Ced charged with assault

[BengalPimp]

Who Cares.... He's a top 5 back... I'm not saying its ok... But hey if we want to win a super bowl we gotta have the beast. Hopefully he doesnt get suspended...

If he does wer'e screwed

Um, I care...

Oh yeah, and as much as I like Benson, I don't view him as top 5.

Really?.. Why not?

He is no chris johnson (1), steven jackson(2) ( who has 1 more good year IMO) He is the better version of adrian peterson (5) IMO because he doesnt fumble, MJD(3), Benson is unbelievably awesome. This may put a damper on things, but if he plays all season then he will be a probowler no doubt. He is # 4 in the league IMO

He's easily top 10, but my homervision hasn't been working well lately, so I can't put him in the top 5.

I'm happy to have him either way and hope things work out for him.

I'll agree he's Top 10, but no he is definitely NOT a Top 5 back....In no order, I will list the Top 5 and then a few additional RB's who are better than Benson.

Chris Johnson

Adrian Peterson

Maurice Jones Drew

Stephen Jackson

Ray Rice

Those guys are Top 5

I'd also add a healthy Michael Turner, and Carolina's DeAngelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart are also BOTH better than Benson. They share carries yet both had over 1,100 yds last season while BOTH averaging about 1 yard more per carry (5.2 and 5.1) to Benson's 4.2. If those guys got the kind of the load Benson does...They would be 1,600+ yard guys. So at BEST I have Benson at #9, but that's me also being a Bengal fan..so that might still be a little high.

[BengalszoneBilly]

What seems strange to me is this incident occured a month ago, but the arrest happened today. I'm sure if I popped some dude in the mouth in a bar, 24 hours wouldn't have elapsed before I was in cuffs.

[HoosierCat]

Courtesy of Florio, Benson's version of events:

Now, Benson lawyer David Cornwell has issued a statement on Benson's behalf.

"Late last month at a nightclub, Cedric Benson was asked to take pictures with some female fans," Cornwell says. "A man approached Cedric and objected to him posing for pictures with the women. Cedric explained that he had been asked to pose with the women and the man punched Cedric.

"An altercation followed and while Cedric was leaving the club, he was approached by another man aggressively. Believing this man was a friend of the man who had punched him; Cedric attempted to protect himself and continued out of the club. Immediately upon leaving the club, Cedric called the police. He was interviewed by the police and left the area.

"Two weeks ago while he was in Cincinnati, Cedric was contacted by a detective investigating the incident in Texas. Apparently, the second man who approached Cedric is an employee of the night club and claimed that Cedric punched him. Cedric agreed to be interviewed upon his return to Texas and provided his return date. Cedric was not contacted by the detective upon his return. This morning Cedric received a telephone call advising him that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. Cedric voluntarily made himself available, was taken into custody, and was released earlier today after posting bond.

"Upon his release, Cedric contacted Coach Marvin Lewis and the Commissioner's office to notify the Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL of these events. Though we adamantly dispute that Cedric committed a crime, Cedric will continue to cooperate with law enforcement, the Bengals and the NFL in their investigation of these events."

So basically, some jacka$$ punched him in a nightclub, Benson left and called police, and now a month later some other dude is claiming Benson hit him. And then the cops jump all over themselves to make a big splash by arresting the NFL star.

Haven't we seen this movie before?

[ArmyBengal]

Well, if we are to believe Ced's version (i'm not inclined to disagree) then it's bullsh*t and I wouldn't expect a suspension.

However, this goes to one of the beliefs that if you don't put yourself out there, you remove the possibility of drucken idiots f*cking with you.

Don't get me wrong, these guys should be able to have a life, but when you are an NFL football player (and a good one at that) some people are simply going to go out of their way to either give you sh*t or just be a thorn in your side. I'm just saying, why continue to fuel that fire when you have already had issues in the past.

I suppose you could argue either way and have a valid point, but I just don't want to see our only true Bell Cow RB suspended.

As someone else mentioned, losing him those first 2-4 games would really hurt when looking at the schedule.

[BengalByTheBay]

Haven't we seen this movie before?

Yeah, but it's usually cast with Kentucky cops.

[HairOnFire]

Well, if we are to believe Ced's version (i'm not inclined to disagree) then it's bullsh*t and I wouldn't expect a suspension.

I feel much better after reading his version of events....especially the bit about Benson being the one who was assaulted and was actually the one who called the police.

I'm putting my money on no suspension whatsoever....and I'm also pointing my finger and laughing at those who have already speculated about 4 game suspensions and letting Benson go at seasons end. (Panic much?)

Frankly, if Benson's version of the story holds up....he's the victim, at least initially.

[BengalPimp]

"Late last month at a nightclub, Cedric Benson was asked to take pictures with some female fans," Cornwell says. "A man approached Cedric and objected to him posing for pictures with the women. Cedric explained that he had been asked to pose with the women and the man punched Cedric.

