http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/1265 Recent articles about LeCharles Bentley en-us Ravens fans remember the glory days of recently retired offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden Donte Stallworth is making a good impression on the Cleveland Browns Bengals Minicamp wraps up Myron Cope is up above watching…as a giant mass in outer space Phillip Rivers' temper tantrums and hissy fits are being revisited LeCharles Bentley could end up in purple and gold Brandon Jackson has put on some weight in an attempt to see the field again Here are the 10 top draft busts by Da Bears The Texans have made their way onto the Fan Sided network with the new blog, Toro Times.  Let's welcome John to the community as well, as he is the blogger for the new site.  Also, this makes me not the newest blogger on the site now. Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:36:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278017 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278017 Here's your quick background on the Bentley. He was drafted in '02 and quickly became a Pro Bowl center with the Saints. By 2006, he was one of the top free agents on the market (Drew Brees was another), and the Browns signed him to a big deal. Given the Browns' luck, [...] Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:14:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277491 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277491 Here's your quick background on the Bentley. He was drafted in '02 and quickly became a Pro Bowl center with the Saints. By 2006, he was one of the top free agents on the market (Drew Brees was another), and the Browns signed him to a big deal. Given the Browns' luck, [...] Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:14:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277491 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277491 I'm hoping that this is the last time that we have to talk about LeCharles Bentley, as what looks like a mutual agreement on paper apparently has a lot more behind it. Today, ProFootballTalk published a small piece on the subject, and used some not-kind words to describe the organization's feelings about the once-heralded center. Per a league source, the Browns released Bentley due to a case of mutual loathing. "It was a bad deal," the source said. "Player hated team, team hated player." The Browns had to wait for Bentley to pass a physical before cutting him loose, in order to avoid any grievances. Once he passed the physical, he was out the door. "He had been a major pain in the ass," the source said. "Non-compliant, out of town, on his own schedule. He never endeared himself to the brass or his teammates." In the words of Lloyd Christmas, "I didn't even see it coming." But instead of a sweet old lady on a motorized cart, Bentley pocketed nearly $17 million from the Browns. As fans, we were figuratively kept waiting in limbo, waiting to see what would happen with what would have been the prize signing of 2006. Rumors circulated regarding a pre-existing condition that simply bubbled up during that first day of practice. Obviously, no one expected the staph infection and life-threatening situation that would follow, but it is still a very bitter pill to swallow. On the outside, he was a guy that wanted to play for his home town; a feel-good story. Ohip State and St. Ignatius fans and alumni may still be a fan of Bentley, and this is understandable. But on the inside, he was reportedly selfish, aloof and uncompromising. There is obviously two sides to every story, but as of right now, Bentley isn't being painted very kindly and the brushstrokes are definitely broad. But whether all of this stems from a disagreement regarding medical practices, or playing time, it wouldn't surprise me if there are a lot of you out there saying "good riddance." Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:30:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277214 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277214 Matt Birk's days in Minnesota may be more numbered than we thought…if we are to take seriously the bit of speculation thrown out by ProFootballTalk about former Browns center LeCharles Bentley being signed to take Birk's place. A little background:  Bentley, a one-time Ohio State Buckeye, was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints, for whom he went to two Pro Bowls.  He then signed a 6-year, $36 million contract to return to Ohio as a member of the Browns.  Unfortunately, Bentley would never play a down for Cleveland.  He suffered a serious knee injury during camp ahead of the 2006 season, then contracted a near-fatal staph infection in the same knee.  He would end up missing the entire 2007 season as well. Bentley was hoping to make a comeback with the Browns in 2008.  Such a comeback would've required him to beat out starting center Hank Fraley however…a long-shot given the four-year deal the Browns signed Fraley to before the 2007 season. Having read the writing on the wall, Bentley asked for and was given his release by the Browns.  