found these tidbits from len pasquarelli

[AGrizzlyBaer]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/lastcall?page=lastcall/week7

• Sixth-year veteran defensive end Justin Smith has been a steady player for the Cincinnati Bengals, but is slated for unrestricted free agency next spring. If his price tag gets too high, the Bengals, who have been rather free-spending of late in retaining key veterans, especially on the offensive side of the ball, might let him leave. They would then move Robert Geathers, who has been terrific this season as a situational pass rusher, to the right end spot to replace Smith.

• The play of rookie linebacker Ahmad Brooks, chosen by the Bengals in the supplemental draft, all but assures that former starting middle linebacker Odell Thurman won't be back with the Bengals in 2007.

[agreen_112]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/lastcall?page=lastcall/week7

• Sixth-year veteran defensive end Justin Smith has been a steady player for the Cincinnati Bengals, but is slated for unrestricted free agency next spring. If his price tag gets too high, the Bengals, who have been rather free-spending of late in retaining key veterans, especially on the offensive side of the ball, might let him leave. They would then move Robert Geathers, who has been terrific this season as a situational pass rusher, to the right end spot to replace Smith.

• The play of rookie linebacker Ahmad Brooks, chosen by the Bengals in the supplemental draft, all but assures that former starting middle linebacker Odell Thurman won't be back with the Bengals in 2007.

Doubt it! He'll be back, maybe not in the middle, but he'll be back. Can you imagine Brooks, Odell, and Pollack or Nicholson who all have the talent to be studs!

[BULLDOGG]

I think that, looking at past DE's who have left for bigger dollars elsewhere, combined with the fact that the Bengals will not pay Justin Smith top-10 money, He will be on another team in 2007. He will almost certainly command a 40-50 million dollar deal, with teams like Washington, Oakland, Green Bay and even Cleveland desperate for help at Defensive End. Robert Geathers will do well as a replacement for Smith on passing downs and despite the fact that many Bengals fans (including myself) may not like it, Frostee Rucker will get a serious look at End next year, as well. In today's NFL, you cannot just give up on a 3-rd round pick and they must've seen something they like to select him that high.

As far as MLB is concerned, it would surprise me if the Bengals let Odell go after this year. He's just too talented of a football player and still only 23 years old. I think he will have an uphill battle next year during training camp to reclaim a starting position on the team, though. Brooks will be a star and A.J. Nicholson is a great player, too, who just hasn't had a chance to prove himself. He was injured virtually all of camp and most of the season. He was arguarbly the best player on FSU's defense last year that included several other players who made NFL rosters, including some first-round picks.

[SkinneymulleT]

Odell aint goin no where! If he does his time and does not do the crime anymore, well the problems been taken care of and he can go back to being a star. They didnt take away his abillity and he can play at any backer position. He is more suited to 4-3 weakside anyway (or middle of 3-4). I mean 1 DUI and he gets booted? (We dont really know details about his other violations, but presumably did not involve a criminal act)Why does the NFL have any agreements or standards if people will just discard them? They(NFL) set the punishment, he does it and they allow him back. Thats what everyone agreed to, thats how it should be!

[jjakq27]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/lastcall?page=lastcall/week7

• Sixth-year veteran defensive end Justin Smith has been a steady player for the Cincinnati Bengals, but is slated for unrestricted free agency next spring. If his price tag gets too high, the Bengals, who have been rather free-spending of late in retaining key veterans, especially on the offensive side of the ball, might let him leave. They would then move Robert Geathers, who has been terrific this season as a situational pass rusher, to the right end spot to replace Smith.

• The play of rookie linebacker Ahmad Brooks, chosen by the Bengals in the supplemental draft, all but assures that former starting middle linebacker Odell Thurman won't be back with the Bengals in 2007.

Doubt it! He'll be back, maybe not in the middle, but he'll be back. Can you imagine Brooks, Odell, and Pollack or Nicholson who all have the talent to be studs!

Odell is gone. He will never play for the Bengals again.

