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by **deerayfan072** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 4:36 pm

NFL reinstates suspended Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman

32 minutes ago

CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman has been reinstated by the NFL after being suspended for the last two seasons.

The Bengals said Monday they were informed by commissioner Roger Goodell that Thurman is eligible to play. He had been suspended because of violations of the NFL substance abuse policy.

He was cleared in January by the NFL to resume working out with the Bengals pending word on his status.

A second-round draft pick from Georgia in 2005, Thurman started 15 games at middle linebacker, led the team in tackles and tied the team rookie record with five interceptions.

by **onnestabe** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 4:59 pm

Now the question is, "do the Bengals keep him?" I would like to see them give him the boot and show the other guys on their team that character concerns are not something they are going to deal with going forward, but he would almost certainly get signed by someone else and they have a big need for some talent on defense. Interesting dilemma they've gotten themselves into.

by **logan** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:20 pm

thurman has seemed to keep his nose clean unlike henry and pac man. i wouldn't be surprised to see them bring him back with the stipulation that one misstep will be his release and most likely his career. they could use the help that's for sure.

by **WHO DEY** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:40 pm

Cincinnati gave a little smile today! The first in a long time...

Welcome back Odell!

by **Munboy** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:45 pm

Cincy's D just got better as long as he can keep his nose clean....and they really NEED IT.

by **Timbathia** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 10:36 pm

onnestabe wrote:Now the question is, "do the Bengals keep him?" I would like to see them give him the boot and show the other guys on their team that character concerns are not something they are going to deal with going forward, but he would almost certainly get signed by someone else and they have a big need for some talent on defense. Interesting dilemma they've gotten themselves into.

I would expect the Bengals keep him rather than make an example of him (you can always paint the picture the way you want to when a good player is involved), but if they dont then the Broncos could sure do with a decent mike.

by **moochman** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:30 am

Two years was way too much. A lot of players only have a couple truely great years and taking two prime ones away seems excessive to me. I hope he comes back and excels, the Bengals needs something to go their way for a change..

by **dream_017** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 9:35 am

moochman wrote:Two years was way too much. A lot of players only have a couple truely great years and taking two prime ones away seems excessive to me. I hope he comes back and excels, the Bengals needs something to go their way for a change..

Exactly, I think 2 years is a long time to be out of football. Then to expect him to still be the player he was. Not so sure that is going to happen. I wish him the best and hope he can stay out of trouble.