The PFT story asserts that Bentley and his agent must've had something else lined up, or it would've been foolish for them to force their way out of Cleveland hence destroying their chance to showcase Bentley's recovery to other teams.  PFT cast around for a shaky center situation somewhere in the NFL and came up with the Vikings, who have yet to offer a contract extension to Birk, who is set to become a free agent at the end of 2008. PFT's proposal:  Bentley could be signed to an incentive-laden contract, then compete with Birk in training camp.  Should Bentley show himself proficient, Birk could be let go.  The Vikings would then have a younger player in Bentley…who, by the way, did pass his physical the other day in Cleveland. Sounds good…except that Bentley is playing on a knee that was basically eaten away by a staph infection.  Birk has become the butt of jokes in Minnesota for all the sports hernia surgeries he's had over the years, but none of his physical ailments have been nearly as serious as almost having a leg chopped off. Plus there's the leadership void that would be created by the jettisoning of Birk.  And the fact that you're trying to bring along a young QB in Tarvaris Jackson…meaning now is probably not the best time to be switching centers. Even if Bentley did manage to outplay Birk in camp, there are intangibles that make Birk more attractive for this team at this time.  The only reason to take a chance on Bentley would be as a long-term guy…and in that regard he is a shaky proposition.  It makes more sense to leave Birk in there one more year, knowing you'll get solid work, and then deal with the center situation after the season. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:19:54 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277130 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277130 In a truly bizarre story the Browns and LeCharles Bentley have parted ways, just one day after he made his comeback to the club. Bentley skipped today's practice to ask team officials for his release, which was granted to him. Apparently Bentley was unhappy at the thought of being designated to a backup role with the team. Bentley Joined the team two years ago after being drafted out of The Ohio State University by the New Orleans Saints, and making two Pro Bowls at center. Bentley is also a native Clevelander, who went to local powerhouse St. Ignatius. Many fans, including myself, where ecstatic when the Browns made the move to get him. Sadly though he never saw a down with the team. Yesterday when asked how he felt about rejoining the team and what kinds of emotions he had Bentley was quoted as saying, "…really wasn't as emotional as one might think." LeCharles was also quoted as saying that he would be, "…playing somewhere, starting, in '08." Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:42:57 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276992 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276992 Team doctors have cleared LeCharles Bentley to finally play again, it's been 23 month since Bentley last saw any real action and that was a training camp. Bentley will most likely help the team out in a reserve role, filling in at center and possibly guard. Romeo Crennel said that Bentley will be out on the field, "On a limited basis." Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:41:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276560 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276560 Team doctors have cleared LeCharles Bentley to finally play again, it's been 23 month since Bentley last saw any real action and that was a training camp. Bentley will most likely help the team out in a reserve role, filling in at center and possibly guard. Romeo Crennel said that Bentley will be out on the field, "On a limited basis." Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:41:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276560 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276560 Joining LeCharles Bentley and the rest of the Browns in today's initial minicamp was tight end Kellen Winslow. Though he didn't participate in drills, he was seen "bouncing around" practice. The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi exclaimed that one would never know that Winslow is a man that has undergone four surgeries on his right knee. This is great news on two fronts. One, Winslow is attending minicamp, so all worries of a possible holdout seem to be diminishing. And two, those concerned about the continuing wear and tear on his knee may feel a little better about the situation. I'm not sure how many more surgeries he can go through given the fact that it's near protocol for this guy in the off-season, but it looks like we'll have one of our biggest weapons in tow from the get-go. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:26:32 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276543 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276543 Well, LeCharles Bentley has undergone his physical but team officials are keeping the results under wraps for the until later today, before the team opens minicamp.  