[BlainThePain]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/lastcall?page=lastcall/week7

• Sixth-year veteran defensive end Justin Smith has been a steady player for the Cincinnati Bengals, but is slated for unrestricted free agency next spring. If his price tag gets too high, the Bengals, who have been rather free-spending of late in retaining key veterans, especially on the offensive side of the ball, might let him leave. They would then move Robert Geathers, who has been terrific this season as a situational pass rusher, to the right end spot to replace Smith.

• The play of rookie linebacker Ahmad Brooks, chosen by the Bengals in the supplemental draft, all but assures that former starting middle linebacker Odell Thurman won't be back with the Bengals in 2007.

Doubt it! He'll be back, maybe not in the middle, but he'll be back. Can you imagine Brooks, Odell, and Pollack or Nicholson who all have the talent to be studs!

Odell is gone. He will never play for the Bengals again.

Put me in the camp that thinks Odell will return as long as nothing else happens. We will at least trade him for some low round pick so we can control which team he goes to. They won't let him go to a division rival.

[TJJackson]

He'll be back, maybe not in the middle, but he'll be back.

* R O T F L *

if he remains clean - a big big big if - between now and next spring, salary cap and cba rules will dictate the exact day of his release or trade. I'm sure Marvin would be happy to get a 7th round pick or a Panera gift card for him.

if he does not remain clean - he'll never be eligible to return to to this or any team.

it doesn't matter how big a star he was on the field - Marvin no longer trusts his word, no longer trusts that he will remain clean, and ergo does not want to waste development time and snaps on him.

[derekshank]

You guys who think he is coming back are the same guys who argued tooth and nail that he wasn't getting suspended in the first place.

I really believe he's done here. He's only one mistake away from another year-long suspension. Marvin won't put it on the line for a guy who's already proven he's untrustworthy. He can't be counted on.

[PMThor]

Odell is done as a Bengal, in my humble opinion.

He will bounce to another team, get suspended again, and follow Ricky up to the CFL.

Just a guess.

[GROIIIDayton]

Odell will be here because he is rather inexpensive to keep they would never let him walk because they know he would have a contract somewhere else within minutes.

[agreen_112]

He'll be back, maybe not in the middle, but he'll be back.

* R O T F L *

if he remains clean - a big big big if - between now and next spring, salary cap and cba rules will dictate the exact day of his release or trade. I'm sure Marvin would be happy to get a 7th round pick or a Panera gift card for him.

if he does not remain clean - he'll never be eligible to return to to this or any team.

it doesn't matter how big a star he was on the field - Marvin no longer trusts his word, no longer trusts that he will remain clean, and ergo does not want to waste development time and snaps on him.

I'm glad your royal-haterness has joined the discussion. Are you saying that if he remains clean he will not be a Bengal? I agree that if he doesn't get clean he won't be playing, but I see this as a wake up call to Odell and he'll get his head on straight. There are plenty of scrubs on this team that I think Marv would be willing to cut to keep Odell for the price we are paying him.

[jjakq27]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/lastcall?page=lastcall/week7

• Sixth-year veteran defensive end Justin Smith has been a steady player for the Cincinnati Bengals, but is slated for unrestricted free agency next spring. If his price tag gets too high, the Bengals, who have been rather free-spending of late in retaining key veterans, especially on the offensive side of the ball, might let him leave. They would then move Robert Geathers, who has been terrific this season as a situational pass rusher, to the right end spot to replace Smith.

• The play of rookie linebacker Ahmad Brooks, chosen by the Bengals in the supplemental draft, all but assures that former starting middle linebacker Odell Thurman won't be back with the Bengals in 2007.

Doubt it! He'll be back, maybe not in the middle, but he'll be back. Can you imagine Brooks, Odell, and Pollack or Nicholson who all have the talent to be studs!

Odell is gone. He will never play for the Bengals again.

Put me in the camp that thinks Odell will return as long as nothing else happens. We will at least trade him for some low round pick so we can control which team he goes to. They won't let him go to a division rival.

I agree that a trade is possible. I think he is in the second year of a three year deal so he is not free to walk unless we say so. However, I believe that he is done as a player for the Bengals. The team has taken a terrible hit on this one and Marvin and Co. have no further use for him and have to make a statement.

For those thinking he will be a changed man, think again. As part of the contract with the NFLPA the first occurence is not made public. His four game ban was then strike two and the DUI was No. 3. This is not the first incident nor is it shock therapy.

