Bengals Cedric Benson and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Have "Productive Discussion" On Thursday

Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday to discuss, among other things, what happened the now infamous night in which Benson was charged for assault after being "sucker punched", as Marvin Lewis staunchly defends. Mothership writer Geoff Hobson got in touch with Benson's agent, David Cornwell about the meeting.

David Cornwell, the lawyer for Bengals running back Cedric Benson, confirmed via text Thursday evening they met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in New York City about the assault charge in Austin, Texas. He’s not sure if Goodell will make a call before the season or wait to see if the case is resolved in court.

“The Commissioner and Cedric had a frank and productive discussion regarding the benefits of playing in the NFL as well as the price to enjoy those benefits,” Cornwell wrote. “Cedric is his best advocate and I believe the Commissioner was pleased with their discussion.”

While all of the evidence points to Benson acting in self-defense, I would be a bit surprised if Goodell didn't at least fine Benson -- if not a one game suspension -- to remove the precedence of future assault charges being appealed as self-defense acts. You just get the feeling that Goodell wants no part in having wiggle room with players in the Personal Conduct Policy.