Some would say the Bengals aren't NFL players anyway ...

Here's one of those tongue-in-cheek press releases/promotions you can only get with minor-league baseball, courtesy of the Florence Freedom:

With an official lockout looming and a Collective Bargaining Agreement seemingly out of reach, NFL players are preparing for a summer without organized workouts and an uncertain future. The Florence Freedom Professional Baseball Team would like to help out Cincinnati Bengals players by giving them the opportunity to stay active and employed this summer. Please accept our invitation to attend our team tryout on April 23rd.

Chad Ochocinco’s (pictured) recent tryout with Major League Soccer showed that there are numerous opportunities available for players to pursue other athletic ventures. Located right in Cincinnati’s backyard, the Florence Freedom play a 96-game schedule from late May to early September. Any and all Cincinnati Bengals players under the age of 27 (per league rules) are invited to try out for a spot on the 2011 roster. The tryout will be free of charge to Bengals players as we’d like to lend a hand during these troubled times and help the players stay in shape this offseason.

Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson excelled on both the gridiron and the baseball diamond. Even the greatest basketball player of all time took his shot at America’s pastime. Now, we are giving Bengals players the opportunity to be the next great two-sport star. Please accept our invitation to come “play ball!” with the Freedom.