Bengals' Cedric Benson begins jail sentence

CINCINNATI, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The Cincinnati Bengals' Cedric Benson began serving a jail sentence in Texas for a 2010 assault after surrendering himself to authorities, his attorney said.

Benson was booked into the Travis County Jail Tuesday morning after pleading no contest Monday to assault . He was sentenced to a 20 days in a plea bargain, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

With credit for good behavior, the Bengals running back would serve seven days, attorneys said.

That means he could rejoin the team Sept. 7 in preparation for the Sept. 11 season opener at Cleveland.

"Ced, I'm sure, is relieved this is behind him and just moves forward," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said.

Benson's attorney Sam Basset released a statement on his client's behalf.

"Though originally scheduled to serve the jail sentence in October, Cedric decided he needs to complete the jail sentence before the season. This is best for everyone involved.

"Mr. Benson is thankful for his supporters in Austin and Cincinnati. He is also grateful to the Bengals organization. Cedric looks forward to working hard on and off the field as soon as he is released," the statement said.