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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > August > 19 > Entry
Club poised to sign Chris Henry
COMING TO A THEATER
NEAR YOU: CHRIS HENRY,
AND A ‘PR’ NIGHTMARE
===LUDWIG AT LARGE is so engulfed in Chris Henry Hoopla, he doesn’t even have time to rip the Cleveland Browns. You get what you deserve in the NFL, and Chris Henry is just good enough to eventually get Marvin Lewis fired.===
The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of explaining to do. Not some. A whole bunch.
They’re about to do the unthinkable, the unimaginable, the incomprehensible and, yes, even the impossible.
They’re going to sign suspended wide receiver Chris Henry.
Look for Henry to autograph a contract as early as today, Aug. 19, 2008.
According to ESPN.com, Henry was en route from Charlotte, N.C. — where he’s been training — to Cincinnati on Monday night. He’ll land at Paul Brown Stadium Correctional Institution and seal the deal.
The question the Bengals must answer is, “Why?”
Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
After releasing him on April 3, 2008, in the wake of his fifth arrest in three years, after saying they didn’t want him back, after cutting ties with the talented but troubled fourth-year veteran from West Virginia University, why bring him back?
Here’s why:
Because Chad Johnson has a sprained shoulder. Because T.J. Houshmandzadeh has a grouchy hamstring. Because Andre Caldwell has a sprained foot. Because the coaching staff doesn’t have faith and trust in veterans Marcus Maxwell, Antonio Chatman and Glenn Holt. Because they don’t believe Jerome Simpson — despite a 5-catch, 114-yard performance against Detroit — is quite ready yet.
And, worst of all, because Bengals president Mike Brown is a self-proclaimed “redeemer.”
Brown played hardball on April 3, 2008, the day Henry was released.
“Chris Henry has forfeited his opportunity to pursue a career with the Bengals,” Brown said. “His conduct can no longer be tolerated.
“The Bengals tried for an extended period of time to support Chris and his potentially bright career. We had hoped to guide him toward an appropriate standard of personal responsibility that this community would support and that would allow him to play in the NFL. We acknowledge those fans who had concerns about Chris; at the same time we tried to help a young man.
“But those efforts end today, as we move on with what is best for our team.”
However, Brown softened his hard-line stance during the Bengals’ pre-training camp luncheon at Paul Brown Stadium on July 22.
QUESTION: With the release of Chris Henry and Odell Thurman, have you turned the corner on the ‘character’ issue?
ANSWER: “The world is divided up between redeemers and non-redeemers. I happen to be a redeemer. I believe people can be made better and right. If that’s a fault, so be it.
“These guys misstep. They’ve paid prices for it that have been verging on ruinous. But that doesn’t mean I dislike them. Personally, I like them as people. I regret what’s happened to them, and I regret that they’re no longer here. Things just conspired to undo them.
“We don’t want that kind of behavior. We’ve tried to be more conscious of the guys we bring in than maybe we were before. We’re going forward and will try to go forward with the kind of guys we can count on, who are not just good players, but good citizens.”
Brown clearly has a soft spot in his heart for Henry now that Henry’s legal issues are behind him after an assault charge was dismissed in Hamilton County court in July.
Henry, who has been suspended the first four games of the regular season by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, will be eligible to practice and play in the final two preseason games before his four-game suspension begins. The earliest he can return is Oct. 5 at Dallas.
“I would love to go back (to Cincinnati),” Henry told LUDWIG AT LARGE in a July 18 telephone interview from Charlotte, N.C. “I want to come back and play with Chad, T.J. and Carson (Palmer), and everybody else.
“You already know what I can do on the field. I’m just trying to get out there, make plays and help any team out that I have a chance to play for.”
Despite Henry’s talent — his career statistics include 88 receptions for 1,370 yards (a 15.6-yard average) with a long gain of 71 yards, and 17 TDs — re-signing him goes against everything Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has preached in recent months.
“I’m not interested in bringing him back,” Lewis said on July 22. “I don’t think (it would be) productive for our football team. You have to be a productive part to be an NFL player, and there’s responsibilities to being an NFL player. It’s a privilege. It’s not a right. There’s a lot that comes with being an NFL football player.”
Lewis apparently changed his mind after Johnson and Caldwell were injured in the Bengals’ embarrassing 27-10 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday night.
It just goes to show that if you’ve got the height (6-4, 205), the speed, the hands, the ability to stretch defenses and get in the end zone, then you have nine lives in the NFL.
THINK ABOUT IT … Thirty-one other teams had the opportunity to sign Henry. None of them did. That should tell you something. Too much baggage and luggage.
Only the Bengals — with one playoff season in 17 years — would do something this preposterous.
