| An Unofficial Cincinnati Bengals Blog Cincinnati: 7th Most Frustrated Sports City
Fox Sports published the Top 10 Most Frustrated Sports Cities. Cincinnati? Absolutely. 7. Cincinnati
These days, the Bengals are best known for their staggering team arrest totals. But from 1981-90, they were known as one of the better teams NOT to win it all. They made four playoff trips, reached the Super Bowl twice -- and lost twice to Joe Montana and the 49ers. Since then, the Bengals have only been to the postseason once. And Cincinnati hasn't won a world championship since 1990, when the Reds won their first title since 1976 and swept the A's. RECURRING NIGHTMARES: Montana calmly driving the 49ers down the field in Super Bowl XXIII; Reds owner Marge Schott walking Schottzie on the field, Stanley Wilson's cocaine binge; Carson Palmer's knee injury. DEPARTURES: The NBA's Royals, Jerry Lucas, Oscar Robertson, Frank Robinson, Joe Morgan, Sparky Anderson, Eric Davis, Sam Wyche, Boomer Esiason, Pete Rose, Lou Piniella, "The Nasty Boys," Tony Perez. Let's not forget the bitter disappointment with UC Bearcats in March Madness. This week's rumblings
A classic quote was spoken by Carson Palmer in response to Chad racing a horse Saturday: "I don't think he really understands how fast horses are. I've got to back him up, but I'll be secretly putting money on that horse." Palmer also talks about the vertical game saying the loss of Chris Henry hurts. While Henry is the top three best vertical receivers in the league, as per Palmer, Bennie Brazell is playing the vertical role. However, after experiencing a season ending PCL tear last season, he's now trying to recover from a groin pull. Who will be the #3? Johnathan Joseph underwent surgery on his right foot. There's 100% confidence that Joseph will be ready by training camp. Deltha O'Neal is high on Marvin White calling him a "ball hawker" and a "good player". Hobson says White and Chinedum Ndukwe have people "excited because" they are already "standing out now". Rookie BYU Tight End, Ben Coats, has a head start being backup to Reggie Kelly. Many people complain endlessly about Rudi Johnson and some even dislike the guy because he's not flashy and hasn't had that home run sprint since 2003. However, Hobson prompts those detractors to rebut the numbers... as well as his old man attitude to keep fit and in shape.
Complaints of Assault on Thurman Dropped.
UPDATE III: Complaint Dropped: "Two Monticello, Georgia men are expected to drop their aggravated assault and trespassing complaint against a Bengals player Odell Thurman Friday morning. On Sunday, June 3, Brett Thomaston and Chad Cannon filed a report that Odell Thurman and his cousin Willie Thurman crashed their party. They said Odell Thurman assaulted them and that Willie Thurman put a gun in one of the men's mouths. Thurman and his cousin were never officially charged in the case and a Friday hearing to determine probable cause has since been canceled." (WCPO) Thurman complaint pulled [Enquirer] UPDATE II: WKRC picked up the story and added details of the charges: Two men in Thurman's hometown of Monticello, Georgia claim he committed assault this weekend.
The men say Odell Thurman knocked one of the men to the ground outside a house party early Sunday morning, and his brother Willie Thurman placed a gun in the man's mouth. The other man claims Thurman kicked and punched him. UPDATE I: WCPO picked up the story. The reports coming in are that Odell and his brother were at a party when they were confronted by a "couple of men." Odell's brother "punched them" and hearing on WLW radio that one of the two began kicking them. After that, they left and returned with "guns drawn." Hearing on Bill Cunningham's show that Odell Thurman was arrested for assault and that "guns were drawn" in Jasper County, Georgia. Entry Link :: 7 Comments Well, At Least I'm Entertained.
