Bengals LB Rey Maualuga said Monday night that he has gained perspective on many things after his January DUI arrest in Kentucky forced him to confront a drinking problem. One of the things he has learned is to support folks when they’re having issues — something he has done for former USC teammate and current Texans LB Brian Cushing, who on Friday received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

“I’m just thinking about what happened to me with the DUI (arrest in February), how I didn’t want anybody to talk to me,” Maualuga said. “I’m not saying I know how he feels, but I’m just comparing it to how I felt, with people calling and texting and asking me, ‘What happened?’ All I did was say, ‘This, too, shall pass. You’ll be all right, bro.’ He said, ‘Thanks. I appreciate it.’ He knows I have his back.

“I know he’s going through a lot. A lot of people are going to say that he’s a cheater and all that. His success came from working hard. He’s one of hardest-working guys I know.”

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