Bengals Thurman suspension confirmed (7/26)

[TeamBoone]

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Thurman suspension confirmed
BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Bengals middle linebacker Odell Thurman has been suspended for four games by the NFL for violation of its substance abuse policy, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis confirmed this morning. The Enquirer first reported the suspension online July 13.

Thurman cannot play in the first four regular-season games (against Kansas City, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and New England). He would be eligible to return Oct. 15, after the bye week, against Tampa Bay.

Thurman can’t practice with the team during his suspension or be in the stadium on game days. He will, however, be able to participate in training camp, which begins Saturday in Georgetown, Ky. Thurman also can play in preseason games.

“We’re very disappointed,” Lewis said today. “It’s something he needs to get in line with his life.”

Thurman is one of six Bengals who have “embarrassed” the team, organization and city, Lewis said.

“No question we’ve had a bad run of events this off-season,” Lewis said. “But these events remain allegations. They remain adjudicated.”

Lewis talked to the media before Wednesday’s pre-training camp media luncheon at Paul Brown Stadium.

The team also announced that left tackle Levi Jones will arrive in Cincinnati this afternoon to sign a six-year contract extension, as reported in The Enquirer this morning.

Check back to Cincinnati.com later for more information from today’s events.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.d...PT02/307260035