With the club’s injuries mounting and the offense in disarray, I believe the addition of Chris Henry is a move that will prove just good enough to get Lewis fired after the 2008 season.
Contact Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (34) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Dale Flynn
August 19, 2008 5:17 AM | Link to this
Chick, Taking it a bit too far, aren’t you? Enough to get Lewis fired? Henry is a touchdown machine on the field. Off the field, he has, clearly, had major problems adjusting to being a young man with wealth. From my own life, and the lives of my children, I know that the light can, and frequently does, come on for people taking an imprudent path. There are fine mentors on the Bengals. Henry has had a pretty good taste of what his choices can bring him. PR be damned. It should take more than charges-dropped for good cause-to throw a man on the scrap heap. The potential upside, taking the final steps in shepherding a young man to a tremendously productive life, far out-weigh the publicity risk. I have crucified Mike Brown on many an occasion, but he is absolutely right on this one, for reasons that transcend football.By VietVet
August 19, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this
So much for the Bengals policy of cleaning house of the ones who won’t grow up.. I thought Lewis/Brown were getting rid of the trash on the team. Who’s next, Odell Thurman? This decision takes the credibility away from this organization. We will all wait in eager anticipation to hear what Henry has done for his sixth infraction. Why do they keep giving people like this another chance? So he may produce(starting after his 4 game suspension), but you have to draw the line somewhere on the character issue.By mikey c.
August 19, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this
come on chick! the n.f.l. is an entertainment entity. if chris can help the bengals win, who cares? i’m tired of the bengals getting slammed on the character issue when every day other players across the league get in trouble from d.u.i.’s to manslaughter. the same people crushing the bengals for this move will be high-fiving and chest thumping when chris is scoring t.d.’s. the bengals are a better team with chris henry, PERIOD!By mikey c.
August 19, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this
come on chick! the n.f.l. is an entertainment entity. if chris can help the bengals win, who cares? i’m tired of the bengals getting slammed on the character issue when every day other players across the league get in trouble from d.u.i.’s to manslaughter. the same people crushing the bengals for this move will be high-fiving and chest thumping when chris is scoring t.d.’s. the bengals are a better team with chris henry, PERIOD!By Robert Young
August 19, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
Chick you are absolutely right on this one. This fan has not mised a non preseason home game since 1984. Last week when this rumor first floated my neighbor and I discussed selling our 4 seats in protest. We are currently deciding our next move. It’s only a matter to time till the league office is “redeeming” a check from the Bengals as Mr Redeemer Brown is fined for off field conduct by The Village Idiot.By JimB
August 19, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
Chick, I usually agree with you, but I believe Dale Flynn has it right with his comment. Please consider that Slim was found Not Guilty in court over the infraction that got him released. That alone should give him one final chance to show that the light has come on. If not, then it’s adios for the final time. Personally, I’m glad we’ll get a chance to find out. Moreover, if the PR wonks need a team to bad mouth, why don’t they jump all over the Cowboys who signed Tank and Pacman after their numerous transgressions?By pk
August 19, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
Marvin Lewis: “I’m not interested,” Lewis told reporters Tuesday, before the team’s annual preseason luncheon. “I don’t think it would be productive for our football team. You have to be a productive part to be an NFL player, and there’s responsibilities to being an NFL player. It’s a privilege, it’s not a right. There’s a lot that comes with being an NFL football player.” All i can say is WOW!By Jerry Federle
August 19, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
Stop the presses! This just in - Father Flanigan of Boystown is deceased. New director just named - Mike Brown, the redeemer himself. He seems very qualified based on his handling of the Cincinnati Bengals. The only holdup to naming him director may come from the 31 other NFL owners wo may object to him leaving the league. Apparently they enjoy the fumbling, bumbling, stumbling hypocrisy known as the Bengals and would hate to see the franchise replaced by competitive management. I too, disagree with you Chick on 2008 being Marvin’s last year. Should Mike Brown turn down the Boystown job he can continue to try and rehab Marvin as a legitimate NFL coach and several members of his team.By Pete
August 19, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
How is selling your tickets a “protest”? The Bengals already got their money out of you. Money to spend on stud wideouts like Chris Henry!By Howie Feltersnatch
August 19, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
I have a question I hope someone can answer.The charges against Henry were dropped correct? Why was he suspended for the first four games? That aside this is a great move! I think everyone who watched Sundays game can agree the young guys are not yet ready to pull their weight. I don’t think anyone should confuse pro sports as the moral compass of the country. All of you folks who are jumping up and down about this will shut your pie-holes the first time Henry scores a TD! Well unless your a Browns fan!By Ray Lewis
August 19, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Hey, I killed a guy and the NFL/ESPN loves me. Love, Ray LewisBy Pete
