Around the AFC North (2/10): Maualuga Gets Into Trouble

In today's edition of Around the AFC North, we take a look at another member of the Bengals getting into trouble, the Steelers releasing a veteran cornerback, and why the Ravens need help at the receiver position.

Cincinnati Bengals: Rey Maualuga Charged With Misdemeanor Assault

It wouldn't be busy-as-usual for the Bengals if their players weren't getting into trouble every couple of weeks. In an attempt to keep up with the team's trend, Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga reportedly punched a guy in the face, leading to a misdemeanor assault charge.

Police cited the 25-year-old Maualuga with the misdemeanor count on Friday after investigating allegations by a bar employee that Maualuga punched him in the face early Sunday morning. Maualuga's arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 17. No attorney was listed for him.

Prior to Maualuga, wide receiver Jerome Simpson was another prominent player who got into trouble. Maualuga could be facing a suspension next season since this is not the first time he's been in trouble.

Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Bryant McFadden Released

The Steelers have released veteran cornerback Bryant McFadden, who has been with the team off-and-on since 2005. McFadden was a starter during the 2010 season, but a hamstring injury early in 2011 forced him to lose his starting role to William Gay. McFadden couldn't even keep the nickel position after that, surrendering it to Keenan Lewis. As a result, McFadden only had ten tackles on the season. Steelers fans will definitely remember him though.

Sometimes careers aren't defined by every game - they can come down to one specific play. That's McFadden's legacy, and it's one of the most important in franchise history. [Follow the link to find out why]

Baltimore Ravens: Terrell Owens and WR Help

In a recent interview, wide receiver Terrell Owens pointed out how a team like the Ravens have basically choked in the wide receiver department for the past two years. He doesn't come out and say he wants to play for Baltimore, but he's still interested in having another run in the NFL.

"I know I can play," Owens told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "That’s not even a question, that I can play. You look at the NFC championship (game) and the AFC championship (game). You look at those games, especially the NFC championship. (The 49ers’) starting receiving corps had one catch for three yards. You look at the AFC championship. The Baltimore Ravens the past two years brought in two guys they thought could get the job done. It comes down to crucial catches and they didn’t make those catches. So I am definitely aware of my talents."

Owens is not incorrect that the Ravens’ past two playoff losses have been marked by drops. Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh couldn’t hold onto passes from Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in crucial situations in Pittsburgh two years ago, and Lee Evans lost the handle on a catch that would have sent the team to the Super Bowl this season. Obviously Owens believes he would have made those catches.