jock justice

While you're wondering if the Bengals are unique in dealing with their players' legal troubles -- and in the opinion of many, soft-peddling them -- take a look at the Sean Taylor case in Washington.

Taylor is a big, talented safety who faced up to 46 years in prison after his arrest as a result of a street fight in Miami last June. He'd been accused of brandishing a gun, making threats and starting a fight with people he thought were stealing 2 of his vehicles. The deal he took reduced a felony charge to a simple assault and, according to the Washington Post, essentially took the gun from his hand. Taylor pleaded no contest to misdemeanor assault and battery. He'll face no jail time. The NFL can still impose a suspension, but the Redskins won't. The team will welcome Taylor back. "We're glad Sean's situation seems to be working toward a conclusion,'' coach Joe Gibbs decided.

Justice might work in strange ways when the judged are pro athletes. But the Bengals aren't unique in how they deal with their own cases. Taylor's transgressions sound a lot like Chris Henry's (alleged) offenses. The outcome could be similar. If it is, don't assume the Bengals/Marvin Lewis are moral outlaws. They're just playing the same game everyone else plays.