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CINCINNATI — We turn our attention now to the heavyweight rematch between Bengals offensive tackle Levi Jones and Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Joey Porter. The two NFL players brawled at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on March 19, and, at some point on Sunday, Jones will block Porter when their teams collide in the season finale at Dolphin Stadium. A video surveillance tape of the incident showed Porter and several men in his entourage attack Jones. Porter pleaded no contest in court to a misdemeanor battery charge and paid a $1,000 fine. Porter was later fined three game checks — $141,176 — by the NFL for his role in the fight.
Which brings us to Sunday. "All they (the media) want is 'David vs. Goliath,' " Jones said on Wednesday. "They don't want 'the army vs. Goliath.' That doesn't make for a good headline. "(Dolphins defensive end) Jason Taylor is my focus. He's the player I've got to face and the only one I'm worried about. He (Porter) is going to be over there on my side. They show the stunts and whatever they do with their fronts. I'll probably face about five different players." Jones was asked if his rivalry with Porter stems from Pittsburgh, where Porter played for eight seasons (1999-2006) before signing with the Dolphins in 2007. "Nobody knows where that stems from except for him ... and (his) army," Jones said. Miami head coach Cam Cameron said the Dolphins "addressed that a long time ago, and that issue is over." Added Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis: "This is going to be a football game. What went on months ago really doesn't play much into this, and shouldn't. They're both pros, and both fine pros. We have a football game to play, and that's what's important." Bengals defensive captain John Thornton doesn't expect any pregame, on-field incident involving the two combatants. "I don't think either guy would want to sacrifice a game or two next year (with a suspension)," Thornton said. "You know how strict the commissioner is. Both guys are professional enough not to let that (feud) spill onto the field. That would be stupid."
Next game
Who: Cincinnati Bengals (6-9) at Miami Dolphins (1-14) When: 1 p.m. Sunday
Dayton Daily News http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/bengals/2007/12/26/ddn122707bengals.html |
