bengals-just to get their name out.By Rick
May 5, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Notice that I said if they release them illegaly. I did not say release them to avoid the roster bonus. That is obvious, since that is what we did with Simmons last year. The Union was pursuing action against the Bengals for the release of Nicholson. If they turn a blind eye, that is their choice. All I did was state the rules are. Why would you release someone based on the hope that they are found guilty and that the union will turn a blind eye? And Randy, there are terms built into contracts, MLB and NFL alike. Every NFL contract is not the same, that is why it takes so long to negotiate one. Certain players have terms built in to their contracts that do not allow the team to release them, without buying it out. Why do you think that we couldnt get Shaun from Detroit, contract terms involving the Roster Bonus. And the change to that had to be approved by the player, which later happened, and allowed him to go to Cleveland. So you might want to look before hand. And you might want to learn how to spell. Also Randy, where do you think that salary ramification went? It was the money that was paid to the player up front, and spread out over the contract. So you are paying the player, and the cap hit still counts. That is why we take such a large hit if we trade or release Chad. He had a huge signing bonus, that was loaded on the front end of his contract, so they could pay him less in the front, and more in the back end of the deal. But that was a nice try to rebutt something that you really dont know anything about. If it was only a one year contract, every contract, as you so elloquently put it, do you think the player’s union would stand for that? No job security, with the chance of being let go any time the team wants, without the team being responsible for paying that player? Highly doubtful! Better luck next time buddy.