Access Denied: Thurman to spend 2007 at home

The Bengals will be without linebacker Odell Thurman for the foreseeable future, as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ruled to continue his suspension through the 2007 season. Read the full story for further details.

Odell Thurman was projected by the Bengals, those close to the team and certainly Thurman himself to be back in action this season after missing the entire 2006 campaign. Everyone, as it turns out, was mistaken.

In keeping with the new 'no-nonsense' policies instituted by commissioner Roger Goodell, Thurman's suspension was continued today through - at a minimum - the 2007 season.

The move is a significant setback in what started out as a promising career for Thurman, who had a fantastic year as a rookie in 2005, totaling 105 tackles, four forced fumbles and five interceptions.

Thurman's camp has yet to comment, although previous indications were that Thurman had complied with the stipulations of the suspension handed down a year ago following a missed drug test and impaired driving charges.

The absence of Thurman will certainly have an effect on the team's defense--a unit that is still struggling to find its identity.

With Thurman's career now in doubt, the play of young Ahmad Brooks and the newly-added Ed Hartwell becomes crucial.

Thurman, meanwhile, will be permitted to re-apply for reinstatement at the end of the season.