Cincy's suspended LB can train with team while he tries to get reinstated by NFL.

Cincinnati Bengals' suspended middle linebacker Odell Thurman has taken a major step forward in his bid to return to the NFL.  The Bengals announced Saturday that Thurman has been cleared by the NFL to train and work out at the team's Paul Brown Stadium facilities in Cincinnati while he pursues reinstatement from a two-year league suspension.

Thurman, a star rookie in 2005 as a second-round draft pick from the University of Georgia, was suspended for the 2006-07 seasons for violating the NFL's Substance Abuse Policy.  "Odell remains on the league's suspended list, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to meet the conditions for reinstatement," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. "If he is reinstated, he will then have to earn the confidence of our management and coaching staff that he is ready to compete for a roster spot as an active member of our team. "In the meantime, he is allowed to work out with our strength and conditioning, and our training staffs." 

In a news release issued Saturday afternoon, the Bengals said Thurman reported to Paul Brown Stadium late last week to check in with the club's coaching and training staffs, and "he will be working at the facility in days to come. Per team policy regarding players on suspension, he is not cleared to do interviews with news media."  No timetable has been announced by the NFL regarding Thurman's possible reinstatement.

Thurman played in all 17 games in 2005, including postseason, with 16 starts, and led the Bengals in tackles (148) and forced fumbles (4). His five interceptions led NFL rookies while tying the club rookie interception record.

The Bengals' defense hasn't been the same without Thurman, who has endured a tumultuous two years.  He had hoped to be reinstated for the 2007 season, but his petition was denied by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on July 26 — the day players reported to training camp at Georgetown (Ky.) College.

Goodell's decision last July offered Thurman the opportunity to reapply for reinstatement following the 2007 season.  The league suspended Thurman for the first four games of 2006 after he skipped a drug test. The suspension was extended to a full season following his arrest on a drunken driving charge that September.

Thurman pleaded no contest to the charge, and a judge suspended all but six days of a 90-day sentence and ordered Thurman to serve those six days at a treatment center.

Thurman's bid for reinstatement last year was hindered by an incident in June 2007 in his hometown of Monticello, Ga. Two Georgia men accused Thurman of kicking and hitting them at a party, but they dropped their complaint.

Dayton Daily News

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