shouldnt Odell Thurman get another chance?

[icehole3]

If theyre going to be the Talbert House why not?

[redsbengalsbucks]

Bring him in, and leave Rey on the outside. Sounds OK to me.

[TJJackson]

Inform Thurmanation

[membengal]

The common denominator in guys who get second chances with the Bengals, as with all teams, is a combination of "Can they still play" and "have they figured out what they did wrong to end up needing said second chance". In Thurman's case, last I heard, he had blown up like an oompa loompa, and, at least in Cincinnati, tellingly, where they like to hand out second chances, he had burned sufficient bridges to let me know that, no, he probably still doesn't understand what he did wrong.

So, no, he won't be back, unless both of those problems have been addressed. I am guessing they have not been.

[COB]

GO TUSKERS

The Florida Tuskers put Odell on their list of 20 protected players, so now the Schenectady Krushers and the Wilkes-Barre Welders can't steal him away.

[derekshank]

I heard Maurice Clarett is out of jail. Maybe he should set up a try-out.

[HairOnFire]

Yeah, it doesn't seem like the punishment fits the crime in Odell's example.

All of which makes me wonder if we've ever been told the real reason for the NFL's harsher punishment, or even more suprising....the Bengals complete lack of interest in providing Odell with the same type of 3rd. 4th, or 5th chance that troubled players from other teams get.

Because that boy could flat out play, and usually that's enough.

[alleycat]

As you can all see from my sig, I haven't really let go of that lost dream...

Almost as embarrassing as the fact that the only two Bengals jerseys I own were given to me simultaneously as gifts - and both of them have #51. Although, I do (as with my sig), like the irony...

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

All of which makes me wonder if we've ever been told the real reason for the NFL's harsher punishment, or even more suprising....the Bengals complete lack of interest in providing Odell with the same type of 3rd. 4th, or 5th chance that troubled players from other teams get.

It does. My guess is that his attitude toward coaches probably matched his trouble with the cops, and they just got sick of it. Because yeah, why did Henry get chance after chance, and not Odell?

My only other theory is that Odell really became the lightning rod for God-dell's Bengals hatred (moreso than Henry, it seemed), so the league might have told Mikey to stay the hell away from him or else.

Or maybe the theories about Odell being either 150 or 500 lbs are true.

[TJJackson]

more suprising....the Bengals complete lack of interest in providing Odell with the same type of 3rd. 4th, or 5th chance that troubled players from other teams get.

Because that boy could flat out play, and usually that's enough.

I agree with the argument as presented

but

I think the missing piece is the fact that Goddell made a personal visit to Cincinnati, Odell made a promise (no doubt in front of coach, owner/gm-in-name-only, and God-dell) that the sh1t was going to stop, and shortly after, more (highly publicized) sh1t happened......and he dragged along other Bengals players (also troubled) for this ride. Literally and figuratively.

I think the personal and direct slap in the face to Goddell is the stopper here - not just for the Bengals, but for any team

Just a theory

[HairOnFire]

All of which makes me wonder if we've ever been told the real reason for the NFL's harsher punishment, or even more suprising....the Bengals complete lack of interest in providing Odell with the same type of 3rd. 4th, or 5th chance that troubled players from other teams get.

It does. My guess is that his attitude toward coaches probably matched his trouble with the cops, and they just got sick of it.

Agreed, but when attempting to guess whose patience finally broke I wouldn't rule out The Redeemer himself. Because around here you don't lie to daddy.

Because yeah, why did Henry get chance after chance, and not Odell?

Because Henry was a wideout and Mike Brown is the original Bastard Son of Paul Brown?

My only other theory is that Odell really became the lightning rod for God-dell's Bengals hatred (moreso than Henry, it seemed), so the league might have told Mikey to stay the hell away from him or else.

Possible, but improbable. Henry's crime spree was far more high profile than Thurman's, or anyone else for that matter. In fact, I'm guessing the average NFL fan couldn't tell you who Odell is....nevermind recalling why he was banned for life.

Or maybe the theories about Odell being either 150 or 500 lbs are true.

How can either theory be taken seriously when it's so easy to see footage of Odell in a Tusker uniform?

