Cincy Jungle - Bengals Orson Charles arrestedWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2014-04-12T13:08:15-04:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/53379392014-04-12T13:08:15-04:002014-04-12T13:08:15-04:00Charles pleads not guilty, preliminary scheduled
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EJ2ToZUKFsIFUoFrmMFFCc4Y_pw=/0x0:3277x2185/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31523627/20140102_kkt_aw3_379.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Charles, who plead not guilty, faces 1-5 years in prison, according to his attorney. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 23. </p> <p>Cincinnati Bengals H-back (the name for the hybrid fullback and tight end position) <a href="http://www.wtvq.com/content/localnews/story/UPDATE-Bengal-Accused-in-Road-Rage-Incident-Plead/NTxwSNGA8k--iKsNlkQ2_w.cspx">Orson Charles pleaded not guilty in a Madison County courtroom on Friday</a>.</p>
<p>Charles was <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/1/5570078/orson-charles-arrested-monday-night-for-wanton-endangerment">arrested on March 31 and charged with wanton endangerment</a> for, allegedly, a road rage incident. According to another driver, Charles cut him off. After the driver <a href="http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/Bengals-player-pleads-not-guilty-in-road-rage-case-254959171.html">flipped him the bird</a>, the driver said that Charles furnished a <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/12/cincinnati-bengals-fullback-orson-charles-gun-road-rage-not-guilty/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">silver and black Smith and Wesson</a> and <a href="http://www.wtvq.com/content/localnews/story/UPDATE-Bengal-Accused-in-Road-Rage-Incident-Plead/NTxwSNGA8k--iKsNlkQ2_w.cspx">aimed the weapon at him</a>.</p>
<p>Charles faces 1-5 years in prison, according to his attorney. His preliminary <a href="http://www.lex18.com/news/bengals-player-pleads-not-guilty-in-road-rage-incident">hearing is scheduled for April 23</a>.</p>
<p><i>[From a previous posting]</i></p>
<p>Even before losing his cool (and mind) on the I-75, Charles wasn't guaranteed a spot on the team's 2014 roster. Specific to the team's failure to embrace him as a contributor, Charles path for opportunity isn't as enthusiastic as it once was. Because this is his first violation of the league's personnel conduct policy (had a DUI a week before the NFL draft), he may escape any suspensions.</p>
<p>Cincinnati may look to acquire a natural fullback for Hue Jackson anyway, who desires an effective running game that theoretically should feature a good fullback -- rather than using displaced tight ends. If Cincinnati wants to re-acquire Conner, a seventh-round pick to the New York Giants may do it. There are still free agency options, along with Chris Pressley, who hasn't played a down since 2012 when he tore an ACL against the Philadelphia Eagles.</p>
<p>Either way, Charles' Cincinnati career is precarious. The Bengals have publicly admitted a desire to stave off players with character issues but once they're on the team, they're far more forgiving (read: Jones, Adam). It wouldn't be surprising if he's on the roster during training camp this year, but don't write his name into the team's final 2014 roster until early September (if at all).</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/12/5607962/orson-charles-pleads-not-guilty-preliminary-hearing-scheduled-forJosh Kirkendall2014-04-02T16:20:17-04:002014-04-02T16:20:17-04:00Orson Charles Confirms Bengals Need for a FB
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X9uH3YgH87Pl2HY5cwqkVRVh-eY=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31011055/159013177.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Scott Halleran</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bengals should cut ties with Orson Charles and do what they should have done in 2013 - keep a true blocking fullback</p> <p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Orson Charles</span> was finally sighted (er, cited)…unfortunately he showed up on the police blotter brandishing a firearm at a fellow driver (<a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/1/5570412/report-orson-charles-arrest-involved-road-rage-and-a-handgun">allegedly</a>) rather than showing up on the stat sheet. Some players are worth standing behind until the legal process plays itself out. Charles is not one of those.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some crimes are more tolerable than others (i.e. drunk and disorderly citations, etc). Flashing guns at drivers is not one of those.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ever since 2006 when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> had 9 players arrested or suspended, the Bengals have been labeled as criminals/thugs and a franchise that tolerates criminal/thug behavior. As we saw last year on "Hard Knocks," nothing could be further from the truth and the Bengals have come a very long way in terms of player arrests and rebuilding their image since 2006.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, the label still sits just below the surface and is readily recalled whenever a Bengal missteps – in fact, in shameless attempts to grab headlines, ESPN even likes to attach the Bengals name to players who get arrested even though the Bengals were not their current nor most recent team (see <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9724160/former-cincinnati-bengals-linebacker-nate-webster-sentence-reduced">Nate Webster</a>).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When a player as marginal as Charles messes up in such an irresponsible manner, it cannot be tolerated and swift actions need to be taken from the front office.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The sad part is (from a roster standpoint at least), Gresham most likely will leave in free agency after the 2014 season and I had high hopes for Charles and thought he could step in as the primary blocking tight end. Unfortunately, Charles has forced the Bengals hand and should never get that chance…not with this team at least.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What this arrest should do is end the debate of whether the Bengals should go with a traditional fullback on the 2014 roster or continue with Charles. Cut Charles and bring in a real fullback. Particularly one that is good enough that coaches don’t feel the need to use DTs and TEs to take his snaps.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Particularly one that can be seen in the backfield on Sunday’s rather than hanging out in the back seat of Hue Jackson’s car while he warms Hue’s car seats. And particularly one that is aware of the fact that Cincinnati is not the Wild Wild West and I-75 is not the Oregon Trail.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/2/5572654/orson-charles-confirms-bengals-fb-fullbackScott Bantel2014-04-02T09:20:03-04:002014-04-02T09:20:03-04:00Orson Charles' cloudy future with the Bengals
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ywh85cN_MuLABaAuQoU9eSknfgM=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31025993/20140108_kkt_aw3_677.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Charles, the team's fourth-round selection in the 2012 NFL draft, played 67 offensive snaps in 12 games played last year -- of which 37 were against the Baltimore Ravens in week 17 when Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert rested with injuries.
