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People's Choice: Backstage
Bengals notes
Coach says team's eight arrests in 2006 'embarrassing'
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
CINCINNATI — Each Bengals' player arrest — eight so far in 2006 — is like a knife that cuts deeper into a wound.
With Cincinnati cornerback Deltha O'Neal and wide receiver Reggie McNeal due in court today in Clermont County and Harris County, Texas, respectively, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis responded Monday to his players' misdeeds and the bashing he's taking by the national media for having as many victories as players arrested.
Extras
"I don't care what they say nationally," Lewis said. "I don't think you guys (the local media) attack me because you know what I stand for. Unfortunately, I can't hold (players') hands 24/7, but it is embarrassing. It's an embarrassment to our organization, to our city and to our fans. These things socially are not right.
"Hopefully, this is a positive, so our young people who are fans, and professional athletes, understand there are certain things in our society that are unacceptable. It doesn't matter what you do for a living or who you are. You've got to follow those rules and laws. We should feel good around here with what has occurred that our local law enforcement has taken steps to curtail and get people who drink and drive off the road.
"Our guys have to understand you cannot drink and drive. You tarnish your image, your reputation, and it doesn't go away easy."
McNeal must answer charges of resisting arrest and drug possession, while O'Neal is charged with DUI.
"Fortunately, nobody was injured," Lewis added. "This is a privilege to play on this team and in the National Football League. It ought to be accepted that way. So it's a disappointment. We've dealt with it and we'll continue to deal with it. We obviously put ourselves at risk because I don't have the luxury of having a plethora of guys to play with. These (players) put themselves at risk as far as being in the league."
Scoreboard watching?
Cincinnati and Jacksonville grabbed one-game, wild-card leads in the AFC with victories Sunday because the New York Jets, Kansas City and Denver lost. The Bengals are calling their final three games against Indianapolis, Denver and Pittsburgh "must-wins."
"The only thing that matters is us," Lewis said. "If we're a playoff team, we have to prove it by beating playoff teams. There are three teams fighting for the same things we are. They're going to be great games. If we want to be the team we believe we are, we've got to win."
Quick hitters
• The Bengals' 17 points allowed against Cleveland (30-0), Baltimore (13-7) and Oakland (27-10) is a franchise record for a three-game span.
• Cincinnati's defense didn't allow a first down rushing for only the third time in club history.
• "I would rather (have a playoff bid) locked up. It's been desperate around here for a while. We like desperate and prefer it desperate." — Lewis.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.