When the official word comes out, you know that we well pass it on. Kellen Winslow is also in town, and he's ready to go for this week's minicamp.  So all you out there worried that he would hold out and not show up you can relax now.  In my opinion I believe that Winslow and his agent Drew Rosenhaus will more likely pursue a new deal after this coming season, one in which I fully expect Winslow to out preform last years' totals. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:36:32 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276319 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276319 Well, LeCharles Bentley has undergone his physical but team officials are keeping the results under wraps for the until later today, before the team opens minicamp.  When the official word comes out, you know that we well pass it on. Kellen Winslow is also in town, and he's ready to go for this week's minicamp.  So all you out there worried that he would hold out and not show up you can relax now.  In my opinion I believe that Winslow and his agent Drew Rosenhaus will more likely pursue a new deal after this coming season, one in which I fully expect Winslow to out preform last years' totals. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:36:32 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276319 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276319 The Browns are slated to start mandatory minicamp this Tuesday. The minicamp will consist of 5 practices, two of which will be two-a-days, before breaking until the start of training camp.  Two notables who have been absent from the OTA's who are expected to show up are Kellen Winslow, who is rehabbing in San Diego, and LeCharles Bentley, who will undergo a physical Monday to see how his knee has healed. Sun, 08 Jun 2008 22:40:25 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/275943 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/275943 That's right all you Madden junkies out there the team and player ratings where recently leaked and this year the Browns are an 88 overall (at least in Madden's eyes). The rest of the AFC North shakes up like this: Pittsburgh - 94 BROWNS - 88 Baltimore - 81 Cincinnati - 80 Players of note include (highest to lowest): Joe Thomas - 97 Kellen Winslow - 97 Braylon Edwards - 95 Eric Steinbach – 95 Shaun Rodgers - 94 Kevin Shaffer - 93 Lawrence Vickers - 92 Jamal Lewis – 90 Corey Williams – 90 Shaun Smith - 89 Hank Fraley - 89 Derek Anderson - 88 Rex Hadnot – 88 Kamerion Wimbley - 88 Robaire Smith - 87 Sean Jones - 87 Willie McGinest - 85 D'Qwell Jackson - 85 Donte Stallworth - 85 Ryan Tucker – 84 Andra Davis - 84 Brodney Pool - 84 Eric Wright – 84 Leon Williams - 83 Brandon McDonald - 82 LeCharles Bentley - 82 Joe Jurevicius - 82 Brady Quinn - 82 Steve Heiden - 79 Jason Wright - 77 Gary Baxter - 77 Hopefully this year's version of the game isn't chalk full of glitches like years past. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:37:02 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/274352 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/274352 No I am not referring to the Derek Anderson - Brady Quinn saga, that is.  Nope it's the good old Kellen Winslow contract dispute rumors.  Phil Savage, at an event, was asked about the possibly of reworking Kellen's deal.  Winslow and his camp want a deal similar to Indianapolis Colts TE Dallas Clark (6 years - $42 million).  The most Savage would say though was, that at this current time the Browns do not have too much cap room, and that he feels good about Kellen showing up to camp on time. Another piece to pass along, LeCharles Bentley will undergo a physical on Monday, to see how his knee has healed.  So hopefully there is a possibility that we could finally see him suited up on the sidelines in '08, even in a backup role. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:37:02 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/274353 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/274353 If you look back at this draft you can see some of these picks are by default. This was definitely a terrible quarterback class as Carr isn't even that great but compared to the rest of the guys he looks like a stud. It was also a weak class for linebackers. Lets just say except for some defensive players this wasn't that great a draft. Offense QB: David Carr Round 1 Pick 1 RB: Clinton Portis Round 2 Pick 51 RB: Brian Westbrook Round 3 Pick 91 WR: Javon Walker Round 1 Pick 20 WR: Deion Branch Round 2 Pick 65 TE: Jeremy Shockey Round 1 Pick 14 T: Bryant McKinnie Round 1 Pick 7 G: Kendall Simmons Round 1 Pick 30 C: LeCharles Bentley Round 2 Pick 44 G: Toniu Fonoti Round 2 Pick 39 T: Levi Jones Round 1 Pick 10 Defense DE: Dwight Freeney Round 1 Pick 11 DT: Rocky Bernard Round 5 Pick 146 DT: John Henderson Round 1 Pick 9 DE: Julius Peppers Round 1 Pick 2 LB: Larry Foote Round 4 Pick 128 LB: Napoleon Harris Round 1 Pick 23 LB: David Thornton Round 4 Pick 106 CB: Lito Sheppard Round 1 Pick 26 CB: Brian Williams Round 4 Pick 105 S: Roy Williams Round 1 Pick 8 S: Ed Reed Round 1 Pick 24 Sun, 08 Jul 2007 02:35:19 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/18980 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/18980