DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis preached abstinence to his players Wednesday, Dec. 3 — from guns and trouble.

The New York Giants' Plaxico Burress was a hot topic in a team meeting. The Giants fined and suspended Burress for four games for conduct detrimental to the team after he suffered a gun shot wound to his right thigh in an accidental shooting early Saturday.

"I don't know why anyone around here (Paul Brown Stadium) should think this, but sometimes guys think they're above the law," Lewis said. "There are rules and there are laws, and you're subject to them, and really there's a heightened sense of awareness of it. You're not going to get away with things.

"My message is: 'If you have to go somewhere where you feel you've got to carry a handgun, you don't need to be going to that spot. Let us help you go somewhere else.'

"I just wanted to remind the guys to keep doing things as pros and be smart and understand. Don't (put) your life, career and other things at risk."

A Shirley sighting

Rookie defensive tackle Jason Shirley, a fifth-round draft pick from Fresno State, recorded three tackles (one solo) in his NFL debut against the Baltimore Ravens. He'll likely see more action at Indianapolis on Sunday.

Shirley needs to improve his strength, stamina, intensity and technique in order to break into the starting lineup.

"Jason got his first chance to play," Lewis said, "and hopefully he'll understand some of the things we've been climbing up his tail about all the time are true now."

Rising stars?

Lewis and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer are pushing Shirley and Pat Sims hard because both rookies represent the future at defensive tackle.

"As Mike calls 'em, they're like big Saint Bernards," Lewis said. "You've just got to keep hitting 'em with a bat. They somewhat look the part with their stature. But obviously they're not the same as some of these great players in the NFL that come in the first round.

"These guys weren't first-round picks. So there are some holes. But yet there are some signs of ability, and you've just got to keep beating them over the head with that bat until we get it out there, play in and play out."

The animal activist organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) might not appreciate that comment about Saint Bernards.

"It's all right," Lewis said. "That's the way it comes sometimes. Corporal punishment is still legal."

Hobson signed

The Bengals signed linebacker Victor Hobson, a sixth-year veteran with 58 starts in 76 career games with the New York Jets.

The former Michigan star was a second-round draft pick of the Jets in 2003. He signed with New England as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, but was released Aug. 30.

"I'm thankful for the opportunity the organization has given me to get back on the field," Hobson said.

"Whatever aspect that is — specials teams, linebacker — I want to do my best to help the team as much as I can."