Marvin Lewis: Benson Got Sucker-Punched

Marvin Lewis is aware of the reputation his team has built when it comes to legal trouble. As the Bengals’ head coach, it’s in his best interest to try to clear the air on some of the issues surrounding his players when he has an opportunity. According to ProFootballTalk, Lewis told the Cincinnati Enquirer that his running back, Cedric Benson, was not responsible for the bar fight that lead to his arrest back in May. Here are Lewis’ comments about the incident, via ProFootballTalk:

The truth about Cedric is that he got sucker-punched in a bar,” said Lewis, who’s overwhelmingly confident that he’s accurately received all the facts from Benson’s late-May assault charge. “Cedric got attacked in a bar. Only because it was Cedric Benson does it become news. I think that’s something you have to understand.”

“I don’t know why we’re even talking about Cedric being suspended a game,” Lewis added. “I don’t even know why we’re bringing it up. To me it’s unbelievable. It wouldn’t be brought up in 31 other cities in the country I think.”

Maybe Benson really wasn’t at fault, but let’s not play dumb here. Saying it wouldn’t be brought up in 31 other cities is an exaggeration since the media feasts upon these types of stories. We’re talking about him being suspended because the bar fight arrest marked the fifth time he’s been booked in his life. Forgive everyone for assuming he’s guilty until proven innocent. I like Marvin Lewis and I have no problem with a coach going to bat for his players, but don’t act like the media is blowing things out of proportion when one of those players averages about an arrest per year.

Sources:
Marvin Lewis goes to bat for Benson [ProFootballTalk]