Jealous Boyfriend maybe?

I can see it now........

Friend: "Hey Tommy, what's your girl doing taking pictures with Cedric Benson?"

Tommy: "What? Who does that mother!@#$%^ think he is?"

Another Friend: "Ooooh Tommy, look, he's all over her? And right in front of you?"

Tommy: "I'm gonna kick this F@#$%^'s Ass"

maybe?

[membengal]

Sounds like no big deal to me and that Benson actually handled the situation more maturily than a lot of people on here might have.

[derekshank]

Yeah... But he was still arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault.

Goodell doesn't seem to care about the circumstances as much as a black eye to the league... an the majority of the public will stop reading after the headline.

I for one still expect a suspension of some kind simply because this isn't his first time being arrested... and whether it is just or not, he has a reputation that won't work in his favor.

[HairOnFire]

Goodell doesn't seem to care about the circumstances as much as a black eye to the league... an the majority of the public will stop reading after the headline.

You seem to be saying that Goodell acts based upon the whims of the media or the ignorant ravings of the misinformed. Sadly, I don't disagree.

That said, any punsishment Goodell hands out this offseason will have to be weighed against the likely 4 game suspension given in reaction to Ben Roethlisberger's ego raping a drunken coed in a bathroom. Knowing this, how likely is it that Goodell would give Benson a comparable suspension if witnesses confirm that it was Benson who was attacked?

I for one still expect a suspension of some kind simply because this isn't his first time being arrested...

But that was also true of Joey Porter, who actually stole property from Levi after after the assualt, and all he got was a game check fine. And no suspension for Braylon Edwards either.

[membengal]

I think facts matter, and will matter to Goodell. He is an arbitrary dickhead, but the NFL claims they investigate each of these incidents thoroughly. If so, then if Benson's version is accurate, he may be okay. Dickhead or no as commish. It may explain why some players seem to skate without punishment while others get punished. I have long suspected the NFL and Goodell are acting on info they believe and have learned that may never be known to the rest of us.

I am not going to lose sleep over it.

[jjakq27]

Goodell doesn't seem to care about the circumstances as much as a black eye to the league... an the majority of the public will stop reading after the headline.

You seem to be saying that Goodell acts based upon the whims of the media or the ignorant ravings of the misinformed. Sadly, I don't disagree.

That said, any punsishment Goodell hands out this offseason will have to be weighed against the likely 4 game suspension given in reaction to Ben Roethlisberger's ego raping a drunken coed in a bathroom. Knowing this, how likely is it that Goodell would give Benson a comparable suspension if witnesses confirm that it was Benson who was attacked?

I for one still expect a suspension of some kind simply because this isn't his first time being arrested...

But that was also true of Joey Porter, who actually stole property from Levi after after the assault, and all he got was a game check fine. And no suspension for Braylon Edwards either.

Was Goodell der commisar when Levi Jones got sucker-punched by Porter in Vegas?

Also I can't see how they could give Benson four games off when BR could get the six reduced to four with good behavior. Just doesn't seem equitable at all.

Two games maybe but it shouldn't be more than that.

[BengalByTheBay]

Also I can't see how they could give Benson four games off when BR could get the six reduced to four with good behavior. Just doesn't seem equitable at all.

Two games maybe but it shouldn't be more than that.

And does anybody seriously doubt that it will really be 4 and not 6....I mean really?

[HoosierCat]

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/38006921/ns/sports-player_news/

Benson arrested, situation considered minor?

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cedric Benson claims he did reach out to the NFL office and Bengals to inform them of events in an Austin (TX) bar that led up to Tuesday's assault charge.

A league source familiar with the situation told Schefter that Benson's case is "very minor." Benson reportedly had no idea he'd be charged with the Class A misdemeanor, so he might not have taken the situation seriously. Via attorney David Cornwell, Benson has publicly contended that he was the victim, not the person(s) he allegedly assaulted. Schefter noted that Benson has a history of off-field problems, but didn't predict what will come of this.

[Kazkal]

Wasn't it said that Cedric was Attacked and was simply trying to leave? Though it's only one side of story I'd wait until the facts are out about what happened.

[COB]

This "assault" charge is an assault on my common sense. It sounds like bulls**t to me. If that bouncer didn't have a bunch of broken bones in his face, I'm not buying any of it. Ced's a professional athlete, extremely quick and powerful, and it looks to me like he loves lifting and ingesting various supplements to enhance the effects of said lifing. If Ced punches you, you stay punched.

I don't know what happened in Austin, but I'll be surprised if he gets convicted of anything.

[jjakq27]

Also I can't see how they could give Benson four games off when BR could get the six reduced to four with good behavior. Just doesn't seem equitable at all.

