COMMENTARY
Former Bengals WR Henry could be innocent
COMMENT: Did the Bengals cut Henry too quickly?
Monday, May 12, 2008
Today's sports stars are the closest thing that we have to modern day superheroes. They can do things that the average man cannot, such as running the 40-yard dash in a blink of an eye or play two professional sports a la Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders, and make millions upon millions of dollars playing a game.
Imagine our disappointment when we learned that Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick, who is known for his superhuman athletic ability on the football field, was the main culprit in a major dogfighting ring. To some fans, it was like learning that Superman is a pedophile.
Extras
We put these high-profile figures on a pedestal for our own selfish reasons, to entertain us. But when one of them falls from grace, we're overcome with utter disbelief and cast them aside. We're faced with the realization that they are human just like you and me, born to make mistakes.
Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry is the latest player to fall from grace after his latest run-in with the law. Henry surrendered to police last month after being accused of punching a man in the face and breaking his car window with a beer bottle. Henry pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of assault and criminal damaging.
Zero toleration
Henry was suspended by the NFL for eight games in 2007 because of past arrests and released by the team last month for his latest arrest.
The Bengals organization couldn't tolerate any more of Henry's off-the-field problems and sent him packing. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Brown family was reluctant to cut ties with the young talented receiver, but with all the negative publicity the team has received as of late, they had no choice. Henry had to man up and take responsibility for his actions.
When the final word came down to part ways with the 24-year-old receiver, Henry had to face the music and received a life lesson from head coach Marvin Lewis during a phone conversation after being released.
Henry said Lewis was very encouraging in their conversation and talked about what he needed to do for future success.
Henry showed great remorse and disappointment in himself for incidents leading up to his release, and very appreciative of owner Mike Brown.
"I'd like to thank him (Mike Brown) for everything he's done and for giving me the opportunity to be a Bengal," Henry said. "He pretty much understands me and knows that I'm a good guy. I just got caught up in some crazy stuff. I wish I could take it all back, but I can't do that right now."
He let team down
Despite the turmoil that surrounds him after this latest incident, Henry appeared to be in positive spirit.
"I'm doing pretty good," he said. "I'm taking it one day at a time and trying to get out of this little situation."
Before the brush with the law, Henry was doing well and everything the team asked of him. In his mind, he let the team down.
"Yeah, I let my teammates down," he said. "I wish I was still there with them right now working out and everything. That's what makes me feel bad because I'm supposed to be out there working with them, preparing for next season. Here I am, getting myself released from the team for what I got myself into. I wish I could do it all over again."
Release premature?
What if Henry, who pled not guilty, is indeed innocent in this alleged incident? Was the Bengals' release of the receiver premature?
According to Henry, he wasn't given the opportunity to explain what took place the night in question before being released and was surprised to learn that he was no longer on the team.
"I still see myself having a successful career and playing this season, just somewhere else. Hopefully, that will happen in the next couple of months before the season gets started. Once I get back on another team, I'm going to prove that I deserve to be out there. The situation that happened looks bad, but it's not all what it seems," Henry said.
Knowing the player like I do, Henry is a young man with a caring heart, and that has been his ultimate downfall. He's a guy who wants to be there for everyone, but no one is there for him.
He attracts people who want to ride on his coattail of fame and fortune just so they can stunt to there friends about being apart of the in crowd.
Henry must start seeing these individuals for what they're worth and focus on his career and the future of his two little ones.
A change of scenery might do Henry some good, but his heart will forever remain in Cincinnati.
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Comments
By Boomer Fan!
May 15, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
The funy thing is this is the only interesting thing to discuss about the state of the team at this time? I hope Alexander decides to make Cincy home. We can go back to running the ball like in the late 80’s / early 90’s! Icy and James brooks are bengal icons! Carson is good but Anderson took a mediocre team to a SUPERBOWL. Carson may need to move on at some point to win him a superbowl. Carson in New Orleans or Jacksonville would win it!
By Kool Moe Dee
May 15, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Irrespective of mistakes in spelling, grammar, forethought, logic, content, reality, structure & conclusion, this piece lacked the important issues of that last week. Here’s a guy who is on Double-Secret Probation and he’s: 1) Driving on an expired license; 2) Swinging from chandeliers, lifting women’s skirts and smoking a Philly blunt MJ cigar in public at club BANG!; and 3) Busting open a guy’s head and his car window….all in the same week?!! Even us rappers are more civil than that.
By Kevin
May 14, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
How can a person refer to himself as a “writer” and not know that “their” is the possessive form? Also, if you’re going to make the claim that Henry’s just a good guy in a bad situation, you might want to have some evidence to back that up, rather than playing the “you weren’t there” card.
