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Cedric Benson News & Rumors

Bengals' Benson has caused Ravens problems
December 31
Baltimore Sun
 
"There was a time, and it really wasn't that long ago, when there wasn't a running back in the league who could make the Ravens defense look mortal. For the better part of a decade, Baltimore went after ball carriers like a pack of hungry lions, surrounding them with vicious efficiency before planting them on the turf. In the early 2000s, when the Ravens' defense was as good as any in NFL history, they went 50 consecutive games at one point without allowing a 100-yard rusher. Later in the decade, they put together a 39-game streak. It was a point of pride for members of the Ravens' defense. It didn't matter how much the personnel changed, or who the coordinator was, a running back just"
Benson close to 1,000-yard three-peat
December 23
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"With 54 yards on Saturday against Arizona, Cedric Benson can become the third player in team history to rush for 1,000 yards in three straight seasons. "It means a lot to me. Considering the things I've gone through this year with the Players Association and some of the situations I had early in the season, missing a game and things like that," Benson said. "I'm excited about it and I'm very eager to get it. I'm thankful to have the team, the offensive line the way the guys have blocked. I'm just proud of myself for overcoming a lot of things and staying strong." In 13 games, Benson has 959 yards on 244 carries, good for seventh in the AFC, and has three 100-yard games. He missed one game"
Benson runs into tale of 2 halves
December 12
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"At halftime, Cedric Benson appeared to be on the verge of having his fourth 100-yard game of the season. In the second half, the Texans made sure that didn't happen. Benson had 92 yards on 13 carries in the first half. In the second half he had his worst stretch of the year with minus one yard on eight carries. "They brought more run blitzes," Benson said of the Texans' halftime adjustments. "They brought the safety and he was running through the gaps. They were definitely determined not to let us get going in the second half.""
Bengals' Benson able to gain ground against Browns
November 28
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Since the Browns rejoined the league in 1999, the Bengals have had success in the run game against their Ohio rivals. That continued on Sunday as Cedric Benson and the run game got back on track in a 23-20 win. Benson had his third-straight 100-yard game against Cleveland with 106 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. It is his third 100-yard game of the season but his first since the Week 4 win against Buffalo. "We set the tempo and message early," Benson said. "We were pounding them early and everyone was playing well." Benson had 64 of those yards during the first quarter. On the first drive, he got great blocks by Chris Pressley and Jermaine Gresham and then another one from Andre"
Baltimore run defense gets another challenge in Benson
November 18
Baltimore Sun
 
"After surrendering 109 yards to Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, the Ravens rush defense gets another difficult assignment in Cincinnati Bengals tailback Cedric Benson. Benson's 593 yards this season rank a modest 14th in the NFL, but he has gained more yards on the ground than the Ravens' own Ray Rice (559 yards). And two years ago, Benson became the first back since the Miami Dolphins' Ricky Williams (2002-2003) to gain more than 100 yards in consecutive meetings against the Ravens. "We've got our hands full," defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano acknowledged during his weekly briefing Thursday. "We've played him well last year the two times we played. Then two years ago, both"
Bengals' Cedric Benson back from suspension
November 3
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Bengals running back Cedric Benson was activated to the 53-man roster on Wednesday after serving a one-game suspension for violating the league's personal-conduct policy. The suspension, which was reduced from its original three games, was a result of a pair of assault charges Benson has faced the last two years that have since been settled by the court system. With the Bengals on a bye the week prior, Benson hasn't played since Oct. 16 in a 27-17 win against Indianapolis. "Missing a game period is not fun," said Benson. "It's tough either way; being hurt or not being on the field is no fun at all. I spent a lot of time off the field this offseason.""
Cedric Benson's non-injury grievance rejected, suspension stands
October 30
Pro Football Talk
 
