Before the Bengals left for their bye week, running back Cedric Benson found out that he would be suspended for one game.
In announcing the suspension, the NFL said that Benson’s suspension begins immediately. In addition to missing the Oct. 30 game at Seattle, the fine for violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy will also include one additional game check.
In a copy of the ruling obtained by The Enquirer informing Benson and his representatives of his suspension, league hearing officer Harold Henderson said the original three-game penalty was more than warranted. However a one-game suspension was appropriate since Benson agreed to a fine and jail time from a 2010 incident outside a bar in Austin, Texas.
On Aug. 28, Benson pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 20 days in jail. He also entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with prosecutors regarding a July 17 assault charge involving a former roommate.
While that incident happened during the lockout, Henderson wrote that under federal labor law, Benson was still subject to discipline.
“We’ve been planning for this for the previous six weeks. so we’ll go forward the week prior to Seattle and we’ll be without Ced when we go out to play Seattle,” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said.
This reduced suspension is obviously good news for Benson owners who have been waiting for the other shoe to drop. The Seahawks have given up the 5th-fewest adjusted fantasy points to RBs this season, so Bernard Scott won't be a good start even without Benson in the lineup.
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