UIpdated: 5:50 p.m.
The legal juggling over the NFL lockout continued Tuesday when the players sent a letter to federal court judge Susan Nelson that ESPN reports is a bid to make the league impose working rules or get the league year started without rules.
That was in response to the NFL's request for a stay of the lockout after Nelson lifted it Monday. The ESPN report says Nelson has asked the league to respond by 5 p.m. Wednesday to the players' letter.
As Thursday's first round of the draft neared, teams were still adhering to lockout rules until the judicial process had been completed. That could go beyond draft weekend. If Nelson doesn't grant the NFL a stay, the league will request if from the appellate court in St. Louis.
GOODBYE, TWEETY? With head coach Marvin Lewis being pretty tough on Chad Ochocinco this offseason, the working assumption is The Ocho and his $6 million salary won't be back. That's what quarterback Jordan Palmer said last week. On Tuesday The Ocho tweeted the same sentiment.
"I love Cincy, but coach Lewis is mean to me now so I think I am gone," The Ocho said in response to questions. "He has gone over board to publicly chastize the one guy who loves him i'm so hurt."
He also tweeted that Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green would be "perfect" for the Bengals and "i've done all i can,my time is up."
If the Bengals take Green at No. 4, Ochocinco could be out. But if they take quarterback Blaine Gabbert No. 4 and don't get a receiver this weekend, maybe not.Â