Two games maybe but it shouldn't be more than that.

And does anybody seriously doubt that it will really be 4 and not 6....I mean really?

I'm saying two max.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Courtesy of Florio, Benson's version of events:

Now, Benson lawyer David Cornwell has issued a statement on Benson's behalf.

"Late last month at a nightclub, Cedric Benson was asked to take pictures with some female fans," Cornwell says. "A man approached Cedric and objected to him posing for pictures with the women. Cedric explained that he had been asked to pose with the women and the man punched Cedric.

"An altercation followed and while Cedric was leaving the club, he was approached by another man aggressively. Believing this man was a friend of the man who had punched him; Cedric attempted to protect himself and continued out of the club. Immediately upon leaving the club, Cedric called the police. He was interviewed by the police and left the area.

"Two weeks ago while he was in Cincinnati, Cedric was contacted by a detective investigating the incident in Texas. Apparently, the second man who approached Cedric is an employee of the night club and claimed that Cedric punched him. Cedric agreed to be interviewed upon his return to Texas and provided his return date. Cedric was not contacted by the detective upon his return. This morning Cedric received a telephone call advising him that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. Cedric voluntarily made himself available, was taken into custody, and was released earlier today after posting bond.

"Upon his release, Cedric contacted Coach Marvin Lewis and the Commissioner's office to notify the Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL of these events. Though we adamantly dispute that Cedric committed a crime, Cedric will continue to cooperate with law enforcement, the Bengals and the NFL in their investigation of these events."

So basically, some jacka$$ punched him in a nightclub, Benson left and called police, and now a month later some other dude is claiming Benson hit him. And then the cops jump all over themselves to make a big splash by arresting the NFL star.

Haven't we seen this movie before?

Yep I will say cops seem to have it out for celebrities in general, for selfish reasons (see Brandon Phillips "arrest" for speeding with his mom recently here).

I'm guessing if this was a normal person it would've never been pursued by the police or the bar employee it sounds like, if Benson is being honest.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

This "assault" charge is an assault on my common sense. It sounds like bulls**t to me. If that bouncer didn't have a bunch of broken bones in his face, I'm not buying any of it. Ced's a professional athlete, extremely quick and powerful, and it looks to me like he loves lifting and ingesting various supplements to enhance the effects of said lifing. If Ced punches you, you stay punched.

I don't know what happened in Austin, but I'll be surprised if he gets convicted of anything.

Probably entirely up to the judge and how he interprets things.

I believe I read where Benson was bleeding when he was approached by the bar employee, before punching him.

If the judge rules the bar failed to protect him as a patron and in this case a public figure, and he acted out of confusion or perceived self-defense...then maybe he drops it.

But who knows...I'm not exactly expecting it to turn out well, but maybe Goodell goes easy on him if he can corroborate the circumstances.

[Kazkal]

What seems strange to me is this incident occured a month ago, but the arrest happened today. I'm sure if I popped some dude in the mouth in a bar, 24 hours wouldn't have elapsed before I was in cuffs.

They had to get all the employees at the bar on the same page before they went after him maybe

[BengalszoneBilly]

What seems strange to me is this incident occured a month ago, but the arrest happened today. I'm sure if I popped some dude in the mouth in a bar, 24 hours wouldn't have elapsed before I was in cuffs.

They had to get all the employees at the bar on the same page before they went after him maybe

Maybe. Maybe not. I feel these factors don't lend themselves to a strong case for the prosecution. Perhaps our resident prosecutor Greg has a better view on this situation.

[kingwilly]

What seems strange to me is this incident occured a month ago, but the arrest happened today. I'm sure if I popped some dude in the mouth in a bar, 24 hours wouldn't have elapsed before I was in cuffs.

They had to get all the employees at the bar on the same page before they went after him maybe

Ding Ding Ding!

Cedric is not a choir boy but this smells of gefelke fish.

[walzav29]

If by a miracle this is not Cedrics fault, then this should be a HUGE lesson for every player on the Bengals. Check the message boards, and listen to NFL radio. People just can't wait to crucify the Bengals for any incident.

[BengalByTheBay]

Also I can't see how they could give Benson four games off when BR could get the six reduced to four with good behavior. Just doesn't seem equitable at all.

Two games maybe but it shouldn't be more than that.

And does anybody seriously doubt that it will really be 4 and not 6....I mean really?

I'm saying two max.

My quote above was about Raplesberger.

[jjakq27]

Also I can't see how they could give Benson four games off when BR could get the six reduced to four with good behavior. Just doesn't seem equitable at all.

Two games maybe but it shouldn't be more than that.

And does anybody seriously doubt that it will really be 4 and not 6....I mean really?

I'm saying two max.

My quote above was about Raplesberger.

Got it.

I am sure BR has been a model citizen and will have his penalty reduced to four games.