[derekshank]

Just 3 months ago, Bresnahan was recommending that Odell be reinstated to the NFL. But it sounds like it is more up to Odell to take the steps necessary to be reinstated.

And for Odell's case, you can at least make the claim that he's stayed in playing shape (helping the Tuskers enjoy an undefeated season), unlike the pair of Joneses the Bengals have signed as of late.

"Odell played lights-out football. It was really fun to watch him come back and do the things he loves to do,” Bresnahan said. “On the practice field, in the games, even in the meeting rooms during training camp and the season, he was incredible. His personality is infectious. He did a tremendous job."

Bresnahan is hoping Thurman has overcome the demons.

"I would like to say yes because while he was there he was a model professional athlete,” Bresnahan said. “He did everything the right way. He studied. He abided by the rules. He did everything you asked him to do and he played lights-out football. I know there were (NFL) teams interested in the end, but he has to go through the reinstatement process. That’s up to him. I called on his behalf and really think the world of him as a football player and I think he has matured a lot and hopefully turned that corner for the positive."

With that type of ringing endorsement, I have a hard time believing that Mike Brown wouldn't open up his arms of unconditional forgiveness and welcome him back given the opportunity (no matter how much Marvin might kick and scream).

[BengalPimp]

Hmmm.....

Let's see.....

He last played in the NFL in 2005....5 years ago.....

Yeah, he's ready.

BTW....1 year in the UFL won't make you NFL ready...You guys know they only played like 6 games right?

[BengalPimp]

Inform Thurmanation

Don't you mean Jungle D ?

Where has that guy been anyways?

[HoosierCat]

Because yeah, why did Henry get chance after chance, and not Odell?

Because Henry was a wideout and Mike Brown is the original Bastard Son of Paul Brown?

I think it has more to do with Odell falling under the rules of the Substance Abuse Program (for alcohol) which has stringent and explicit rules and requirements, versus Henry just having to weather the God-El's displeasure. Mikey may love to play the role of redeemer, but he can't redeem guys like Odell who haven't checked off all the required Substance Abuse boxes.

[BengalPimp]

Just 3 months ago, Bresnahan was recommending that Odell be reinstated to the NFL. But it sounds like it is more up to Odell to take the steps necessary to be reinstated.

And for Odell's case, you can at least make the claim that he's stayed in playing shape (helping the Tuskers enjoy an undefeated season), unlike the pair of Joneses the Bengals have signed as of late.

"Odell played lights-out football. It was really fun to watch him come back and do the things he loves to do,” Bresnahan said. “On the practice field, in the games, even in the meeting rooms during training camp and the season, he was incredible. His personality is infectious. He did a tremendous job."

Bresnahan is hoping Thurman has overcome the demons.

"I would like to say yes because while he was there he was a model professional athlete,” Bresnahan said. “He did everything the right way. He studied. He abided by the rules. He did everything you asked him to do and he played lights-out football. I know there were (NFL) teams interested in the end, but he has to go through the reinstatement process. That’s up to him. I called on his behalf and really think the world of him as a football player and I think he has matured a lot and hopefully turned that corner for the positive."

With that type of ringing endorsement, I have a hard time believing that Mike Brown wouldn't open up his arms of unconditional forgiveness and welcome him back given the opportunity (no matter how much Marvin might kick and scream).

Really?

Consider the source.....Chuck Bresnahan.

The dude went from being an NFL Defensive Coordinator.......to a Linebackers Coach....OF A UFL TEAM !!!!!

It would be one thing if he took that step down at the NFL level, but a LB Coach of a UFL team? That's like 5 steps backwards.

[BlainThePain]

This is a little off topic, but does anybody else see the huge difference in attitude from our linebacking corp since Jeff Fitzgerald replaced Ricky Hunley?

[derekshank]

Just 3 months ago, Bresnahan was recommending that Odell be reinstated to the NFL. But it sounds like it is more up to Odell to take the steps necessary to be reinstated.

And for Odell's case, you can at least make the claim that he's stayed in playing shape (helping the Tuskers enjoy an undefeated season), unlike the pair of Joneses the Bengals have signed as of late.

