The Cincinnati Bengals stuck with Odell Thurman through two years of suspension, but they released him on Monday. The Bengals claim that “Thurman has not fulfilled his expectations since being reinstated April 21, ” adding that “indications are that the Bengals weren’t pleased with his attendance in the offseason workout program that also includes the installation of a new defense with a new linebackers coach.”

A representative for Thurman questioned the timing of the release, noting that he had been back in Monticello, Ga. with his family after his grandmother’s recent passing.

Thurman had a “brief and tantalizing career” in Cincinnati as the Bengals’ site put it, but we wonder if any other team will take a chance on a promising player with a troubled history. Dallas, anyone?