Cedric Benson Arrested – Fantasy Football Impact

Cedric Benson, the starting running back for the Chicago Bears, was arrested in Austin, Texas on Lake Travis. Benson was operating a 30-foot vessel with 15 passengers when he was stopped for a random inspection. During the inspection, Benson failed a sobriety test.

Reports indicate that after Benson failed his sobriety test, the officer used pepper spray to subdue him and remove him from his boat. Benson was then reportedly taken ashore and jailed with charges of resisting arrest and boating while intoxicated. On Sunday, Benson was released on bond.

This ordeal is yet another strike against Benson. Last season, Benson was given the starting running back position on the Bears for the first time and he struggled all season. He finished the 2007 season with 674 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Worst of all, Benson had a 3.4 yards per carry average on the season.

Heading into the 2008 fantasy football season, Benson doesn’t look like a very good prospect. The good news is he appears to be the leading candidate to start yet again at running back. The Bears drafted running back Matt Forte in the 2008 NFL Draft, however Benson will likely get a first crack at the starting gig.

This arrest undoubtedly makes Benson even less valuable in the fantasy football world. Right now, he appears to be a fourth or fifth rounder in a fantasy football draft.

Photo: Newscom