[BFritz]

Handling it like the leader should

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=5762

On a day a kicker Shayne Graham hosted the Kicks for Kids Christmas party at Paul Brown Stadium and the foundation of running back Rudi Johnson announced that No. 32 will give new coats to 32 local families this Christmas, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis dealt with the off-field issues that have dogged his team for the past year.


With NBC’s Bob Costas glibly pointing out to Sunday night’s national television audience that the Bengals have as many wins as players arrested (eight), Lewis spoke about cornerback Deltha O’Neal’s driving while intoxicated charge from this past weekend and left little doubt he deactivated him against the Raiders for disciplinary reasons.

“I can’t hold hands 24-7, but it’s embarrassing,” Lewis said. “It’s embarrassing to our organization, to our city, to our fans. These things are socially not right.”

[Image: http://assets.bengals.com/uploads/multim...8083E5.jpg]VIDEO (12/11/06):
Marvin Lewis Press Conference
>>>Real Player | Windows Media | Written TranscriptAlthough the eight have been arrested on charges ranging from drugs, guns, and spousal battery, Lewis spoke about DUI. O’Neal, wide receiver Chris Henry, middle linebacker Odell Thurman, and left guard Eric Steinbach have been arrested since June on similar charges.

“Hopefully this is a positive for young people who are fans of professional athletes,” Lewis said. “That they understand there are certain things in our society that are unacceptable no matter what you do for a living or who you are.

“Our guys have to understand you can not drink and drive. It tarnishes your image, it tarnishes your reputation and it doesn’t go away easy. It may be your first time, but it doesn’t go away easy. Fortunately no one was hurt.”

Lewis praised local law enforcement’s effort to keep drinkers off the road (Thurman and O’Neal were stopped at checkpoints in Hamilton and Clermont counties, respectively) and reiterated the theme he has pounded at his players since he arrived in 2003.

“It’s a privilege to play on this team. It’s a privilege to play in the National Football League,” Lewis said. “It ought to be accepted that way. It’s a disappointment and we’ve dealt with it, and we’ll continue to deal with it. We obviously put ourselves at risk, because I don’t have the luxury of having a plethora of guys to play with. These people put themselves at risk as far as being in the league. “

On a day the Bengals announced their fans had donated $50,357 at Sunday’s Toys for Tots collection during the 27-10 win over the Raiders, as well 4,278 new toys, Lewis said he was disappointed he had to talk about the subject. “I don’t appreciate that,” Lewis said. “We have a lot of good things going on and unfortunately, these things kind of rear their ugly head and get in our way.”