"On Friday, Bengals running back Cedric Benson presented to an outside arbitrator a grievance regarding his one-game suspension (plus one-game fine) for violation of the league's personal conduct policy during the lockout. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the grievance has been rejected. Benson didn't expect to play on Sunday, even if he prevailed. It's somewhat surprising that the ruling came as quickly as it did."
Benson to be suspended for one game
October 18
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"While everyone is focused on the Carson Palmer trade, there comes word that the league will suspend RB Cedric Benson for one game based off the arrests over the last two years in Austin, Texas. In what was originally going to be a three-game suspension, Benson met in New York with the league for a hearing on Sept. 27. Benson's suspension would likely be for the Oct. 30 game at Seattle even though Benson's attorney, William David Cornwell, did say that he would be reviewing the decision over the next day or two. "I will be in discussions with the Players Association over the next day or two and decide the next step in regards to the non-injury grievance," Cornwell said."
Goodell: Decision on Benson's suspension 'coming shortly'
October 4
USA Today
 
"Though reports of a forthcoming three-game suspension for Bengals RB Cedric Benson surfaced nearly two weeks ago, No. 32 is still running strong after laying down 104 yards in Sunday's 23-20 upset of the previously unbeaten Bills. Yet Benson currently remains in limbo after appealing the ban last week, and his status for Week 5 and beyond is murky. But is that about to change? "I assume the decision will be coming shortly," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told NFL Network on Monday, though he said someone else in the league office heard Benson's appeal."
Cedric Benson's focus on football
September 29
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Cedric Benson will be in the Bengals lineup Sunday against Buffalo. After that, no one knows. "I'm playing this week. I know I am," Benson said. "We (Benson and NFL officials) had a good meeting yesterday. I had a lot of facts ... and now we'll hope for the best outcome and see what happens." Coach Marvin Lewis said, "My interpretations of things is that if we don't hear something generally by Tuesday that we're going to presume that everything is going to go status quo. Otherwise they do put you at a disadvantage, but we're prepared either way.""
Where is NFLPA support for Benson?
September 29
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Ced Benson sits in NFL purgatory, sort-of suspended, sort-of not. He's living the cliché, because for now he has no choice. Benson really is taking it one game at a time. "Definitely,'' he said Wednesday, when asked if he were playing Sunday. Beyond that, no one knows. The legal tangle will continue. Benson has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board, against the NFL Players Association. The details are numbing to everyone, even Benson, who said Wednesday he wasn't exactly astute on the whys and wherefores. He knows this, though: His union leader sold him down the river."
Appeal keeps Bengals' Benson active to face Bills
September 29
Buffalo News
 