By #1 Bengals Fan
May 14, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Marvin and Mike gave Chris ever chance to turn his life around and be a part of 1 of the oldest teams in the N.F.L and to show his skills and talent so after 5 or 6 arrests they did what was best for the team so good luck Chris go give someone else all of your bullshit and waste someone else’s time
By Jason
May 14, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Everybody is talking about Chad and how he is acting this is not him this all Drew Rosenhause look at the history of all the players he has represented the most recent one is T.O. and how he was acting in Philly Chad is acting the same way I agree with keyshawn Johnson Chad better stay were at before he goes to a team in a worst situation than the Bengals. He has one of the best Quaterbacks in the game today and offensively they have no problem just need to get better on defense.
By Jason
May 14, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Now, I know what Chris did was wrong but did anybody take time to think what the allege victim did to provoke this situation he probably was running his mouth because he saw a professional athlete he might have been trying to get Chris to hit him so he can get a lawsuit we do have some crazy fans out there and sometimes they step over there boundries. Example Ron Artest cooling down after him and Ben Wallace got into it and out of nowhere a fan throws a whole cup of beer on him.
By K. Prophett
May 13, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Now, Im in college and I know how to use the correct words. Why doesnt a “reporter” know this? People, you tell me whats wrong with the following sentence: “He attracts people who want to ride on his coattail of fame and fortune just so they can stunt to there friends about being apart of the in crowd.”
By carsick
May 13, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
I’m no fan of Mike Brown’s but they stuck by this guy after what? Four or five arrests? On the brink of Spring voluntary meeting, and after being suspended half of last year, Henry goes out and does something stupid again. I give a guy some leeway for being young but after all these arrests…stupid is as stupid does. You grow out of the young problem but some folks can’t get over the dumb problem. A waste of talent but more importantly a waste of an opportunity.
By Hewitt
May 13, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
He should be executed. So should Chad Johnson. Nothing but punks that take everything they have for granted.
By Jeff Gilmore-Cincy
May 13, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Dear Bob Cox, you sound as though you know mr Henry, perhaps you are one of his posse? You cant really believe that even if every person in Cincinnati was a racist that it would change the person that Chris Henry is do you? I am sure that white people being racist is the reason Chris got arrested 6 times in 18 months, we all are out to get him, since he roomed with Pacman and you know he was set up by the MAN! Get a grip on reality, Chris should have been cut long ago.
By Omardabully
May 13, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
BTW, Dear Mr. Goodell, please stand by your word when you gave him the last chance, and ban him from the NFL for his latest chirades. Probably won’t happen, so we will see what Goodell is made of……
By Omardabully
May 13, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Are you kidding me? The only 2 options left for this loser are A)Life prison sentence when he does the BIG crime. B)Read the newspaper article where he is shot to death in beautiful Over-The-Rhine for messing with the wrong person. It’s real simple: If I am Chris Henry, with the opportunity to make millions and given repeated chances, I would wake up each morning with one mission: HOW DO I AVOID THE POLICE TODAY??….He can’t even do something that simple. He doesn’t deserve another chance.
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
I think the bengals should resign henrey and fire chad.
By robert
May 13, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
A good football player who is nothing more that a street thug.
By robert
May 13, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
A good football player who is nothing more that a street thug.
By robert
May 13, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
A good football player who is nothing more that a street thug.
By michael mccoy
May 13, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
By michael mccoy
May 13, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
By El Presidente
May 13, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Chris Henry cashed in his last green stamp on his second to last run-in with the law. He now has to live with the consequences of his actions. Chir Henry is a 25 year old millionaire. Folks, there are MEN younger than him leading other MEN into combat for a lot less money and if they make mistakes, they pay for them. A DUI cost a reduction in rank, fines, and extra duty. Two incidents usually cost them their job. Chris will lkely make more millions in Dallas. Feel sorry for him? Nope.
By tom
May 13, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
This clown should have been released seven or eight criminal incidences ago.
By bob cox
May 13, 2008 4:33 AM | Link to this
Another thing after reading most post I can clearly say most are hypocrits. Cry me a river over misdermeanor crime while the real crimes are taking place right under our noses whether it be with the police state, government, monopolistic capitalist and the federal reserve . Our Republic is dead. Wah Wah so he punched some drunk, college kid who probably got what he deserved for being a racist bigot that cincinnati seems to spawn and produce at an expodential rate
By bob cox
May 13, 2008 4:16 AM | Link to this
The bengals are going to get burnt for letting Henry go, I guarantee that either the stains,squeelers, or flying rats will sign him and he’ll avg. a touchdown with 100 yds plus each time against us our sub 6’0 corners. I know talent when i see it. Then again Simpson and Pelfry will turn into something special. plus if he’s found not guilty then the bengals are the bungals for sure.
