Check out this interesting story about Chinedum Ndukwe from Bengals.com

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=6732

It seems as though Pacman Jones is applying for reinstatement tomorrow.  Here we go again.  Pacman has been in more trouble than Chris Henry, if that is even possible.  Should Roger Goodell let Pacman back into the league? Despite his issues, I believe he deserves another chance. I mean this is America where people get second, third, fourth, and even fifth chance (especially those as talented as Pacman.)  I know Henry isn’t the best example, but he got another chance.  After he served his 8-game suspension last season he came onto the Bengals and was fairly productive. 21 catches for 343 yards and 2 TDs.  So letting Pacman back into the league would not be a travesty.  If history repeats itself we could be looking at another Henry here (who also went to West Virginia – coincidence? Maybe.)  Or he could turn his life around, stay out of trouble and lead a decent career. We shall find out in the coming months or years.

On a side note, while taking into consideration the Pacman reinstatement possibilities, I reflected on Odell Thurman’s situation.  He was suspended for technically two years because, I think, Roger Goodell wanted to make an example out of him.  Two years for a DUI, ridiculous.  Unless there was an unpublicized event (and how often does that happen with celebrities) that led to this, the length of suspension appalls me.  We should find out in the coming days whether or not Odell will be back, and he better be.  The decision will completely affect the Bengals strategy in the draft.  I hear chatter about them possibly taking a linebacker in the early rounds, which probably would be less likely if Thurman was reinstated. 

At the NFL Owners' Meetings many rule changes were made. Luckily, the proposal for reseeding the playoff teams based on records alone was withdrawn before it even reached the voting process. That is a good thing for the league. Despite Jacksonville getting screwed two years in a row--being in the AFC South, a division dominated by Indianapolis--having to play at Pittsburgh last year and at New England the year prior. Sure the current system is flawed, but the proposed system would take away the luster of winning your division. The most exciting part of a season is the last couple weeks when division races are hot, and well of course the quagmire that is wild card races.

Other rules that were passed are:

• Eliminating forceout receptions (a receiver now must get in both feet regardless of being pushed out by a defender)
• Allowing teams to differ their decision to the second half after winning the coin toss
• Making field goals and extra points reviewable plays
• Any direct snap from center untouched by the quarterback will now be ruled a fumble (opposed to the previous rule of a false start)
• There will no longer be a 5-yard facemask penalty. Only the more serious 15-yard grabbing and twisting of the facemask will be called

Additionally, the owners approved the use of communication devices in the helmet of defensive players (which may even the playing field).

What would have been an interesting scenario--last year's national championship teams meeting in the NIT championship--will not come to order. As Florida was unable to hold on to their 7-point halftime lead.  In a month that has had many 2nd half comebacks this was not suprising, especially since Massachusetts overcame a 19 point halftime defiecit to reach this game against Florida beating Syracuse 81-77.  The Gators fell to the Minutemen 78-66 in a game much closer than the final score indicates. Massachusetts awaits the winner of Ohio State and Mississippi (let's hope Andy Kennedy can win and rub some more glory in Zimpher's face.)

KEEP SEAN MILLER AT X!!!!