"Cincinnati Bengals starting running back Cedric Benson looks as if he will avoid an NFL suspension this week and will play Sunday against the Bills. Benson was arrested over the summer in Texas and charged with assaulting a former roommate. The NFL suspended him for three games for violating its personal conduct policy, and the sanction was supposed to start this week. But Benson appealed the suspension, which is being considered. Benson told reporters Wednesday he will be playing this week. Cincinnati is mostly healthy this week. Starting defensive end Robert Geathers, who missed the past two weeks with a shoulder injury, returned to practice Wednesday. Starting safety Chris Crocker"
Benson: "I'm playing this week"
September 28
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Cedric Benson said during Wednesday's open locker room period that he expects to play in Sunday's game against Buffalo. Benson had his appeal hearing on a three-game suspension in New York on Tuesday with no ruling given. "I'm playing this week. I know I am," Benson said. "We had a good meeting yesterday. I had a lot of facts to back us and now we'll hope for the best outcome and see what happens." Even though he knew about a possible suspension since before the Sept. 11 opener at Cleveland, Benson said last week was difficult because news of the suspension and appeal had leaked out. Head coach Marvin Lewis also said that he expects Benson in the lineup since there was no word."
Cedric Benson's status still uncertain
September 28
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"With Cedric Benson's status for Sunday's game against Buffalo as well as the two games after that remains unknown, the Bengals worked out veteran running backs Larry Johnson and Clinton Portis Tuesday. A league spokesman said that a decision on Benson's appeal of a three-game suspension was not reached on Tuesday and that there is no timetable on a decision. If word does not come down today, that means he would likely to play this week. Benson is the third player to meet with commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss an off-field incident that happened during the lockout. But he is believed to be the first to be suspended for a violation of the personal conduct policy during it."
Benson? Johnson? Portis?
September 28
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"With Cedric Benson's status for Sunday's game against Buffalo as well as the two games after that remains unknown, the Bengals worked out veteran running backs Larry Johnson and Clinton Portis Tuesday. A league spokesman said that a decision on Benson's appeal of a three-game suspension was not reached on Tuesday and that there is no timetable on a decision. If word does not come down today, that means he would likely to play this week."
No decision on Benson today
September 27
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Cedric Benson's status for Sunday's game against Buffalo as well as the two games after that remains unknown. A league spokesman said that a decision on Benson's appeal of a three-game suspension was not reached on Tuesday and that there is no timetable on a decision. Benson is the third player to visit with Commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss an off-field incident that happened during the lockout, however he is believed to be the first to be suspended for a violation of the personal conduct policy during it."
Benson talks about his appeal
September 26
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Cedric Benson ran for 64 yards against San Francisco on Sunday. If it is his last game until Oct. 30 at Seattle remains to be seen. Benson will have a hearing in New York on Tuesday to appeal his three-game suspension. Following the 13-8 loss to the Niners, the Bengals running back said he had filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against the NFL Players Association. While Benson did know about his suspension before the Sept. 11 opener at Cleveland, the seventh-year running back said he did not know about an Aug. 4 agreement between NFL general counsel Jeff Pash and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith allowing the suspension of eight players,"
Reports: NFLPA agreed to punishment for eight, including Benson
September 25
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports and Pro Football Talk have obtained an agreement between from NFL general counsel Jeff Pash and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith allowing the suspension of eight players for lockout-related offenses related to the personal conduct policy. Three of the eight players identified in the list have relevance to local fans — Cedric Benson, Adam "Pacman" Jones and Brandon Underwood. When reached to respond to the reports, NFLPA spokesman George Atallah had no comment. The other players on the list are Aqib Talib, Kenny Britt, Albert Haynesworth, Clark Haggans and Johnny Jolly."
Bengals RB Benson fights back in wake of league suspension
September 25
NFL.com
 
"Cedric Benson is pursuing action against NFL Players Association, according to a league source. Benson, a starting running back for the Bengals, is currently appealing a three-game suspension that was issued for his arrest during the lockout (he has already served prison time during the preseason), according to a league source. He is also taking action against the NFLPA in regards to this situation, charging the organization with not properly representing his rights as he is among eight players who were part of a "side-letter agreement" that was signed by NFL and NFLPA leaders on Aug. 4 detailing players who could potentially be disciplined for actions during the lockout."
Fight looming between NFL, NFLPA over lockout arrests
September 25
Pro Football Talk
 
