The Bengals have scored their first victory of 2001, at least in contract dealings. And it sets a precedent that could reverberate throughout the NFL.

        The team's “loyalty” clause, the so-called Carl Pickens Clause, has been upheld by an arbitrator, the NFL said Monday. The clause would allow the team to take away all or part of a player's signing bonus if he publicly criticizes team officials, coaches or teammates.

        Arbitrator Richard Bloch's decision, dated Jan. 17, was released by the NFL on Monday. A hearing was held Dec.14 to settle the differences, which pitted the NFL Players' Association (on behalf of Bengals players) vs. the NFL Management Council (Bengal management).

        The clause is named for Pickens, the former Bengal receiver who publicly ripped the team in December 1999 after the Bengals announced coach Bruce Coslet would be retained for 2000.

        Bengals President Mike Brown referred comment Monday toTroy Blackburn, the team's director of business development.

        “It's a very important decision, and this isn't meant as just a loyalty clause,” Blackburn said. “It involves a player performing his contract. What if a player retires, like Barry Sanders? Or if he tries to force a trade, and you've invested $11 million in him like we did with Akili (Smith)?

        “What this means is that fans can be assured the player is on the roster and performing to the best of his ability.”

        Richard Berthelsen, NFLPA union counsel, said the clause was an attempt by the Bengals to impose greater discipline than is already allowed by the NFL's collective bargaining agreement.

        “We think it's the wrong decision,” Berthelsen said.

        Blackburn said the clause would probably be part of “most” future Bengal contracts, depending on individual situations.

        Several Bengal players reluctantly agreed to the clause last year, notably veteran tackle Willie Anderson and most of the rookies.

Bengals withheld tickets from sale Bengals' loyalty clause upheld Palmer step closer to Bengals

UC's Satterfield not worried about slump
Xavier women climb polls
DAUGHERTY: Ravens 'D' no dazzle, all danger
Giants defense not offended by snubs
Giants have a curfew, Ravens don't
Super Bowl list
Super Bowl Notebook
Florence council hesitant to fund ballpark
Miami 77, Western Michigan 50
Kentucky needs to regain toughness
New Mexico 110, Stuff 106
Boys basketball coverage
Girls basketball coverage
Cincinnati boys basketball games
Cincinnati girls basketball games
N.Ky. boys basketball games
N.Ky. girls basketball games
Ohio boys basketball polls
Kentucky boys basketball poll
Boys basketball schedule
Girls basketball schedule
Ohio boys basketball scores
Ohio girls basketball scores
Indiana boys basketball scores
Indiana girls basketball scores
Kentucky boys basketball scores
Kentucky girls basketball scores
Kentucky girls basketball poll
Cincinnati high school results
Cincinnati gymnastics honor roll

• Return to Bengals front page...