By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of training camp

GEORGETOWN, Ky. - Corey Dillon was eight hours late for training camp on Sunday, but he arrived to find he had an additional job description.

Coach Marvin Lewis, after explaining Monday that a flight problem caused Dillon's delay, said he wants Dillon to become more of a leader on the team.

"We are asking him to take over the leadership and assert himself as one of our best players and take the responsibility of that position," Lewis said after the team's first of two Monday practices. "He has to have something to go out there and battle about each day to keep his spirit. That is the fun of it for him."

Dillon said if Lewis wants leadership - vocal or otherwise from him - he would do his best to provide it.

"I lead by example," said Dillon, a three-time Pro Bowl running back and the team's marquee player. "I've been doing that for six years going on seven. If that's what Coach Lewis wants, that's what Coach Lewis gets."

Lewis' challenge for Dillon appears to be part of the rookie head coach's effort to help Dillon lift his game off the field to what he has achieved on the field. Dillon is one of just four running backs in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in each of his first six seasons.

After Dillon was the only player under contract to miss April's voluntary minicamp, Dillon showed up at the voluntary May camp and apologized to Lewis and his teammates through the media.

On Monday morning, on his own volition, Dillon apologized to his teammates and coaches for his tardiness.

"I'm a man," he said. "I got to step up. I didn't feel like I had to do it. But I wanted to do it, just so they could get the understanding that I wasn't trying to disrespect any players or coaches. I apologized and let them know it won't happen again."

Dillon arrived late at the Seattle airport Sunday and could not get himself and his luggage through security quickly enough to make his flight. He said he asked the airline if he could take the early flight and send his bags along later. He was told no.

"You know the situation in airports nowadays," Dillon said. "You have to respect it."

He tried to call coaches in their Paul Brown Stadium offices but only got voicemail. Coaches and most of the organization's employees already were in Georgetown.

Already at camp, where players were to report between noon and 3 p.m., neither Lewis nor running backs coach Jim Anderson heard from Dillon.

"Although we are disappointed his flight didn't work out, we are glad that he is here now and ready to play," Lewis said Monday. "Any time a player is missing, you are concerned."

Under NFL rules, the Bengals can fine Dillon up to $5,000 a day for an unexcused training camp absence. Lewis said he would handle the situation internally and would not say whether he was going to level a penalty.

Dillon, who is entering the third season of a five-year, $27 million contract, said he is ready for whatever Lewis decides.

"I'm not scared. If they're going to fine me, fine. Let's get it over with and move on," he said. "I'm not really going to miss $5,000 any way, $5,000, big deal, OK, fine me and let's keep moving."

Dillon showed no ill effects of his late arrival during Monday's practices. He grabbed a tipped ball away from linebacker Kevin Hardy in an isolation drill. And on running plays, Dillon brought out his straight arm for defensive backs in what were atypically physical practices for recent Bengals teams.

And while much was made of the improved physical condition of many Bengals players, Dillon arrived in his typical game-ready shape.

"Corey has been great to work with," said Lewis, who now is asking Dillon to share that hard-earned wisdom more frequently and openly with his teammates.

Training camp today

Practice: Open to the public, 8:45 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Admission: Free

Parking: $10 per car; $25 per bus

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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