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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > October > 01 > Entry
Benson claims he’s a changed man
‘HUMBLING EXPERIENCE’
TO BE ARRESTED, CUT,
CLEARED AND SIGNED
Looking into Cedric Benson’s eyes, I see intensity. I see confidence. I see humility.
And — as Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis likes to say — “that’s a good thing.”
Released by the Chicago Bears on June 9, 2008, after two alcohol-related arrests in a month, Benson stayed in shape, working out for four months.
His big break came in September when he was exonerated of all charges after appearing before two grand juries in Travis County, Texas. The county seat is Austin, home of the University of Texas, where Benson was a decorated college star.
Once Benson was cleared of all charges, the Bengals worked him out on Tuesday, and signed him to a one-year contract.
How much did legal exoneration help him?
“It probably helped a lot,” he said. “I don’t know if it was the deciding factor. I think when push really came to shove some team would make a move. I’m sure it eased a lot of teams’ minds.”
Think you’d ever get a chance?
“You never wonder IF EVER, you just want to know when,” he said.
Benson was asked to describe his running style:
“Physical, burst, speed to the second level … can finish off the run.”
How has the off-the-field incidents changed you?
“It’s a humbling experience. It keeps you grounded. It will bring your feet back to the ground if your feet weren’t grounded. It just kind of brings you home, an opportunity to look in the mirror, re-evaluate yourself and change yourself for the better.
“The perception (of being a trouble maker) is still there. But in due time it will (fade). I just had to make a better decision, a few better decisions.”
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By The_Redeemer
October 1, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
The Redeemer: Our family welcomes you with a warm embrace. 99.9% of America: Is this a reprint of C. Henry’s press conference the 2nd, 3rd, 4th time he was charged with violating the law?By Annoying Note
October 2, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
It appears Travis Henry is also available!By Derrick
October 2, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
At least Benson sounds like he has a brain. Now, I can only hope he uses it to stay out of trouble and provide the Bengals a true RB.By NFLstats
October 2, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
His comments sound eerily like Chris Henry’s. Changed man, humbled. Only time will tell. to be honest, I’d rather have Benson than Rudi on the team - we could also use a lightning fast RB too.