They have had more than their share of off field problems and arrests, even by NFL standards. Now with the most recent arrest and subsequent dismissal of troubled receiver Chris Henry, the Cincinnati Bengals are poised to make NFL history. Adding Henry to their list of trouble-making players currently in jail, on suspension, dead, in contract disputes, or released, the Bengals head into the ‘08 season with a starting lineup comprised entirely of Asian players.

   Asked how yet another off-season of turmoil affects the team’s mindset going into minicamp, starting QB Chang Xi said, “Look, we know that Chris is no longer a part of the team. Instead of looking back, we look to the future and I think many of you are going to be surprised. Wan Huong has really stepped it up at the #1 receiver slot in the off-season workouts. We have really developed a chemistry.”

   It is yet to be seen how the team’s overall morale will be affected by the most recent turmoil. With a  drastic shortage of depth on the defensive line, management has been forced to place the franchise tag on 5′8″ 165lb defensive end Xing Hoyashi. “I have given this team 4 good years,” said Hoyashi. “4 years of hard work and loyalty. And now I have no guaranteed money for the last year of my contract? I know it’s just the business side of the sport, so all you can do is go out and play for a free agent contract in the coming year and hope you don’t get hurt. I’m really, really, extremely scared of getting hurt.”

submit to: