Stop Action

The Cincinnati Bengals lost three defensive backs in their preseason opener against the New York Jets, leaving only six healthy bodies in camp. No wonder Dick LeBeau, the defensive coordinator/backfield coach, had a horrified look on his face when he noticed Bobby Kemp, the Bengals' starting strong safety, bent over on the sideline at practice, his back locked. LeBeau rushed over to Kemp. "Are you all right, Bobby?" he asked, out of breath. "Did your back go out?"

Kemp didn't straighten up. Instead, he began slowly moving a finger through the grass. "Oh, I'm O.K., Coach," Kemp said. "But I just found a white caterpillar. I've never seen a white caterpillar before."