Cincinnati Bengals 01/26/2008 2:25 PMThe official website of the Cincinnati Bengals reports LB Odell Thurman has been cleared by the NFL to train and work out at the Bengals’ Paul Brown Stadium facilities while he pursues possible reinstatement from an NFL suspension.Thurman was not on the Bengals roster in 2006 or 2007, due to a suspension for violations of the league’s Substance Abuse Policy.“Odell remains on the league’s suspended list, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to meet the conditions for reinstatement,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. “If he is reinstated, he will then have to earn the confidence of our management and coaching staff that he is ready to compete for a roster spot as an active member of our team. In the meantime, he is allowed to work out with our strength and conditioning and our training staffs.”Thurman reported to Paul Brown Stadium late this past week to check in with Bengals staff, and he will be working at the facility in days to come. Per team policy regarding players on suspension, he is not cleared to do interviews with news media.Thurman, from the University of Georgia, was Cincinnati’s second-round choice in the 2005 NFL Draft. He played in every Bengals game in 2005, starting 16 of 17 games (including postseason), and he led the team in the regular season with 148 tackles. He also led the team in forced fumbles (four), and his five interceptions led NFL rookies while tying the Bengals rookie INT record.No timetable has been announced by the NFL regarding Thurman’s possible reinstatement.Read more
St. Louis Rams 01/26/2008 8:36 AMThe St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the Rams cut FB Madison Hedgecock after their first regular-season game of 2007. Two days later, the New York Giants claimed Hedgecock on waivers and plugged the 265-pound lead blocker into their lineup to put additional muscle in their rushing attack. The Giants were fourth in the NFL in rushing, and after three tough playoff road wins, they'll face New England in the Super Bowl. The Giants were so impressed with Hedgecock's work, they gave him a five-year contract extension worth $5.5 million. Meanwhile, frustrated Rams fans might wonder why coach Scott Linehan released Hedgecock to make room for Richard Owens, an ineffective H-back. "Because the head coach brought in a player that he'd had in college, and Minnesota," Hedgecock said Friday on KSLG (1380 AM). "He got rid of me because I wasn't brought in by him. And anything they say doesn't really matter, because that's the truth."Read more
Seattle Seahawks 01/26/2008 8:29 AMThe Seattle Times reports a driving-under-the-influence charge was filed Friday against Warren Moon, former Washington Husky and Pro Football Hall of Famer, as a result of a traffic stop in December. Moon was driving an SUV with expired plates when pulled over on Highway 520 on Dec. 28, and a Medina police officer smelled intoxicants near the vehicle. Moon refused a field sobriety test and a breath test. His arraignment is 10:30 a.m. Feb. 5 in Kirkland Municipal Court, which contracts with the city of Medina for court services. Moon was cited Dec. 31 for driving with the expired license tabs. Court records show Moon paid a $268 fine Friday, and the case was closed.Read more
Oakland Raiders 01/26/2008 8:28 AMThe Mercury News reports ESPN reported Friday that Raiders managing general partner Al Davis has asked Coach Lane Kiffin to resign after only one season because of philosophical differences. The report added that Davis is looking at Dennis Green, former Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals coach, as a potential replacement. The Raiders denied the report, with senior executive John Herrera calling it "a non-issue" and adding that Green "has already debunked the report."Read more
