Brandon Joiner officially released from prison

[bengals85]

Cincinnati Bengals DE/LB Brandon Joiner, signed by the club following the 2012 NFL draft, was released from prison this week.

You know the story of Brandon Joiner. We've talked about it several times throughout last year.

Following the 2012 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals signed undrafted free agent linebacker Brandon Joiner out of Arkansas State. Joiner, who ran a 4.84 during his March 27, 2012 Pro Day, was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in 2011, leading the league with 12 quarterback sacks. He also generated at least a partial sack in 10 of 12 games during his final collegiate season. Joiner was also named to the All-Sun Belt Conference First-Team, ranked second in the league with an average 1.29 tackles-for-loss per game.

On May 25, 2012, Joiner was sentenced to three years in prison after being indicted on two counts of aggravated robbery and felony drug possession. Joiner's lawyer said at the time of his client's conviction that he expects Joiner to be released on parole at some point late last year. Cincinnati, who were impressed enough with a dramatic character turn-around after the incident five years ago to sign him, announced that they were retaining his rights, meaning that when he's out and instated by the league office, Joiner is back in Cincinnati when his one-year contract would finally kick in.

He learned before Thanksgiving that he'd been paroled. Now he's out.

According to KDHNNews.com, Joiner was released from prison on Tuesday, serving nearly eight months at the Hutchins State Jail in Dallas.

Now with a full offseason to prepare for the 2013 season he can unleash the fiery on opposing quarterbacks next season

[StLucieBengal]

good for him, Wish him luck and hope for his sake he sticks.

Good for Mike and Marvin for giving him a chance.

[alleyviper13]

Zimmer will make him feel terrible and then he will become a stud to prove zimmer wrong!

[whodey21]

Well, he had all the time in the world and nothing to do but work out. At least he should be in good shape.

[elbacalao]

I had forgotten about him. I hope he makes the team next season, it would be a nice story, particularly if he excels.

[Stewee28]

This kid hasnt seen a football field in almost a year and has had nothing to do with football in that time span. Dont know what kind of shape he is in. I would have to say this kid is a long shot at even making the practice squad next year. But I guess if you think about it, its a Win-Win situation for the Bengals. He could come out and set the league on fire in Training Camp and be a cheap upgrade, or he could fall on his face and the Bengals dont have expensive money tied to him. Who knows!!

[Helldog]

Originally Posted by Stewee28

This kid hasnt seen a football field in almost a year and has had nothing to do with football in that time span. Dont know what kind of shape he is in. I would have to say this kid is a long shot at even making the practice squad next year. But I guess if you think about it, its a Win-Win situation for the Bengals. He could come out and set the league on fire in Training Camp and be a cheap upgrade, or he could fall on his face and the Bengals dont have expensive money tied to him. Who knows!!

The dudes been in Prison for almost a year, what do you think he was doing in there?

I hope this pans out for him though, would be a great story.

[AlaskanHero]

He's a longshot to make the team, but I think he has a chance. 8 months isn't terribly long, so as long as he's in shape and didn't forget everything about playing football, he has a chance. The kid is like a rookie who was injured his last year in college; no football for a year, but coming into the NFL fresh. I doubt he makes it, but it would be awesome if he did.

[Mr. Hopeful]

I do not know a lot about this guy, If he wasnt sent to jail were they projecting him to be drafted? If so how high?

[XenoMorph]

Originally Posted by Mr. Hopeful

I do not know a lot about this guy, If he wasnt sent to jail were they projecting him to be drafted? If so how high?

It was for an Incident that had occured years ago. and he had completely turned around his life sense but he still had to do the time.

[OchoCincos]

Is it bad that I hope he takes Moch's roster spot? I do like Moch's potential, but there's always something keeping him off the field. Would be interesting to see Joiner in TC this year, and possibly make the team as a pass rushing specialist.

[PApinhead]

I can't wait to see what he can do. I really don't think we have anything to lose by giving him a shot. I guess we will see.

[Stewy]

Originally Posted by PApinhead

I can't wait to see what he can do. I really don't think we have anything to lose by giving him a shot. I guess we will see.

You're right about that considering he was an UDFA. Nothing to lose. Everything to gain on our part.

[khamla]

He'll make the team!! 8 months isn't that long guys, just pretend he was injured for 8 months.

[neek]

I'm not understanding what is so special about this kid? I've looked at his stats and his scouting report too. Why are people acting like he's the next greatest thing?

[PApinhead]

Originally Posted by Stewy

You're right about that considering he was an UDFA. Nothing to lose. Everything to gain on our part.

Yep!!! Just think if he works out like another certain UDFA appears to be working out.

[Bryan]

Originally Posted by neek

I'm not understanding what is so special about this kid? I've looked at his stats and his scouting report too. Why are people acting like he's the next greatest thing?

I guess it's because he had 13 sacks in his senior season.

[THE PISTONS]

Originally Posted by neek

I'm not understanding what is so special about this kid? I've looked at his stats and his scouting report too. Why are people acting like he's the next greatest thing?

After Burfict, every longshot we pick up is going to be considered a 1st Round talent if they didn't have issues.

[THE PISTONS]

Originally Posted by Bryan

I guess it's because he had 13 sacks in his senior season.

At Arkansas State. He didn't exactly put those numbers up in the SEC.

[XenoMorph]

Originally Posted by THE PISTONS

After Burfict, every longshot we pick up is going to be considered a 1st Round talent if they didn't have issues.

No one can deny that lately we are finding some good diamonds in the ruff..

They liked this kid in camp last year. We took a Flyer so we can get him in this year Which is a smart move with most our LBers hitting free Agency.

Hell next year could be the UDFA LB year.

Lemur Vontaze Joiner.

[finso]

This guy wouldn't have made the practice squad before he went to jail.
I hope someone was coaching him up while he was locked up.

[Bryan]

Originally Posted by THE PISTONS

At Arkansas State. He didn't exactly put those numbers up in the SEC.

I was just looking for a reason why everyone is so high on him. 13 sacks is a good number. But I don't watch college ball so I don't know what division/conference Arkansas State is in.

[XenoMorph]

Originally Posted by finso

This guy wouldn't have made the practice squad before he went to jail.
I hope someone was coaching him up while he was locked up.

This is simply like putting a interesting prospect on your IR so you can take a look again next year.

[Robbie Sharp]

Originally Posted by BengalsFan024

This is simply like putting a interesting prospect on your IR so you can take a look again next year.

For sure, he may not pan out, but then again he might. It would surely be a great feel good story if he does, so why not give him the benefit of a doubt?

[neek]

Originally Posted by BengalsFan024

This is simply like putting a interesting prospect on your IR so you can take a look again next year.

Yea I get that, but what's with the 20 threads on him? It's not like he was projected as a 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd rounder at any point. Or was he? Burfict was at one point projected as a 1st rounder.