By Tom
May 12, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
He had to go for the good of the team.
By NOYB
May 12, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Sure we will miss this awesome receiver. But the third paragraph of this story shows me just how misguided this “so- called” writer regurgitates this rubbish. “We put these high-profile figures on a pedestal for our own selfish reasons, to entertain us”, no you, Mr. writer, put these figures on a pedestal to sell your story and your paper, aka product. When they die by the pen, i.e. “Negative Publicity”, you are the culprit. The true grim reaper of the “High-Profile Figure.
By AzBengal
May 12, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Aside from letting down the Bengals organization,his team mates and the longsuffering fans,Henry let down his family and extended family,some of which were relocated due to hurricane Katrina.I imagine all were counting on him.Its sad,you don’t know what you have until its gone.
By painfultruth
May 12, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
Let’s all have a pity party for the poor downtrodden misunderstood stupid jock. Oh, he’s SORRY…Well THAT erases any past infraction doesn’t it? He’s sorry alright! A dumb jock is all he’ll ever be. Anybody want to bet he can’t write a full sentence? I’ll bet he can SERVE a full sentence. He belongs in jail, not out among the law abiding population…
By d-town
May 12, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
I don’t know anyone whose been “caught-up” in as many situations as this guy. Why does it only seem to happen to certain people?? Man, life is just one coincidence after another. Get real, does Big-C stand for Chick(Ludwig)? That would be a coincidence.
By Ramzi
May 12, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Big C…are you serious? People like you are why these guys run amok…quit making excuses! Henry was a bad guy. He pulled a gun and got arrested wearing his own Bengals jersey. He got in fights. He couldn’t care about his team mates enough to stay out of trouble. We need to clean sports up, and making excuses for these unappreciative athletes is not the way to do it!
By scott
May 12, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Henry and PacMan Jones were roomies at W Va. Who was the instigator in that twosome?
By Glenn
May 12, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
I should not even waste my time but,
they waited too long to release him! He should have been sent packing a long time ago. Who ever wrote this -Big C, it’s a waste of time!!
By JoseOle
May 12, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
In this case the Bengals are damned if they do and damned if they don’t. If they keep Henry to see if he is guilty then they are harbouring a bad egg, if they cut him and he’s innocent then goes on to have a great career they will be known for cutting a pro bowler. They can’t win. Marvin Harrison has a cop killer gun and it was shot at people in Philly. Cedric Benson is pepper sprayed by cops on his boat. Only the Bengals are beat up constantly for their bad players by the media and it must stop
By Jim
May 12, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
In my eye,if a person does something criminal,he or she should be put in prison to do their time,especially when you know they’re guilty.Just because they’re a big celebrity or sports figure,or movie actor/actress,they’re not above the law.They’re just like any one else,and shud be treated just like evryone else.They put pants and dresses on just like anyone else.Henry shud’ve been cut a long time ago,and now he deserves to be punished.Hope he gets what he deserves.
By Jim
May 12, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
In my eye,if a person does something criminal,he or she should be put in prison to do their time,especially when you know they’re guilty.Just because they’re a big celebrity or sports figure,or movie actor/actress,they’re not above the law.They’re just like any one else,and shud be treated just like evryone else.They put pants and dresses on just like anyone else.Henry shud’ve been cut a long time ago,and now he deserves to be punished.Hope he gets what he deserves.
By Jim
May 12, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
In my eye,if a person does something criminal,he or she should be put in prison to do their time,especially when you know they’re guilty.Just because they’re a big celebrity or sports figure,or movie actor/actress,they’re not above the law.They’re just like any one else,and shud be treated just like evryone else.They put pants and dresses on just like anyone else.Henry shud’ve been cut a long time ago,and now he deserves to be punished.Hope he gets what he deserves.
By Andy
May 12, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me???!!! This guy is a walking crime wave!! The NFL took into account his age when they only suspended him last year. God only knows how many crimes he didn’t get caught doing or was given a break by law enforcement.
By Brian
May 12, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Are you blind? I have never been arrested, nor gone to jail. But if I did and embarrassed my employer just once, I would expect to be fired. To give Henry a loophole because he plays a sport is just ludicrous. Is it April 1st?!
By Middletown Resident
May 12, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
How does a supposed “journalist” refer to themselves as “Big C”? Should have known from there that this article would be crap. Just more garbage from the journal. I’m surprised I didn’t read “more better” as I have in past articles.
Let’s not forget this is the 5th time Chris Henry has been arrested. Young and Dumb as Rick implies, sure. Maybe you can say that after the 1st or 2nd arrest, NOT THE 5th. Apparently he never learned his actions have consequences.