"The NFL claims to have embarked on 10 years of labor peace. The current situation between the league and the NFLPA more accurately would be described as a cold war. At a time when the NFL and the union are at impasse regarding HGH testing, which the two sides agreed would happen this season but hasn't, a new fight is emerging regarding the question of player misconduct during the lockout. An August 4 letter agreement signed by NFL general counsel Jeff Pash and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith seems to indicate that eight players deemed repeat offenders will be subject to discipline for incidents arising between March 11 and August 3. The league definitely interprets the letter to"
Bengals' Benson faces possible suspension
September 23
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Bengals running back Cedric Benson will be in the lineup for Sunday's game against San Francisco. What his status is for the next three games though remains uncertain. Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports reported on Thursday that Benson would be suspended starting with next Sunday's game against Buffalo. The suspension would also cover the Oct. 9 game at Jacksonville and Oct. 16 home game against Indianapolis."
Benson sees progress with offense
September 19
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"When the Bengals fell behind by 14 early in the third quarter, they turned away from the running game for the most part during the third quarter. Despite being held to 59 yards though, Cedric Benson saw some encouraging things from Andy Dalton and the offense in the 24-22 loss to Denver. "They needed that which is good. Those guys have a big future. They grew a little bit," said Benson of the performances of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. "He was good. He can grow into being a great comeback quarterback. A little rocky start but that can be expected.""
Benson hoping to roll with run
September 18
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"It has been nearly two seasons since Bengals running back Cedric Benson has rushed for 100 yards in back-to-back games. If last Sunday's game is any indication, that drought could end this Sunday. After having a league-high 25 attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown in the Bengals' win at Cleveland, Benson today faces a Broncos defense that allowed 4.9 yards per carry in a loss to Oakland on Monday. With quarterback Andy Dalton nursing an injured right wrist, the Bengals could need a steady dose of Benson to improve to 2-0 for the first time in five years."
Cincinnati Bengals' Cedric Benson beats the Browns, wins in the waiting game
September 12
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"All game long, Cedric Benson waited. He waited for small seams to open, for tiny cracks to sprout in the line. He waited for the little gains to turn into something big Sunday at Cleveland Browns Stadium. All off-season, Benson waited, too. He waited for resolution to two misdemeanor assault charges, waited to make a deal that would result in a 20-day sentence in jail, a quarter of which he would serve after credit for time served and volunteering to mop floors and help paint crews. With Game 1 out of the way, just a week after he was released from a Texas jail, Benson's waiting was over. He rushed for 121 yards in the Bengals' 27-17 victory, capping his game-long grind with a 39-yard"
A Ced Benson kind of game
September 12
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"In the end, Cedric Benson's perseverance ended up being rewarded. After having a solid first quarter, the Browns defense had made it tough sledding for the Bengals running back until late in the fourth quarter, when he broke a 39-yard touchdown run which sealed the 27-17 victory over Cleveland on Sunday. "That's how it goes," said Benson, who finished with 121 yards on 25 carries. "Of course you would love to have it the other way with big runs all day long but that's what happens." On 3rd-and-3 from the Browns 39, Cleveland had stacked the box and was hoping to get a stop to set up one final rally. But Benson found a wide hole off right tackle and was untouched to the end zone. "This kind"
Benson released from jail
September 4
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Cedric Benson's attorney, Sam Bassett, has sent out a statement saying that RB Cedric Benson was released from Travis County Jail today. Last week Benson was sentenced to 20 days for misdemeanor assault related to a 2010 bar incident in Austin, Texas. Attorneys from both sides said with good behavior, that could be reduced to seven days. According to Bassett, he received additional credit for work in jail. Benson originally was going to serve the sentence during the bye week, but decided to serve it this week."
Benson begins serving jail sentence
August 31
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"In an audible from what was announced on Monday, Bengals running back Cedric Benson is not waiting until the bye week to serve his jail sentence for a 2010 assault charge in Austin, Texas. According to his attorney, Sam Bassett, Benson surrendered himself to the Travis County Jail late Tuesday evening. According to jail records, Benson was booked into the facility at 11 p.m. CDT. On Monday, Benson pleaded no contest to assault and sentenced to 20 days in a plea bargain. Per Travis County Sheriff's Office policy, Benson is credited for serving Tuesday because he showed up before midnight. Attorneys for both sides said that credit for good behavior, Benson would serve seven days. That means"
Benson gets 20 days in jail
August 30
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Running back Cedric Benson pleaded no contest Monday in Austin, Texas, to assault in a 2010 incident involving an employee in an Austin bar. For the plea, Benson was sentenced to 20 days in jail. It was one of two cases Benson resolved in Austin on Monday. Benson will return to Austin and turn himself in on Oct. 17, which is the day after the Indianapolis game at Paul Brown Stadium and the start of the bye week. Assistant Travis County Prosecuting Attorney Corby Holcomb told The Austin American-Statesman that with credit for good behavior, Benson would serve about a week in jail. If the normal schedule applies, Benson would only miss one or two practices and should be back in Cincinnati by"
Benson receives 20 days in jail for 2010 assault in Austin
August 29
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Bengals running back Cedric Benson pleaded no contest in Austin, Texas, for assault in a 2010 incident involving an employee in an Austin bar. For the plea, Benson was sentenced to 20 days in jail. Benson will return to Austin and turn himself in on Oct. 17, which is the day after the Indianapolis game at Paul Brown Stadium and the start of the bye week. Assistant Travis County Prosecuting Attorney Corby Holcomb told The Austin American-Statesman that with credit for good behavior, Benson would serve about a week in jail. If the normal schedule applies, Benson would only miss one or two practices and should be back in Cincinnati by Oct. 26, which would be the first major practice in"
Trial taking Benson out of town
August 28
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Running back Cedric Benson will be out of town at least through Monday as he stands trial in Austin, Texas, on an assault charge in a May 2010 incident. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis called it an excused absence. The trial originally was to take place in June, but it was delayed at the request of Benson's lawyers when they received new evidence from prosecutors. Benson is accused of punching an employee at an Austin bar and could be sentenced to up to a year in jail if convicted."
Bengals hope Scott can add some dash to Benson's bash
August 27
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Jay Gruden had seen glimpses of Bernard Scott in a couple of weeks of practice. The Bengals' offensive coordinator had watched Scott play on film, but until Thursday night's preseason game against Carolina he had never seen Scott in live action. "He's a fun guy to watch," Gruden said following the Bengals' 24-13 win against the Panthers in Thursday's preseason game at Paul Brown Stadium in which Scott produced 63 yards and one touchdown on just six carries. It was part of a dominant first-half performance by an offense that gained 139 of its 269 yards on the ground. Starting running back Cedric Benson picked up 68 yards on 16 carries in two drives. Whereas Benson describes himself as"
Benson's back up undecided, roster trimmed, player updates
August 24
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Cedric Benson is entrenched as the starting running back for the Bengals. The jobs to back him up, however, are wide open as the team prepares for Thursday night's preseason home opener against Carolina. Veterans Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard and Cedric Peerman are vying for spots and roles behind Benson with rookies Jay Finley and John Griffin. The Bengals have one last preseason game, on Sept. 1, against Indianapolis at Paul Brown Stadium before cutting the roster down to its final limit of 53 players on Sept. 3. "It's a very good competitive situation," said running backs coach Jim Anderson. "The next two weeks will be interesting to see how it unfolds. It's going to be fun." Scott and"
Cedric Benson is happy to be back
August 5
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Cedric Benson wanted to stay with the Bengals and he got his wish by signing a one-year deal to return to Cincinnati this week. As the new Collective Bargaining Agreement allowed free agents to begin work, the 28-year-old running back practiced Thursday for the first time this training camp - with a refreshed state of mind. "We talked a lot about coming back to Cincy and how it would be a good fit, especially having a new offensive coordinator in, and a lot of changes that happened around," said Benson. "I always wanted to come back because Cincinnati was where I was comfortable. Changes were happening and I was excited about the changes. I, like many others I'm sure, agreed that things"
Cedric Benson back to lead Bengals' backfield
August 1
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Right in the middle of talking about the running backs who participated in Sunday's practice, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis got the news that many have been waiting for - Cedric Benson is back for another season. After losing out on their top defensive free agent, the Bengals agreed to terms with Benson on a one-year deal that could earn him up to $5 million this season. The contract has a base salary of $3 million. Benson's agent, Eugene Parker, said the short-term deal was done to get Benson into camp but that both sides will discuss an extension during the season. "He wants to be a Bengal and the Bengals want him back. The organization gave him an opportunity at a second chance (in 2008)"
Bengals, Cedric Benson agree to terms on one-year deal
August 1
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Right in the middle of talking about the running backs who participated in Sunday's practice, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis got the news that many have been waiting for - Cedric Benson is back for another season. After losing out on their top defensive free agent, the Bengals agreed to terms with Benson on a one-year deal that could earn him up to $5 million this season. The contract has a base salary of $3 million. Benson's agent, Eugene Parker, said the short-term deal was done to get Benson into camp but that both sides will discuss an extension during the season. "He wants to be a Bengal and the Bengals want him back. The organization gave him an opportunity at a second chance (in 2008)"
Cedric Benson's attorneys allege 'threat of extortion' in assault case
July 22
SportingNews.com
 
