Bengals roll the dice on Mixon
Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon is headed to Cincinnati, which added to its reputation for taking chances on players with significant off-field issues.
The Bengals traded down in the second round Friday and took Mixon with the 48th overall pick, putting them back in the spotlight as a place known for giving second and third chances.
The 5-foot-10 running back was one of the top players available at his position, but teams were wary because of his history. Mixon was suspended for his freshman season after punching a female student and breaking bones in her face.
The crowd in Philadelphia booed when Mixon’s selection was announced. Coach Marvin Lewis said the team was aware of public reaction to the pick.
“For some of our fans, probably (they’ll) pause for a second,” Lewis said. “But this thing’s got to move forward, and he’s got to move on. He’s lived with this since the day it’s occurred.”
Bengals owner Mike Brown is known for taking troubled players. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict signed after no team was willing to draft him, and he’s been suspended for his history of illegal hits. Cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones was arrested again in the off-season and faces misdemeanor charges, but the team has stuck with him.
And now all the attention will be on their new running back, who fills a hole in the offense and puts the team’s reputation back on the line.
Mixon punched Amelia Molitor and broke bones in her face during an altercation in July 2014, prompting his one-year suspension. He returned and had two impressive seasons, turning into an all-Big 12 performer while setting a school record for all-purpose yards in a season.
Cincinnati needed a running back after Rex Burkhead — who also was used as a slot receiver — left for New England. Plus, Giovani Bernard is recovering from a torn ACL, raising doubts about depth at the position.
The choice of Mixon opened some eyes. Video of his punch was released in December.
“I don’t know who isn’t disgusted with what they saw,” Lewis said. “But that was one day in the young man’s life. He gets the opportunity to move forward and write his script from here on.”
Browns cut Barnidge: The Cleveland Browns released veteran tight end Gary Barnidge, one of their most productive players the past four years.
Barnidge made 134 catches for 1,655 yards over the last two seasons.
He signed a three-year extension with the Browns during his 2015 Pro Bowl season, when he had 79 receptions for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns.
The 31-year-old Barnidge has played eight seasons in the NFL.