Big surprise there...

The Cincinnati Bengal's linebacker and part-time felon, Odell Thurman was denied reinstatement in the NFL today due to his ongoing problems with the police. This will be the second consecutive season that Thurman must sit out after NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell denied his petition for reinstatement.

Thurman was suspended for all of last season after skipping a drug test and later being arrested for drunken driving. He asked Goodell to reinstate him for the 2007 season, but was turned down.

Thurman will be allowed to ask for reinstatement again following the season.

Goodell's decision leaves the Bengals with two suspended players as they open training camp. Receiver Chris Henry also will miss the first eight games for repeatedly violating the league's conduct policy.

The Bengals are the league's prime example of misconduct, with 10 players arrested over a 14-month span.

Ok kids, now a show of hands, who was surprised by this news? Hmm, no one...ok then.

Phillip Wellman suspended but not fired

The Atlanta Braves have decided that Phillip Wellman's tirade was enough to earn a three-game suspension. Over the weekend, Mississippi Braves manager, Wellman, was a little eccentric after being ejected for arguing balls and strikes.

• Throw hat to the ground...check
• Insult umpire's mother...check
• Get on one knee and cover home plate in dirt and outline a new plate...check
• Rip third and second base out of the ground and throw them...check
• Crawl to the the pitcher's mound and throw the rosin bag like it's a grenade at the umpire...CLASSIC and check

Wellman has yet to hear from the Southern League President, but you can expect he will in due time and expect another suspension. I would've thought his antics would've earned him a longer suspension, but let's see what the prez has to say. Wellman and the Braves have declined to comment on the situation, I can't wait to see that interview.