The guy has some serious issues and I believe that it is a matter time before he is gone from the NFL for good. If I am not mistaken, one more incident and it is a lifetime ban for Odell. Unfortunately I think Mr. Henry will soon be joining him on the outside looking in.

[DesperateDerelict]

According to Sporting News (Paul Attner), Odell will NOT be back. His article is linked in the "Wrestling with Wildcats" posting.

[HairOnFire]

For those thinking he will be a changed man, think again. As part of the contract with the NFLPA the first occurence is not made public. His four game ban was then strike two and the DUI was No. 3. This is not the first incident nor is it shock therapy.

I'll add one more thing that rarely gets mentioned, but probably frustrated and angered Marvin long before the acts that led to Thurman's suspension. Back when the rumors first floated to the surface it was suggested that Thurman may have simply missed a test rather than failing it. That theory was said to have gained traction due to Thurman's year long habit of being late for team meetings...or missing them entirely.

Frankly, I have no idea if Thurman's days with the Bengals are over, but ignoring the character question for just a second...it's clear that Thurman will no longer play an important role with this team unless he can convince Marvin that he'll take his on field responsibilities far more seriously.

And again, I think the quickest way out of Marvin's doghouse is a freshly scrubbed Thurman showing up at camp next season claiming that he's found Jeebus.

[Stripes]

I'd be surprised to see Odell on the field with the Bengals again, but I don't think it's a certainty he'll be gone. If we draft a linebacker early, that'd probably spell doom for him.

Referencing the first post... If the Bengals let Justin leave and give Geathers his spot, I'd be pissed. I can't see anything good coming from that whatsoever. I think they'll make a move to sign him though, and Steiny will be gone.

[PMThor]

I don't know about your angle with Steiny being gone.

This years example just proves once again how important it is to get good offensive linemen. In the grand scheme of things, if I had to pick between keeping Steiny or Justin, well, for me that is a no brainer. Keep the solid O line guy every time.

[Stripes]

Two weeks ago, I'd have probably agreed... but with all these young lineman getting so much time to gel... I think Marvin might stick with them when the time comes. They looked so much better in the 2nd half on Sunday, and if that continues it'll be a very tough call between Steiny and Justin.

[AMC]

Odell will be here because he is rather inexpensive to keep they would never let him walk because they know he would have a contract somewhere else within minutes.

Let someone else have the problems....

[membengal]

It could be that whether Smith is signed or let go will depend, ironically, on how Andrew Whitworth continues to do. If the Bengals are comfortable that he is ready to go, and if he continues to show he is ready to go, then I think they may let Stein walk and slid Whitworth into Stein's guard spot (and uber back-up at tackle). If that happens, I think they would have the money to retain Smith. Stein will be hella expensive (Hutchinson's signing set a brisk market at G), and perhaps it would make more sense to pour some money into the defense (getting a guy with Smith's skill-set in free agency is ***damn hard to do) and keep Smith.

In fact, that is what I would prefer at this point...

[Kazkal]

I would like too see Odell return if he can keep out of trouble between now and draft day but I won't be suprised if hes done as a bengal...But if he is cut henry also should receive the same fate who has been just as bad then theres rucker so 3 1st rnd picks in last 2 years down the drain yay.

It could be that whether Smith is signed or let go will depend, ironically, on how Andrew Whitworth continues to do. If the Bengals are comfortable that he is ready to go, and if he continues to show he is ready to go, then I think they may let Stein walk and slid Whitworth into Stein's guard spot (and uber back-up at tackle). If that happens, I think they would have the money to retain Smith. Stein will be hella expensive (Hutchinson's signing set a brisk market at G), and perhaps it would make more sense to pour some money into the defense (getting a guy with Smith's skill-set in free agency is ***damn hard to do) and keep Smith.

In fact, that is what I would prefer at this point...

Aye steinbach will command a bigger contract I wouldent be suprised if the browns or texans moved him too LT...

