Some unfinished business from Sunday’s Bengals-Patriots game:
Kudos to Marvin Lewis for sitting Chris Henry. The Bengals coach deactivated the team’s troubled wide receiver after Henry, and practice squad member Reggie McNeal, were passengers in Odell Thurman’s SUV the Monday before. Thurman was charged with DUI and has been suspended for the season. According to the police report, Henry stuck his head out the window and vomited on the side of the SUV. Given Henry’s past brushes with the law, this was the final straw. Lewis banished Henry to street clothes on the Cincinnati sideline during the Bengals’ 38-13 loss.
But a thumbs down to Lewis for the way he handled the issue with the media afterward. When asked about the move, Lewis responded that he would only talk about the 45 players he could dress. When asked if Henry wasn’t one of his best 45 players, Lewis said "not today." I like Lewis, but the answer was pure Marvin. First of all, it was disingenuous. Second of all, it insults everyone’s intelligence, including that of the head coach. Lewis is no dummy. Why not just say, "In light of what happened, I felt like it was the right thing to do." Case closed. It’s not that hard.
I couldnt disagree more. Given the media’s repeated criticism (warranted and unwarranted) why should Marvin discuss Chris Henry.
He wasnt part of the game. If you wanna talk about the game ask any question you want. But discipline issues should be handled in house, not in the media. Frankly, Its none of your business or mine.