Thursday, July 31, 2003
Bengals notebook: Georgetown wants Bengals back
Club, school to meet on future
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
GEORGETOWN, Ky. - Bengals and Georgetown College officials will meet next week to discuss a possible training camp return.
The team's seven-year contract expires after the current camp, but Georgetown athletic director Eric Ward said Wednesday the college would like the Bengals back.
"The college is definitely committed to trying to keep the Bengals in Georgetown," Ward told the Enquirer.
The meeting will be next Wednesday or Thursday.
"Everything at camp is going fine," Bengals business manager Bill Connelly said. "The people at the college are great to work with and we look forward to getting together with them to discuss the future."
Ward said the college will show the Bengals all of their expenses and wants the team to "pay us what it costs to put on camp."
Ward said the Georgetown athletic department would like to share revenue from parking, concessions and sponsorships with the rest of the college. Georgetown has struggled to break even because of poor camp attendance.
ISN'T THAT SPECIAL: Marvin Lewis continues to concentrate on special teams. The morning practice included live extra-point and field-goal kicking. The majority of the afternoon practice featured punt coverage and return work.
Peter Warrick has been elevated to the No. 1 punt returner.
"Peter can show all the things he's worked hard on this offseason," Lewis said.
FULL-TIME: Less than 24 hours after signing a four-year contract, rookie left guard Eric Steinbach got his first taste of a full-pad practice. He was inserted with the first- team offense.
"I'm a little rusty, but that's to be expected the first day in pads," Steinbach said. "It was a little hot, but as practices go along, I have a chance to work on those things."
Rookie wide receiver Kelley Washington, the Bengals' third-round pick, remains the only unsigned player.
"He obviously falls behind," Lewis said of Washington. "Our guys have worked hard. Danny Farmer has impressed with what he has done. Ron Dugans is out here. Ron and Danny have already proven their value in the NFL."
RUMBLES: Right tackle Willie Anderson scuffled with defensive end Carl Powell in the morning practice. On the next play, strong safety Marquand Manuel and tight end Reggie Kelly pushed each other after the whistle.
That's when Lewis yelled, "Cut the after-the-snap stuff."
Later, Lewis was asked how he maintains order without curbing aggressiveness: "Pat them on the back and tell them to go back to the huddle and knock their head off on the next play. You can't do it on Sunday, so why practice it? Don't even allow it in the mindset.
"If it happens on Sunday, it will cost us 15 yards, and that's a selfish penalty. It doesn't do any good. It's a sign of a bad, mediocre football team and not a championship team."
HOT ONE: The heat index during the afternoon practice was 110. Lewis had scheduled just a one-hour afternoon practice following the taxing morning practice. The two-hour, 15-minute morning practice ended with the entire team running three gassers - sprints across the field that cover 106 yards.
CUT: The Bengals waived rookie offensive tackle Garry Johnson, who had signed May 2 as a college free agent out of Arkansas State.
E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com
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