Justin probbley gets a contract between 32-38 million dollars which is alittle more cap hit then he makes now...I rather pay justin 5million a year then pay JT 4million

[Tasher]

I DO NOT KNOW whether or not he will be back. I love the guy, his potential and his heart and desire. I hope that he figures it all out in his head and he matures as a result of this. I pray for him and that this is the case and that he is back with the Bengals, not only for the Bengals, but for Odell as a man and a human being. He will instantly improve this team on defense.

Pollack Brooks Thurman Simmons/Johnson/Miller/Nicholson in a 3-4 makes me

[BengalByTheBay]

I said it before, and I'll say it again, I don't see Thurman playing in a Bengal uniform again. It seems we've been all through the mini version of this debate before when the suspension rumors were floating....then the DUI...then the actual suspension. I find it entirely credible that the Bengals asked the league to fast-track his suspension because they had no intention of activating him anyway (which would have had to occur in the next week or so after that). I believe that Odell is a good player and a troubled person -- none of which we have really seen. Sure, he seems like a nice guy -- probably is, but it speaks volumes that Marvin has put up with ungodly crap from Henry and simply will not do it with OT. If that makes me a hater, so be it. I think it makes me pretty much right so far and I'll bet that I'm right when this is over by August of next year. In the meantime, feel free to call your shot, but lay off calling people haters just because they have been level-headed enough to see the development of this problem and the rather-obvious disfavor that Thurman has gotten himself into with the only people that matter (hint - it's not me or you).

[TJJackson]

Are you saying that if he remains clean he will not be a Bengal?

Me, and pretty much anyone who is paying attention to Marvin's actions - yes.

I agree that if he doesn't get clean he won't be playing

Glad you worked that out, at least.

but I see this as a wake up call to Odell

His wake up call was the first failed drug test. Oh, and the second one, too. Oh, and when Marvin wouldn't let him practice even when he was eligible.

and he'll get his head on straight.

and he has demonstrated no ability to do so - quite the opposite, in fact. Reality - try it out for yourself sometime.

There are plenty of scrubs on this team that I think Marv would be willing to cut to keep Odell for the price we are paying him.

Incorrect.

There are players not currently on any NFL roster who Marvin would bring in ahead of Odell. It isn't about ability - it's about trust and honor and reliability. Odell is DONE here.

[SkinneymulleT]

Are you saying that if he remains clean he will not be a Bengal?

Me, and pretty much anyone who is paying attention to Marvin's actions - yes.

I agree that if he doesn't get clean he won't be playing

Glad you worked that out, at least.

but I see this as a wake up call to Odell

His wake up call was the first failed drug test. Oh, and the second one, too. Oh, and when Marvin wouldn't let him practice even when he was eligible.

and he'll get his head on straight.

and he has demonstrated no ability to do so - quite the opposite, in fact. Reality - try it out for yourself sometime.

There are plenty of scrubs on this team that I think Marv would be willing to cut to keep Odell for the price we are paying him.

Incorrect.

There are players not currently on any NFL roster who Marvin would bring in ahead of Odell. It isn't about ability - it's about trust and honor and reliability. Odell is DONE here.

How do you know if he "failed" a drug test? Which players? You must be the man if you are that tight with marvin that you "know" what marvin is thinking and will do. This has all transpired in the course of 8 months and now you know he is beyond help? Oh and I would say his ability to keep it under control all of last season shows atleast some ability so maybe you should check reality, BTW CH did not do so. Trust. honor and relability...please it is a job and its a game, not the military. Are you a Highschool coach and mad that he set a bad example for your children? As discipline was covered by the CBA, why not let the agreed upon terms dictate what should happen and let him get back to field!

[Kazkal]

I DO NOT KNOW whether or not he will be back. I love the guy, his potential and his heart and desire. I hope that he figures it all out in his head and he matures as a result of this. I pray for him and that this is the case and that he is back with the Bengals, not only for the Bengals, but for Odell as a man and a human being. He will instantly improve this team on defense.

Pollack Brooks Thurman Simmons/Johnson/Miller/Nicholson in a 3-4 makes me

3-4 talk still......

makes me sick to my stomach

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I said it before, and I'll say it again, I don't see Thurman playing in a Bengal uniform again. It seems we've been all through the mini version

I say theres a very good chance he puts on a bengals...........................practice uniform now if he ever wears a game day jersey another story but if they cut him before he practices then their paying him his full contract.