August 19, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
I guess the Bengals just wanted to get the rest of the NFL & country laughing @ them already this year. Anyone remotely considering this as a good move for them is an absolute idiot & should remain a Bungals fan. I’M OUT!By joe
August 19, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
I once read a book named “Pros and Cons, the Criminals Who Play in the NFL.” The book was outdated the moment it was printed!By sec 312
August 19, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I am for it…after Sunday’s pathic game we need some play makers. These people who say..I’m selling, I’m not going to back them..BS…when we win and we will…you will be saying WHO DEY…hey how about those browns impressive last night uh?By Howie Feltersnatch
August 19, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Pete are you the same guy who said Henry was a “stud wideout”? On the other hand you say any one who supports the move is an idiot?? WTFBy Jason
August 19, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Mr. Robert Young, If you really want to protest, I will help you!! How much will it cost me (for the tickets) to help you in your protest endeavors?? Sincerely, Realistic Bengal Fan!!By psychostats
August 19, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Time to change the team nickname. No more “Bengals”. Now it’s “Brown’s Halfway House for Knuckleheads”. Just think of the uproar when Henry gets arrested again.By Pete
August 19, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Howie….wrong Pete, dude.By Chris
August 19, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Since Marvin likely wasn’t the one who called for Slim to be signed, (It was likely a decision from Mike or Katie/Troy) I doubt this has much bearing upon whether or not he is fired after the season. As to whether or not it is a mistake… CH15 holds those cards.By Howie Feltersnatch
August 19, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Sorry Pete I’m an idiot! Oh you already said that!By BnOPanther
August 19, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Someone was going to pick him up, may as well be Cincy. The Bengals have invested a lot of time and money in him so if he’s going to get a 5th chance to make it, at least it’s some where he knows the system. I’m still on board with them. If I can survive 2-14, I can survive a superb athlete catching td’s.By Hudepohl Dey
August 19, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
I wonder what number he’ll wear in the preseason….187 & 420 are availableBy Retire dhick I mean Chick
August 19, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Chick your 73 or so why not retire so we can loose your wonderful attitude. Robert and neighbor please sell your tickets there are over 5000 people on the waiting list your protest means little, all of you bangwagon fans will be right back on when they start winning games. WHO DEY… Bring back HenryBy psychostats
August 19, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
At this point, I think we have every right to know. What will the Bengals do to keep Chris Henry out of trouble? Will he have to report to a quasi-parole officer within the team on a periodic basis? Will another player be assigned to him as sort of a”big brother”? Just what kind of a short leash will they put him on? Well, the apparent MO of our Redeemer is not to do anything like that. So here’s hoping the media keep us posted on that front.By Robert Young
August 19, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Hey guys call the ticket office. You’ll find the waiting list to be non existant anymore.By Steven Ross
August 19, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Only the Bengals — with one playoff season in 17 years — that’s all you needed to say. Everything else is moot.By marvin lewis
August 19, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
let’s not talk bout players thats not here .By Greg Tampa Fl.
August 19, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
bottom line the dude produces you here it pro sports all the time its a buisnessBy me first
August 19, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
You can only help the people that want to help themself and Chris does not want to help himself.Start by saying NOBy me first
August 19, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
You can only help the people that want to help themself and Chris does not want to help himself.Start by saying NO CHRISBy blog bouncer
August 19, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Hey Mr Retire,won’t sign your name… I take it you have no morals….By Steve
August 19, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
“With the club’s injuries mounting and the offense in disarray, I believe the addition of Chris Henry is a move that will prove just good enough to get Lewis fired after the 2008 season.” - C. Ludwig The only way this scenario doesn’t play out is if (and it’s a big “if”) Cincy makes the playoffs and actually wins a game or two in the post season. Otherwise, Marvin Lewis is toast!By NickM
August 19, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Dear Mr. Brown, We can redeem ourselves too. Please sign us. Love, OJ Simpson, Rae Carruth, Ron Mexico, Michael Irvin, Maurice Clarett, and Nate NewtonBy Rob M.
August 19, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
How can I continue to be a Bengals’ fan? How can the team I love become an even bigger laughingstock? I’m no fair weather guy, I’ve been a fan all my life, through all of it. Until this. I can no longer support such an obviously mismanaged, myopic, incompetent franchise. Hey Steeler fan, save your jokes for someone else, I’m no longer a Bengal fan. Screw you, Mike Brown. Screw you, Chris Henry. Screw you, Cincinnati Bengals. You’ve said it enough times to the fans of the team and this fan is, for once, saying it back.