NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will meet April 3 with two players who have had recent legal problems and hopes to hand down disciplinary measures within 10 days of those meetings.
While Goodell's new, stronger player conduct policy has not been formulated, he received input from the teams at the league meetings that concluded today. Next week, he'll hold hearings for Tennessee cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones and Cincinnati receiver Chris Henry.
Jones has talked to police in 10 separate incidents since being drafted in April 2005 and has been arrested five times. On March 26, Las Vegas police recommended prosecutors file a felony charge of coercion and misdemeanor charges of battery and threat against Jones, stemming from a Feb. 19 strip club fight and shooting.
May 2007 - Cincinnati Bengals Wiretap
Bengals' Henry In Trouble Again
Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry, already facing possible NFL punishment for problems with the law, has been cited by Cincinnati police on three traffic charges including driving with a suspended license.
Henry also was ticketed for an alleged improper turn and seat belt violation. His vehicle was impounded after he was stopped March 21, and he paid $100 to retrieve it March 26, court records show. Court action is pending.
Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan released a statement from the team that said, "While the incident involved a minor traffic matter, the club is frustrated that the issue arose at all. ... Chris's overall future with our team can be determined only after this and other pending matters are resolved by the NFL."
Lewis Not Optimistic About Return Of Thurman
Marvin Lewis did not sound optimistic about the return of middle linebacker Odell Thurman, who is in the midst of a one-year league suspension for three violations of the substance abuse policy.
"We don't talk much about guys who aren't part of the football team," Lewis said of Thurman, on the reserve/suspended list by the commissioner and enrolled in an alcohol rehab program.
Former Lineman Ernie Wright Dies At 67
Ernie Wright, an offensive lineman for the Chargers and Bengals who was a three-time AFL All-Star, died of cancer Tuesday night. He was 67.
Wright was a rookie with the Los Angeles Chargers in 1960, the team's inaugural season. The Chargers moved to San Diego in 1961, and Wright remained with them through 1967. After playing four seasons with the Bengals, he finished his career with San Diego in 1972.
Bengals Sign Stepanovich To One-Year Deal
The Bengals signed free agent center Alex Stepanovich to a one-year contract on Friday.
Stepanovich, who played on Ohio State's 2002 national championship team, was taken by the Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2004 draft. He was the starting center for Arizona for two seasons and part of 2006 before being injured. Once he returned to the team he couldn't win back the job.
Saints Sign Kaesviharn To Four-Year Deal
The Saints signed safety Kevin Kaesviharn to a four-year contract on Tuesday.
Kaesviharn, entering his seventh NFL season, was an unrestricted free agent after leading the Bengals with six interceptions. He also had 58 tackles, a career-high four sacks and a forced fumble.
Bengals' Nicholson Gets Work Program, Probation
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker A.J. Nicholson was sentenced to two months in a sheriff's work program and two years' probation after pleading no contest to burglary and grand theft.
Saints Add Depth To Their Linebacking Corps
The Saints added depth to their linebacking corps Tuesday, agreeing to terms with linebacker Brian Simmons on a three-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Simmons, 31, was released last Wednesday by the Bengals after spending nine seasons with the team.
Simmons' agent, Jerrold Colton, told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that his client was impressed with the Saints after visiting the team last weekend.
Source: Browns Agree To Terms With Steinbach
The Browns have agreed to terms with free agent offensive lineman Eric Steinbach on a seven-year, $49.5 million contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told the Associated Press on Friday.
The deal includes $17 million in guaranteed money.
The versatile Steinbach, who played the past four seasons for the Bengals, will sign the contract once he passes a physical, said the person within the NFL who asked to remain anonymous because the signing hasn't been finalized.
The Browns are planning to announce Steinbach's signing Saturday, the source said.
Bengals Re-Sign Watson To Three-Year Contract
The Bengals re-signed running back Kenny Watson to a three-year contract Friday.
Watson led the Bengals' running backs with 213 yards receiving while tying for the lead with 23 receptions. He played in every Bengals game last season as their third-down back, averaging 5.5 yards per carry with one touchdown.