Detroit Lions running back Rudi Johnson says Tatum Bell, who was released to make room for the former Bengal, took two of his bags containing boxers, cash and credit cards.

The Lions have the incident on tape. Bell says he grabbed the bags by mistake, thinking they were another former teammate’s belongings.

Johnson, according to ESPN.com, doesn’t believe Bell’s version of the events.

Strange situation. Johnson doesn’t plan to involve the authorities. A female friend of the former teammate’s returned the bags – sans the contents – to the Lions’ practice facility.

Lions coach Rod Marinelli, who might be close to returning the Lions to competence, declined to comment on the situation for ESPN. Probably wise. They might be onto something good this season – they’re probably a step or two short of the playoffs yet, but they could push or even nudge slightly past .500 this year. And if youngsters like Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith fulfill their potential, the Lions might make the news for more than luggage theft.