Coach says team's eight arrests in 2006 'embarrassing'
Cincinnati Bengals12/12/2006 11:09 AM The Dayton Daily News reports each Bengals' player arrest â eight so far in 2006 â is like a knife that cuts deeper into a wound. With Cincinnati CB Deltha O'Neal and WR Reggie McNeal due in court today in Clermont County and Harris County, Texas, respectively, Bengals HC 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. "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." Read more