Ky. judge sentences Bengals’ Simpson to 15 days

“It’s fair overall,” said Travis.

Simpson was a second-round draft pick from Coastal Carolina. He caught 53 passes for 758 yards and four touchdowns last season. A heels-over-head flip over a defender to score a touchdown became a staple of NFL highlight films.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, who sent a letter in support of Simpson to the judge, said last month that the team is open to offering Simpson another contract despite his legal problems.

The Bengals said in a statement after the hearing that they believe Simpson “has, and will continue to, deal accountably with the consequences of his actions.

“Jerome is presently a free agent, and the Club will continue to review his status,” the Bengals said.

Simpson’s attorney and agent say he faces discipline from the NFL that could include suspension from multiple games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Some of Simpson’s teammates, including Adam “Pacman” Jones attended the hearing. Along with Simpson, Jones is one of four Bengals either arrested or indicted since last July. The others were linebacker Rey Maualuga and running back Cedric Benson.

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AP Sports Writer Joe Kay contributed to this report.

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