Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson was arrested June 29 in Austin, Texas, for allegedly punching a bar employee in the face on May 30.
According to Benson’s arrest affidavit, which was released on Cincinnati.com, “a fight erupted between Benson and an unknown suspect at Annie’s West bar just before 2 a.m. May 30. The two were separated, and Benson allegedly shoved bar manager Brett Vance. Bartender Bryan White got involved, and Benson allegedly spit blood from his injured lip at the bartender.”
The other side of the story was also published in the Cincinnati Enquirer story, “Employees told authorities that they repeatedly asked Benson to leave, and when he refused they physically escorted him from the establishment and blocked him from re-entering. When a passerby asked what happened, Benson allegedly replied: ‘All these white boys are ganging up on me and kicking me out.’
“Then, according to White and co-worker Evan Guerra as outlined in the affidavit, Benson punched White on the right side of his face.’”
After his arrest, Benson hired attorney David Cornwell, whose name might sound familiar as the attorney who represented Ben Roethlisberger after the mess the quarterback made in Georgia.
It would be a lie if a Bengal fan said that he is more concerned with Benson’s welfare than what is going to happen once this case gets to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. A suspension is more than likely for the Bengals workhorse.
In 2009 (see highlights above), Benson rushed for a career-high 1,251 yards on 301 carries in 13 games. He averaged 96.2 yards per game and was possibly the biggest reason why the Bengals won the AFC North and made the playoffs last season.
One would have to assume that Benson would be suspended for minimum of two games. I expect that level to possibly jump to four, due to Benson’s troubled past when he was arrested twice in a one-month span while with the Chicago Bears in 2008.
What does that mean for the Bengals?
The loss of Benson would hurt the team’s chances to get off to good start. Especially when you consider that the Bengals open the season at New England and then have AFC North favorite Baltimore at home in Week 2.
Other running backs on the roster include Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard, Cedric Peerman and Cordera Eason. All four backs don’t appear to be ready to carry the load in Benson’s absence. Scott is a good change-of-pace back, Leonard is a good blocker and receiver, while Peerman and Eason are completely unproven.
Even though I strongly disagree, Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Joe Reedy believes Benson will not be suspended.
Reedy writes – “I don’t think Benson will be suspended by the league for a violation of the Personal Conduct Policy. The NFL office on Tuesday said they are looking into the matter, but as a guidepost Commissioner Roger Goodell said on Sunday in an interview with Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez that Titans QB Vince Young will probably not face a suspension.”
So I guess there is hope. We shall see, but it appears that Carson Palmer better be ready to return to his 2005/2006 pass-happy form or the Bengals will have a hard time winning their first two games of the season (should be difficult even with Benson).