"Attorneys for Cedric Benson claim the troubled free-agent running back is being threatened with extortion from the alleged victim in last Sunday's arrest on assault charges in Austin, Texas. Benson faces a misdemeanor assault with injury charge following an incident with Clavens Charles, whom, according to reports, is Benson's former roommate. A statement released by David Cornwell and Sam Bassett — Benson's attorneys — allege Charles is seeking money in order to remain quiet about the incident. From Cornwell and Bassett (published on Cincinnati.com): "Thomas Crosley, the attorney for Clavens "Miami" Charles, the individual involved in the incident with Cedric Benson this weekend,"
Alleged victim in the Cedric Benson matter demands money
July 21
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The attorneys for Cedric Benson — Wm. David Cornwell Sr. & Sam Bassett (Minton, Burton, Foster & Collins, P.C., Austin, Texas) have issued a new statement in the Cedric Benson case: Thomas Crosley, the attorney for Clavens "Miami" Charles, the individual involved in the incident with Cedric Benson this weekend, contacted us yesterday to demand a "settlement" meeting. This attorney stated that if we did not respond within a short period, Mr. Charles would respond to media requests, including a request for an interview from TMZ. We have learned that Mr. Charles' representatives have contacted at least one public relations firm to assist them with publicity. There is nothing to settle with"
Police report: Cedric Benson repeatedly struck former roommate in face
July 19
USA Today
 
"According to police, Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson approached a former roommate at an Austin street corner at 5 a.m. Sunday, and repeatedly struck him in the face with a closed fist. Benson was charged Sunday with misdemeanor assault with injury, not assault causing bodily injury to a family member, as previously reported. An arrest affadavit obtained by KXAN Austin states that the former roommate was standing at the corner of Fifth and Guadalupe streets talking on a cellphone Benson approached, saying they "needed to talk about their problems." The former roommate said "all of a sudden he was struck on his face with a closed fist throw by Benson." Police said the man, who"
Cedric Benson needs to leave Austin
July 19
Cincinnati Enquirer
 columnist Paul Daugherty
"Cedric Benson needs to pack up his gear and hit the hole quickly out of Austin, Texas. Austin is a nice town. Good food, good music, good weather. It's home for Benson, who starred at the University of Texas, and grew up six hours away in Midland. It's also poison for his personal and professional life. We don't know why the Bengals running back supposedly punched a man who had lived with him in his house. Supposedly, each was out on the streets of downtown Austin at 4:45 in the morning, which is perfectly legal if not quite normal, unless you're an insomniac or working the graveyard shift. Apparently, Benson had evicted Charles Clavens from his house a few days earlier. They met on the"
Bengals' Cedric Benson arrested in Texas
July 18
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Instead of focusing on this week's possible end to the NFL lockout, the Bengals' concerns have multiplied with three arrests in eight days. Not even during the period from 2005-07, when headlines focused more on off-field problems than wins and losses, has the franchise seen this. The latest happened Sunday morning in Austin, Texas, where running back Cedric Benson was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault. This came on the heels of safety Marvin White's arrest Thursday in Louisiana and cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones' arrest by Cincinnati police a week ago after an incident at Scene nightclub. According to Enquirer records and the San Diego Union-Tribune's database involving"
Report: Cedric Benson arrested for assault
July 17
CBSSports.com
 
"For the most part, the NFL has avoided a tremendous run of players getting in trouble with the law while not under team supervision. (Kenny Britt being the exception of course.) However, the report that Cedric Benson was arrested in Austin early Sunday morning, though, won't help that cause. Ricky Doyle, the sports director at Your News Now in Austin reports that Benson was arrested "early [Sunday] morning" and charged with "assault on a family member." Per Doyle, Benson is currently in Travis County Jail and is facing a Class A misdemeanor."
Cedric Benson's trial in Texas delayed
June 28
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Running back Cedric Benson, who will be an unrestricted free agent, had his scheduled trial for assault in Travis County court postponed until Aug. 29 after his attorneys asked for more time in preparing for their case. According to the Austin American-Statesman, Sam Bassett, one of Benson's lawyers, asked for the postponement so he could review some evidence he received only recently from prosecutors. The delay also gives both sides to talk about a possible plea deal."
Benson on Palmer: 'Detrimental'
May 15
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Cedric Benson made headlines last week for an appearance on Sirius NFL Radio's "Late Hits" program when he said if quarterback Carson Palmer returned to the Bengals after demanding a trade, it would be "detrimental to the team." But that was only part of the comments made by Benson, the Bengals' leading rusher the past three seasons. There is mutual respect between the two players, and what Benson said after "detrimental" is what a lot of players are thinking. "Don't lock a man down whom you know won't be happy if he stays," Benson said. "He's the quarterback. I looked up to him when he was there and I'm sure many of the other guys did. If he's there and not happy he's not going to give us"
Cedric Benson: Trade Carson Palmer
May 13
ESPN.com
 
