Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
The Cincinnati Bengals aren't playing around.
It's evident by the news Monday that Cincinnati released middle linebacker Odell Thurman. But what is surprising is that it wasn't trouble off-the-field that led to his release, according to Thurman's representative Safarrah Lawson.
Thurman was released because he missed too much time during voluntary workouts that was caused by a family issue, Lawson told ESPN.com. Thurman has been dealing with the recent passing of his grandmother, who helped raise him in Monticello, Georgia, and spent a lot of time in recent weeks with his family.
The funeral for Thurman's grandmother was May 12. The Bengals wanted him back last week, and by Monday Thurman was informed he was no longer a member of the team.
The release likely will send shockwaves through the Bengals' locker room that any indiscretion, large or small, will not be tolerated.
Thurman was reinstated by the NFL on April 21.
So let the debate begin: Where will Thurman end up next season?
(Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
