Adam Jones: If Carson Palmer Doesn't Want To Return, "Damn Him"

Cedric Benson thinks he'd be a detriment to the team. Some agree. Others wish Palmer the best while his own brother diplomatically points out that he's a former teammate -- perhaps a deeper indication of Carson's determination to not play for the Cincinnati Bengals if he's not traded, as per his demand in January. Either way, most of Palmer's teammates just hope that the quarterback can find a situation in his life that's best for him.

Bengals cornerback Adam Jones? He just doesn't care.

On 102.3 The Ticket in Denver, Adam Jones was asked about the Carson Palmer situation.

"If Carson don’t want to be here, damn him, period, point blank. I love the city of Cincinnati. His little brother is here working out, which is a good sign. But if you don’t want to be here, I don’t want you here. I want some guys that want to play and want to win, period, point blank and that’s the end of that discussion."

Jones played five games with the Bengals in 2010 before suffering a herniated disc against the Atlanta Falcons on October 24; placed on Injured Reserve two days later. Jones only recently had his neck brace removed and began doing light workouts in early May, now working out at Ignition AGP with guys like Rey Maualuga, Domata Peko and Jerome Simpson among others.

The highlight of Jones' season in 2010 came in the third quarter against the Falcons (read: irony). After sporting a 24-3 deficit at half time, the Bengals exploded for 22 points in the third quarter. First a six-play drive, all completions by Carson Palmer for 88 yards, reduced the Bengals deficit to 24-13 after a 19-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens. Leon Hall intercepted a Matt Ryan pass and Palmer struck gold with a 64-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Shipley. On the very next offensive play by the Falcons, Adam Jones stripped the football from Roddy White and returned the fumble (and by fumble we mean forcibly removed) back into the endzone to give the Bengals a 25-24 lead. A few minutes later, Jones would suffer his injury when the Falcons attempted a two-point version with just over 13 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Jones, heading into the final year of a two-year contract, is the leading successor as the team's starting cornerback if Johnathan Joseph leaves for free agency.