Marvin Lewis Not Happy to Have T.O.?

The Cincinnati Bengals have certainly had their fair share of problem players in the past.  Marvin Lewis has shown us that he’s not afraid to stick up for some of those players when they’re being criticized by the media, as evidenced by how quick he was to come to the defense of Cedric Benson, who’s arrested about once a year on average.  In fact, I’d even go out on a limb and call Lewis an enabler.

While we’ve yet to hear much from the Bengals coach publicly about the signing of Terrell Owens, sources close to the situation are saying he doesn’t seem thrilled about owner Mike Brown’s decision to bring him aboard.  Bob Glauber of Newsday is reporting that Lewis has “reservations” about the T.O. signing — although he may not be showing it — and that he’s not entirely in favor of the move.  Here’s what Glauber wrote about Lewis’ opinion on the pairing of Owens and Ochocinco, courtesy of Pro Football Talk:

He’s got big concerns,” a source with “direct knowledge” of Lewis’ mindset told Glauber.  “T.O. is more than just a receiver, and Marvin is aware of the potential for problems.”

In other words, Lewis is willing to defend criminals but it sounds like he’s nervous about bringing in another loud mouth.  I can’t say I blame him really, as T.O. and Ochocinco have the potential of turning into a huge headache.  The fact that they’re best friends is either going to translate into one of the best receiving duos in the NFL or the league’s most exquisite circus act.  Then again, given Ochocinco’s history with TD celebrations, it could very well end up being both.

Source:
Report: Lewis not “entirely on board” with Owens addition [ProFootballTalk]