Troubled Bengal is close to return

Despite a four-game suspension and five arrests in three years, the Cincinnati Bengals are close to signing a deal that would reunite them with wide receiver Chris Henry. Why the sudden interest in Henry? For answers, go to Playa Hater.

USA enters hoops quarter-finals Wednesday. The USA men’s basketball squad begins its final chase for gold medals tomorrow at the Beijing Olympics. Having beaten Germany this week, the American “Redeem Team” takes on Australia. Quarter-finals begin the determination of which remaining teams will receive bronze, silver or gold medals in the elimination match-ups. Team member LeBron James, who scored 18 points in the win over Germany, has guaranteed a gold for the USA.

Shawn Kemp to ball overseas. Former NBA scoring threat Shawn Kemp has announced that he’ll play in Italy beginning in November. “I am happy that a player that has made basketball history would come to Montegranaro,” says coach Alessandro Finelli, of team Pemiata Montegranaro. Kemp, 38, played most of his NBA career with Seattle , averaging 14.6 points and 8.4 rebounds over 14 total seasons. He last played in the NBA in 2003

LeBron James could be a step slower in Beijing.
LeBron James could be a step slower in the Beijing Olympics, depending on how quickly he recovers from an ankle sprain. James suffered the injury during a Team USA practice in Las Vegas this week when he landed on player Kevin Durant’s foot during a scrimmage. It’s believed that the sprain is mild, says coach Mike Krzyewski. Trainers planned to check out the ankle, but Krzyewski says it’s not likely to be “anything serious.”

Receiver won’t wear Bengals jersey again
NFL coach Marvin Lewis says there’s no way released receiver Chris Henry will return to the team after his league suspension for player misconduct. “I’m not interested,” Lewis says. “I don’t think it would be productive for our football team. You have to be a productive part to be an NFL player, and there’re responsibilities to being an NFL player. It’s a privilege, it’s not a right. There’s a lot that comes with being an NFL football player.” Henry, 25, was most recently accused of punching a University of Cincinnati student and breaking his car window. The case was eventually dropped.