Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson played the first two weeks of the NFL season after leaving jail earlier this month, but he might miss some time if the NFL is successful in suspending him for violations during the offseason.
Benson is facing a three-game suspension for conduct violations during the lockout, ESPN reported.
Sources told ESPN’s John Clayton that Benson will have a hearing on Tuesday, where he will have a chance to appeal his suspension. If the appeal doesn’t go his way, Benson will be suspended for the next three games, Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports said on Twitter. But the 1-1 Bengals can look forward to having him on the roster for Sunday’s game against San Francisco.
After serving five days in a Texas jail, Benson was released on Sept. 3 after settling two assault cases.
Benson was cited for assaulting a former roommate during the lockout, and in 2010 he was arrested for allegedly hitting an employee in an Austin Bar.
In August, Benson plead no contest to assault in the Austin Bar case, and agreed to a 20-day sentence. He had that sentence reduced after doing some work in jail: Benson mopped floors and assisted paint crews, his attorney said in a statement after his release.
He was originally going to serve the sentence during the Bengals bye week, but decided to serve it prior to the season opener.
The 28-year-old running back ran for 121 yards in the Bengals Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Browns. He rushed for 59 yards the following week in a loss to the Denver Broncos.
In 2010, Benson rushed for 1,111 yards and scored seven touchdowns. This is his fourth season with the Bengals.