"Odell played lights-out football. It was really fun to watch him come back and do the things he loves to do,” Bresnahan said. “On the practice field, in the games, even in the meeting rooms during training camp and the season, he was incredible. His personality is infectious. He did a tremendous job."

Bresnahan is hoping Thurman has overcome the demons.

"I would like to say yes because while he was there he was a model professional athlete,” Bresnahan said. “He did everything the right way. He studied. He abided by the rules. He did everything you asked him to do and he played lights-out football. I know there were (NFL) teams interested in the end, but he has to go through the reinstatement process. That’s up to him. I called on his behalf and really think the world of him as a football player and I think he has matured a lot and hopefully turned that corner for the positive."

With that type of ringing endorsement, I have a hard time believing that Mike Brown wouldn't open up his arms of unconditional forgiveness and welcome him back given the opportunity (no matter how much Marvin might kick and scream).

Really?

Consider the source.....Chuck Bresnahan.

The dude went from being an NFL Defensive Coordinator.......to a Linebackers Coach....OF A UFL TEAM !!!!!

It would be one thing if he took that step down at the NFL level, but a LB Coach of a UFL team? That's like 5 steps backwards.

I am considering the source. He, as much as any other human being, knew what the deal was with Odell back when he got banned.

Now he's saying Odell is a leader. You don't have to be a hall of fame coach to be able to notice that sort of thing.

And frankly, no one was ever all that concerned about Odell's ability to play football. The problem has always been whether he's able to keep from being suspended. And if he's turned a corner, he'll be given another chance. Brat has a better view of those types of things than anyone in the Bengals organization... and his skill (or lack therof) as a defensive coordinator has no bearing on the coversation.

As far as I can tell, the only thing standin between Odell and the NFL (aka the Bengals) is his desire/ability to do what is required of him for reinstatement.

[Kazkal]

Nope, no room for him on roster.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Mikey may love to play the role of redeemer, but he can't redeem guys like Odell who haven't checked off all the required Substance Abuse boxes.

I'd venture to say 50% of the members here would have unchecked boxes on their sheets as well.

[HoosierCat]

Mikey may love to play the role of redeemer, but he can't redeem guys like Odell who haven't checked off all the required Substance Abuse boxes.

I'd venture to say 50% of the members here would have unchecked boxes on their sheets as well.

I'm unchecked right now!

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-jOEAufDQ4

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Because Henry was a wideout and Mike Brown is the original Bastard Son of Paul Brown?

Yeah. How did I overlook Mikey's permanant WR chubby?

Possible, but improbable. Henry's crime spree was far more high profile than Thurman's, or anyone else for that matter. In fact, I'm guessing the average NFL fan couldn't tell you who Odell is....nevermind recalling why he was banned for life.

It doesn't make sense to me either, but Goddell seemed to put wrath on Odell that he didn't on Cheech. Hoosier and Mem mention arguments regarding the substance abuse policy and a broken promise to The Roger, which seem sensible. But we can agree that Odell's getting slammed seems disproportionate otherwise, yes? Only question is whether it's by Mikey or Roger...and one's known for giving guys 27 chances and one's making a name for himself as a total hardass. Just sayin'.

How can either theory be taken seriously when it's so easy to see footage of Odell in a Tusker uniform?

Wait, they actually film those games?

[BengalPimp]

How can either theory be taken seriously when it's so easy to see footage of Odell in a Tusker uniform?

Wait, they actually film those games?

Sure they do. It's top quality too. You know, kinda like a high school game where the parent is 14 rows up with their Camcorder.....

And every now and then in the background you hear "Dammit Jimmy, I just bought you a hot dog, what do you mean you're still hungry? Can't you see I'm taping this? I'll get you another one at Half Time, now sit down!"

[derekshank]

Mikey may love to play the role of redeemer, but he can't redeem guys like Odell who haven't checked off all the required Substance Abuse boxes.

I'd venture to say 50% of the members here would have unchecked boxes on their sheets as well.

He'd be fine if he would just party more with these guys.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

If Odell were actually good enough to play in the NFL again, I'm guessing he'd get another chance.