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        Victor Leyva has a pretty good excuse to miss tonight's mandatory team meeting that ushers in minicamp.

        The second-year Bengals guard will be at the White House, a guest of President Bush and first lady Laura Bush for a Cinco de Mayo reception.

        Leyva is among eight NFL players and coaches invited to the event, which commemorates Mexican independence. Other players invited include Adam Archuleta (St. Louis Rams), Jeff Garcia (San Francisco 49ers), Roberto Garza (Atlanta Falcons) and Zeke Moreno (San Diego Chargers).

        Leyva grew up in Porterville, Calif., but was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and lived there until he was almost 3.

        “This is very exciting for me,” Leyva said. “This will be my first chance to see the sights in Washington, and it's not every day you're invited to the White House, particularly to take part in something that recognizes your heritage. It's very much an honor.”

        The reception will be this afternoon in the East Room. Leyva will return in time for Saturday's workouts.

        EUROPE STARS: Bengals wide receiver Khori Ivy is the leading pass catcher through three games for the F.C. Barcelona Dragons in NFL Europe League play.

        He has 10 catches for 100 yards, as well as four kickoff returns for a 20.5-yard average.

        Ivy is one of three Bengals playing for F.C. Barcelona; Ray Redziniak has started all three games at center, and Randy Chevrier is the long snapper and a reserve defensive lineman. Defensive tackle Mario Monds, who played at the University of Cincinnati, is on Barcelona's roster but is out with a knee injury.

        Barcelona's game against the Rhein Fire will be broadcast at 1 p.m. Saturday on Fox Sports Net. Other Bengals playing in Europe are cornerback Ligarius Jennings (Amsterdam) and linebacker Riall Johnson, who is on Rhein's practice squad.

Stage set as Kitna, Frerotte face off Bengals notes: Leyva makes way to White House NFL notes: Houston Texans claim Travis Prentice

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