Cincinnati Bengals: Running Back Cedric Benson Begins Jail Sentence

UPDATE: NFL.com is reporting that Cedric Benson has changed original plans to begin his sentence during the bengals bye week, and instead surrendered to Travis County Police late on Tuesday.

Benson's attorney Sam Bassett had the following to say:

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"Though originally scheduled to serve the jail sentence in October, Cedric decided he needs to complete the jail sentence before the season. This is best for everyone involved."

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For further details see the original article below: 

It is being reported that Cedric Benson has been sentenced to 20 days in jail following a deal to settle two misdemeanor assault charges in the state of Texas.

Benson was excused from practice to tend to his legal affairs on Monday, and shortly after a jury was chosen to hear Benson's case, Benson struck a deal with authorities.

In 2010 Benson was arrested following an alleged punch to the face on a bar employee in Austin, Texas, to which he pleaded no contest. He was then arrested last month for a similar assault on a former roommate. The latter case will be dismissed on the condition that Benson performs 30 hours of community service, and pays an undisclosed fee to the victim.

Benson will begin is sentence on Monday October 17th, which is the beginning of the Bengals bye week.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer has reported

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Assistant Travis County Prosecuting Attorney Corby Holcomb told The Austin American-Statesman that with credit for good behavior, Benson would serve about a week in jail. If the normal schedule applies, Benson would only miss one or two practices and should be back in Cincinnati by Oct. 26, which would be the first major practice in preparation for the Oct. 30 game at Seattle.

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As for talk of a possible suspension, the news that Kenny Britt and Aqib Talib escaped bans this past week may serve Benson well. He met with Roger Goodell last year regarding the first assault named in the case against him, and was not suspended then. Stay tuned for further details.