By Bob
May 12, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
If you worked for a non-sports related business, I’m sure everyone can think of something, and you were constantly getting into legal trouble outside of work that caused you to miss time at work, what reasons would that company have for keeping you on the staff?
If an employee’s conduct is hurting the company they would be fired, and football is no different. Henry is very talented and losing him is tough, but he’s a liability.
By Rob
May 12, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Rick, you’re as stupid and deluded as “Big C”…….QUIT APOLOGIZING FOR A CRIMINAL. Everyone was young and dumb, yes, but how many of us waved guns, bullied people and showed a total disregard for the law at all times? Bet you’d feel differently if it had been your daughter he’d bought the booze for.
By Jarod
May 12, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Some of you can be sooooo idiotic! The man is human and capable of screwing up (as he has constantly shown) but the Bungals invested in a man’s talent; not his off field abilities. Sure it would be nice to have Mr Nice guy 24/7 but in reality we ALL SCREW up and off. This was a mistake; some team/coach/fan base will embrace him and he will pay off dividends as a “sports figure”, not some sort of superhero we think we need.
By rick k
May 12, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Have any of you ever been young and dumb? I know I have. He’s just a young kid who doesnt have the brains to do the smart thing. He gets drunk and gets into trouble. Sounds like me when I was 22. He’ll mature. just a matter of when.
By rick k
May 12, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Have any of you ever been young and dumb? I know I have. He’s just a young kid who doesnt have the brains to do the smart thing. He gets drunk and gets into trouble. Sounds like me when I was 18. He’ll mature. just a matter of when.
By Rob
May 12, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
That is possibly the DUMBEST sports article I’ve ever read. And I frequent sportingnews.com, so I know dumb sports takes. How can you defend the guy? Who cares if he’s innocent THIS time? He should have been cut looooooooooong ago. Ask the valet at Newport on the Levee about what a caring and good hearted guy Chris Henry is. He’s a supremely gifted PUNK and is in the process of squandering those considerable blessings. He didn’t just let his teammates down, he’s let himself down.
By Tony
May 12, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Glad he is gone, These guys make all this money and still act stupid. He will not be missed because he was afraid to go to the middle and catch the ball. He would shy away from catching the ball when he knew he was ging to get hit. Now lets also get rid of Chad and the team will be better off with the one and only T.J. H
See ya Chrissy
By hakko936
May 12, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
C’mon “Big C”! Chris Henry had his shot to straighten up and fly right and all indications are he blew it. Sure, he could plea out and look as if he is innocent of the charges. Have you heard anyone say Henry didn’t do this? Short of the “not guilty” plea, there hasn’t been a denial of the accusations against him. A “not guilty” plea only allows it the time to move to trial or reach a plea agreement in the case. It really does not serve as a denial of charges.
By Mike Holly
May 12, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
I think Chris Henry needs to be dumped in a maximum security prison and left there. He’s a vicious thug who does not belong on the Bengals team.
By Doco
May 12, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
If it’s not what it seems then why doesn’t he explain himself?! I was expecting something new and informative in this article based on the title but it’s pretty worthless. He could be innocent, but his pattern of behavior forced the Bengals to remove any benefit of doubt that they afforded him in the past. Obviously Big C feels sorry for him, but it’s hard for me to.
By Daniel
May 12, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Buffalooooooooooooooooooooo needs you Henry. So cut the Sh!t
By TRapp
May 12, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Are you kidding me? This has to be the funniest article ever - I guess you haven’t followed this guys antics from almost the minute he was drafted.I can still remember his mother being thankful that he was drafted by the Bengals because she thought Marvin would be a positive influence and a disciplinarian on him. Pointing a gun at a 15 year old in Florida.Shoving a valet in Newport?This guy is the classic prima dona sports figure-“Do you know who I am?” This guy was given every shot and blew it
By bob
May 12, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
enablers like “big c” are part of the problem with people like henry. imagine how different his life could be if he was taught early in life that wrong doing would not be tolerated by family, teachers, and coaches.
By G Man
May 12, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Henry has been a low-life since birth, it’s never going to change! Look at him when he was in WVa ? ?
He should get a job as a gas jockey, that is what he is capable of doing now!!!
By roy "o"
May 12, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
No. Bad press is bad press. With allthe goings on for the past 2 years the Bengals finally had to take a stand. the Bengals needed to show the NFL Commissioner that they can “right their ship”. Otherwise the Commissioner could take more “steps” against the Team. Good person & great player or not…it was time for Chris Henry to go. No one person is larger or more important than the Team.
By Jamie
May 12, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
I would love to see him in Buffalo….as long as he has grown from his mistakes. Hes obviously very talented.
Good luck Chris!