After missing all of the 2006 and 2007 seasons due to violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy, the Cincinnati Bengals waived linebacker Odell Thurman on Monday. "The NFL provided Odell the opportunity to earn his way back onto our team, but we have not seen the right steps taken by him," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "With our offseason work in progress and new talent added at our linebacker position, we've determined it's best to keep moving in a direction that does not include Odell." NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had reinstated Thurman on April 21. Thurman's release comes shortly after the Bengals cut wide receiver Chris Henry following his fifth arrest since 2005. Henry was suspended by Goodell for the first half of the 2007 season for misconduct. In recent months, Thurman had been working out near his home in Monticello, Ga., and also at the University of Georgia in nearby Athens. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3402967&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines
NFL | Several teams interested in Thurman Mon, 19 May 2008 10:01:22 -0700 Mark Curnutte, of The Cincinnati Enquirer, reports at least two teams have been in contact with free-agent LB Odell Thurman's (Bengals) representatives to express their interest in signing him. NFL | Thurman has no plans to file grievance Mon, 19 May 2008 10:00:35 -0700 Mark Curnutte, of The Cincinnati Enquirer, reports free-agent LB Odell Thurman (Bengals) has no immediate plans to file a grievance over his release, according to Thurman's representative, Safarrah Lawson. link http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl
I hope he behaves himself because he could be a real steal for someone at the LB position. Talent-wise, he's leagues ahead of Ayodele.
Hmm a team with a horrible defense doesn't want him? Seems like a pretty good reason to take a pass. Amazing that we have so many people completely trashing Jason Taylor for missing 'gasp' voluntary workouts but people want drug suspended or character risk guys like Odell and Henry. Amazing.