"Bengals coach Marvin Lewis says Carson Palmer would be his starting quarterback if he returns. Running back Cedric Benson, however, said bringing Palmer back to Cincinnati would be a recipe for disaster. Lewis, on a conference call along with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for Bengals season-ticket holders, said Wednesday that the door remains open for Palmer, who has requested a trade from Cincinnati and has said that he would retire if he wasn't dealt. "If Carson comes back he would be the starting quarterback and we would groom Andy [Dalton] to be the quarterback of the future," Lewis said on the call, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The Bengals drafted TCU quarterback Dalton"
Cedric Benson: Trade Carson Palmer
May 12
ESPN.com
 
"Bengals coach Marvin Lewis says Carson Palmer would be his starting quarterback if he returns. Running back Cedric Benson, however, said bringing Palmer back to Cincinnati would be a recipe for disaster. Lewis, on a conference call along with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for Bengals season-ticket holders, said Wednesday that the door remains open for Palmer, who has requested a trade from Cincinnati and has said that he would retire if he wasn't dealt. "If Carson comes back he would be the starting quarterback and we would groom Andy [Dalton] to be the quarterback of the future," Lewis said on the call, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The Bengals drafted TCU quarterback Dalton"
Gruden hopes Bengals re-sign Cedric Benson
May 2
Cincinnati Enquirer
 (scroll down)
"One of the players Gruden hopes he has a chance to work with is veteran running back Cedric Benson, who will be an unrestricted free agent. Gruden wants to pound the football on the ground and the team didn't draft a between-the-tackles type back, so re-signing Benson moves to the top of the team's to-do list even if Lewis tried to hint otherwise. "We feel pretty good about it. We return Bernard Scott and Cedric Peerman - two guys we feel really good about," Lewis said. "Cedric (Benson) is a free agent and Brian Leonard may or may not be a free agent based on what rules we're under. We'll have guys who can compete.""
Cedric Benson willing to return to Bengals
March 8
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Even though he reached 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons for the first time, it was one of the more frustrating seasons of Cedric Benson's career. It's no secret that last year the Bengals got away from the power running game that made them successful in 2009. Without a fullback for most of the season and a scheme that was more concentrated on throwing downfield, Benson averaged more than half a yard less per carry (3.5 compared to 4.2 in '09) and only three 100-yard games. With Jay Gruden replacing Bob Bratkowski as offensive coordinator, Benson, who will be an unrestricted free agent whenever a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, is receptive to returning to the Bengals for"
Benson: "It will be a benefit in a positive way"
February 1
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Cedric Benson said he was encouraged by the Bengals move to fire offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski on Monday. "It's good to see them make some moves and it will help," Benson said. "It will be a benefit in a positive way. It was a smart move that can benefit the team and everyone." When asked if the Bengals could thrive in an offense without Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens but with him back at running back, Benson said that he feels like it can. "There would be a lot of adjustment but it is time for things to change and grow," he said. "We have the tools to develop players.""
Lewis wants Benson back
January 21
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"When it came to discussing two of his more outspoken offensive players, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis had different messages for running back Cedric Benson and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. Benson was critical of the offense's direction this season, especially the play-calling of coordinator Bob Bratkowski. Since it appears Bratkowski will return, the odds of Benson re-signing are dim but Lewis is holding out hope. "Ced can be discouraged but Ced is going to answer your question and not look in the mirror and realize that he's part of that. Unfortunately we all are," Lewis said. "Ced's passion and energy will make us a great football team again and I don't want to curtail that and you have to"