The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... The other shoe fell four months later Thursday when Simpson was indicted on one count of trafficking marijuana in excess of eight ounces with a Jan. 30 arraignment scheduled. The Cincinnati Enquirer said that's a felony punishable by one to five years in jail, but there were indications Thursday that Simpson's cooperation and the fact it's his first offense could result in probation as well as diversion programs.

Diehards Line:Simpson's lawyer told the paper that his client is not accused of selling marijuana and said that the word "trafficking" can still be used in the indictment even if there is no proof of a sale because according to Kentucky law there was more than eight ounces in possession. A first offense against the NFL's substance abuse policy is subject to a four-game suspension, although the league doesn't usually rule until the case has been resolved. The Bengals, meanwhile, are in the process of evaluating which of their free agents to re-sign. Whether they re-sign Simpson or not, they still have to make sure they're covered for a No. 2 receiver in case of a suspension. While Simpson exasperated his coaches at times this season with his baffling inconsistency, he also wowed them with what WRs coach James Urban called dynamic and spectacular plays. As he learned a new offense in his first full season as a starter, Simpson caught 50 balls for four touchdowns and a 14.5-yard average that had several moments of upside.