</p> <p>The future of Orson Charles is murky, at best.</p>
<p>Having spent most last year's training camp on the proverbial roster bubble, Charles was "saved" for the 53-man roster because the coaches viewed him as being the more versatile. He could catch the football, block defensive linemen and play special teams. For a team that desires versatility on their roster, the educated on Cincinnati's historical thought-process saw Cincinnati selecting Charles over fullback John Conner a mile away.</p>
<p>Charles, the team's fourth-round selection in the 2012 NFL draft, played 67 offensive snaps in 12 games played last year -- of which 37 were against the Baltimore Ravens in week 17 when Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert rested with injuries.</p>
<p>On Monday night, the third-year H-Back was arrested and <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/1/5570078/orson-charles-arrested-monday-night-for-wanton-endangerment">charged for wanton endangerment</a> after <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/1/5570412/report-orson-charles-arrest-involved-road-rage-and-a-handgun">brandishing a firearm during a road rage incident</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>According to a copy of the incident report obtained Tuesday morning by ESPN.com, Charles was stopped by Richmond police on Interstate 75 after a complaint was called in by another driver. The other driver indicated to police that Charles brandished a firearm in his direction several times while driving down the highway sometime just before 8 p.m. Monday. At some point, Charles allegedly cut off the other driver. When police arrived and did a search of Charles' car, a Smith & Wesson semiautomatic handgun was found in a purse.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Even before losing his cool (and mind) on the I-75, Charles wasn't guaranteed a spot on the team's 2014 roster. Specific to the team's failure to embrace him as a contributor, Charles path for opportunity isn't as enthusiastic as it once was. Because this is his first violation of the league's personnel conduct policy (had a DUI a week before the NFL draft), he may escape any suspensions.</p>
<p>Cincinnati may look to acquire a natural fullback for Hue Jackson, who desires an effective running game that theoretically should feature a good fullback -- rather than using displaced tight ends. If Cincinnati wants to re-acquire Conner, a seventh-round pick to the New York Giants may do it. There are still <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/1/5570616/fullbacks-the-bengals-could-kick-tires-on-in-free-agency">free agency options</a>, along with Chris Pressley, who hasn't played a down since 2012 when he tore an ACL against the Philadelphia Eagles.</p>
<p>Either way, Charles' Cincinnati career is precarious. The Bengals have publicly admitted a desire to stave off players with character issues but once they're on the team, they're far more forgiving (read: Jones, Adam). It wouldn't be surprising if he's on the roster during training camp this year, but don't write his name into the team's final 2014 roster until early September (if at all).</p>
<p>At least Charles <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XqZoaWKv2k">wasn't this guy</a>.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/2/5573686/orson-charles-cloudy-future-with-the-cincinnati-bengalsJosh Kirkendall2014-04-01T16:02:36-04:002014-04-01T16:02:36-04:00Fullbacks the Bengals could kick tires on
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wn9rhA7Z5tuNPAmpYFa_LxckK8w=/90x115:3780x2575/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30984411/20130922_mjm_ab2_270.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The fullback position is something the Bengals may need to address in free agency if Orson Charles isn't the answer. </p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/1/5570412/report-orson-charles-arrest-involved-road-rage-and-a-handgun" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">With news that fullback Orson Charles has been arrested for wanton endangerment,</a> the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> must now begin to gauge all of their other options at that position for 2014.</p>
<p>They could look to draft one this May, but signing one in free agency would be easier and would save them a draft pick. There aren't a lot of FBs on the open market, but here are five names to watch for if the Bengals want to sign one:</p>
<p>1. <span>Le'Ron McClain</span></p>
<p>2. <span>Greg Jones</span></p>
<p>3. <span>Vonta Leach</span></p>
<p>4. <span>John Kuhn</span></p>
<p>5. <span>Michael Robinson</span></p>
<p>***</p>
<p>McLain may actually be the best option for the Bengals. Because he was cut this offseason by the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego Chargers</a>, Cincinnati can sign him and it not affect their potential compensatory picks they're getting for losing <span>Anthony Collins</span> and <span>Michael Johnson</span>.</p>
<p>They seem determined to keep those picks, which are likely 3rd and 4th-rounders. Leach was also cut this offseason by the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a>, so he to could be an option.</p>
<p>Jones, Kuhn and Robinson, they would all count against the compensatory picks because their contracts expired this offseason vs. being terminated. <a href="http://www.packersnews.com/article/20140331/PKR0101/140331020/Talks-Kuhn-continue" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">According to Weston Hodkiewicz</a> of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Kuhn could sign with a team this week, and a "handful of other teams" have also shown interest in addition to the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a> wanting to re-sign him.</p>
