Bengals release bengal tiger plus three players

CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Bengals made several roster cuts this week including releasing the bengal tiger which makes an appearance at every game.  The longtime live mascot was cut primarily to save the weekly feeding expense of 200 pounds of meat.  Team officials say other factors influencing the decision to release the tiger include the tiger's long list of legal difficulties including weapon charges, driving under the influence, substance abuse, and several assault charges.

The players released this week included Willie Anderson, Rudy Johnson, and Deltha O'Neal.  Although each of the players have reportedly either signed or are close to signing deals with other NFL teams, the tiger reportedly has no aspirations to further his NFL career and is expected to live out his life in anonymity at the Cincinnati Zoo. 

In a brief statement released through an official at the Cincinnati Zoo, the tiger said, "I'll miss the Bengals but every season is a winning season here at the zoo."