Thu Apr 3 12:12:02 2008

Comment | Email | Print

Bengals release troubled WR Henry

---

Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - The Cincinnati Bengals waived Chris Henry on Thursday, just hours after the troubled wide receiver surrendered to police after being accused of punching an 18-year-old man in the face.

Assault and criminal damaging warrants were issued in Hamilton County, Ohio for Henry's arrest on Wednesday and he turned himself in early Thursday morning.

Henry was booked into the Hamilton County Justice Center and charged with misdemeanor assault and criminal damaging. An initial court appearance was scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

The 24-year old West Virginia product is accused of punching Gregory Meyer in the head and throwing a beer bottle at Meyer's car, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

"Chris Henry has forfeited his opportunity to pursue a career with the Bengals," team president Mike Brown said in a release. "His conduct can no longer be tolerated.

"The Bengals tried for an extended period of time to support Chris and his potentially bright career. We had hoped to guide him toward an appropriate standard of personal responsibility that this community would support and that would allow him to play in the NFL. We acknowledge those fans who had concerns about Chris; at the same time we tried to help a young man.

"But those efforts end today, as we move on with what is best for our team."

Henry missed half of the 2007 NFL season with a suspension for his continued run-ins with the law. His brushes include possession of marijuana and providing alcohol to minors.

Henry caught 21 passes for 343 yards and two touchdowns last season after being reinstated.