<p>As devalued as the FB position has become, it's unlikely the Bengals will want to sign one and risk reducing those compensatory picks.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/1/5570616/fullbacks-the-bengals-could-kick-tires-on-in-free-agencyJason Marcum2014-04-01T11:01:32-04:002014-04-01T11:01:32-04:00Orson Charles' arrest involved road rage, handgun
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zcqldWJzNBSfyYi7hewVZsz5gac=/52x0:647x397/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30983313/0401-orson-charles-mug-shot-1.0.jpg" />
<figcaption><a href='http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/01/bengals-fullback-orson-charles-arrested-gun-charges-road-rage/'>TMZ</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Charles was reportedly stopped by Richmond police on Interstate 75 after a complaint was called in by another driver., who said Charles brandished a firearm in his direction several times while driving.</p> <p><a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/1/5570078/orson-charles-arrested-monday-night-for-wanton-endangerment" target="_blank">It was reported early Tuesday morning</a> that <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> fullback <span>Orson Charles</span> was arrested for wanton endangerment Monday in Richmond, Ky.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10708378/orson-charles-cincinnati-bengals-arrested" target="_blank">Now, Coley Harvey of ESPN</a> reports the incident involved Charles brandishing a weapon on the interstate:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Charles' arrest was the result of what police believe was a road rage incident involving a handgun. The incident report didn't indicate if any shots were fired.</p>
<p>According to a copy of the incident report obtained Tuesday morning by ESPN.com, Charles was stopped by Richmond police on Interstate 75 after a complaint was called in by another driver. The other driver indicated to police that Charles brandished a firearm in his direction several times while driving down the highway sometime just before 8 p.m. Monday. At some point, Charles allegedly cut off the other driver. When police arrived and did a search of Charles' car, a Smith & Wesson semiautomatic handgun was found in a purse.</p>
<p>According to the report, Charles declined to make a statement to police before his arrest. The Bengals issued a statement, saying they wouldn't comment on "legal matters that are unresolved."</p>
<p>When contacted by ESPN.com on Tuesday morning, officials at the detention center said Charles had not yet been released. His bond has been set at $5,000.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>If this turns out to be true and Charles is charged, he could be suspended for at least one game in 2014. The former fourth-round pick out of Georgia was drafted by the Bengals as a tight end, but was eventually converted into a fullback.</p>
<p>He's already facing an uphill battle to keep hold of his roster spot this year, and this could ultimately cost him it.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/1/5570412/report-orson-charles-arrest-involved-road-rage-and-a-handgunJason Marcum2014-04-01T09:22:22-04:002014-04-01T09:22:22-04:00Orson Charles arrested Monday night
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hqo8XgGk4kfyhUTqTNQKec8FEy0=/0x0:3277x2185/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30974383/20140102_kkt_aw3_379.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>According to USLegal.com, wanton endangerment is the "act or an instance of putting someone or something in danger or exposure to peril or harm."</p> <p>Cincinnati Bengals H-Back Orson Charles was arrested Monday night for first-degree "wanton endangerment", tweets Paul Dehner Jr. with the Cincinnati Enquirer.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bengals&src=hash">#Bengals</a> FB Orson Charles was arrested last night in Madison County Kentucky for wanton endangerment.</p>
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/pauldehnerjr/statuses/450978550183501824">April 1, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>What the heck is Wanton Endangerment?</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://definitions.uslegal.com/w/wanton-endangerment/">USLegal.com</a>, wanton endangerment is the "act or an instance of putting someone or something in danger or exposure to peril or harm." In the state of Kentucky, wanton endangerment is a Class A misdemeanor in Kentucky that carries a penalty of one to five years in prison.</p>
<p>Charles, who was <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincinnati.com%2Fstory%2Fblogs%2F2014%2F04%2F01%2Fbengals-fb-orson-charles-arrested-in-kentucky%2F7151591%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2014%2F4%2F1%2F5570078%2Forson-charles-arrested-monday-night-for-wanton-endangerment" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">booked at 9:56 p.m. on Monday evening</a>, is "<a href="https://twitter.com/pauldehnerjr/status/450979017672634368">awaiting arraignment</a>" in Richmond, Kentucky Tuesday morning.</p>
<p>Selected in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft, Charles has played 29 games in two seasons, primarily as a blocking back and a special teamer. Charles, who the Bengals choose over fullback John Conner during final roster cuts last year, has nine career receptions for 109 yards receiving.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/4/1/5570078/orson-charles-arrested-monday-night-for-wanton-endangermentJosh Kirkendall