Many wonder what's going through Billy Donovan's head. After signing a five-year, $27.5 million contract, the former Florida head coach is rethinking his decision after somber goodbyes at Florida. Did the money blind him momentarily? Did he make too quick a decision without reflecting his move? Now the NBA is discussing banning Donovan five years if he breaks contract. You almost want to feel sorry for the guy. But he made his own bed, now he's at the mercy of lawyers and the Orlando Magic. Not an envious position. At the same time, the Magic are in a pickle. For one, they aren't going to keep a coach that regrets joining their team in fear pessimism may drag results. And now they have to go after second options. Then ESPN asks the question in a poll, "Should Florida welcome Donovan back?" Of course they should. Ego is a pointless human trait and Donovan gave Florida's most successful basketball run. ANYTIME there's a story about Michael Vick, I admit, I'm entertained. One day, probably soon, Vick will likely release a book that details how the media blows everything about him out of proportion. It will be something simple-minded like, My Truth. However, it'll be one of those books that only Falcons fans buy and only the Jay Mariotti types will read. But think of Vick's robust resume: Ron Mexico, flipping off fans, CIA covert water bottle compartments, missed hearing on Capitol Hill supporting increased funding for after-school programs. Isn't this just another case of pampered athletes losing all notion of the word, "responsibility"? Now grand feline station (i.e., Vick's house) is short "three plasma televisions - 62 inches, 42 inches and 32 inches - two floor buffers, a wet/dry vacuum, an upright washer and dryer, and a leather sofa valued at $17,550 were stolen." So I pop my popcorn and watch the show. Minicamp: O'Neal's Redemption, Keiwan's Impression and Cincinnati's Forgiveness
I believe that people that get sour after not getting a raise, are examples of Carson Palmer's described selfishness. More importantly, Cincinnati fans, who are examples of fans that demand blue-collar workman-like attitudes, will quickly turn on a player that pouts for being underpaid. We would love to have Deltha back in the lineup playing to his 2005 form. However, for the past year, the fire has been lit on his bridge and he came close to burning it down. Even though he doesn't admit it, his play was mediocre compared to talent -- or proven results. Marvin Lewis, a guy that historically has always kept quiet, has publicly soured on O'Neal. Yes, he admitted frustration the Bengals didn’t come to him after his big 10-pick year in ’05 and give him a big-time contract extension to match other top cornerbacks. He indicated Friday that he had talked with the front office then and now, and it just isn’t happening after he took what can be viewed as a generous five-year, $10ish million deal because he was trying to get out of Denver before the 2004 season. (Bengals.com)
So while Odell Thurman and Chris Henry are trying to walk a path of redemption, Deltha O'Neal, in very different scenarios, is walking that same path. As O'Neal said, perhaps as fans and media, we never really gave him credit for playing hurt. After all, our club was so decimated with injury that we needed guys to play hurt to stay afloat -- which we ended up sinking anyway. He sat three games because of a shoulder injury suffered against San Diego. “I was just trying to fight for my team. I always want to do best for my team…You could say I came back too early. Just trying to make that run for the playoffs,” O’Neal said. “After I got hurt I wasn’t 100 percent. But I’m not going to put that out in my excuse because I got out there. If I wasn’t 100 percent, it’s up to me to either to go out or sit down.” (Bengals.com)
I liked O'Neal for a time. Then reports came out that his head wasn't into the game. That he and Tory James took Johnathan Joseph away during training camp lunches whereas the team remained together. Denver folks slightly soured on O'Neal for many of the same reasons we have soured on him. "I hope you all have mercy on me. That's what I hope," the normally reticent O'Neal said in a long interview Friday between minicamp practices. "I know if I was in top shape, my performance would have been quite better than it was last year.
"I played well, up until that San Diego game where I got hurt." (Enquirer) As Cincinnatians, we may be rough bunch. But we're also very forgiving. HOBSON continues in his "action on the corner" article with Keiwan Ratliff. Keiwan Ratliff, the second-rounder from 2004 who has never been able to convince the coaches he can be a solid nickel corner, has them raving this spring and he lined up opposite Joseph with the first defense Friday.
Coyle, always impressed with his smarts and presence, has noticed he’s playing “with a little more burst,” and praised Ratliff for how fiercely he’s competed against both run and pass. “Keiwan is one of the smartest defensive players I’ve been around in college and the NFL,” Palmer said. “He just understands the game. He understands concepts of offenses, not just a certain route. He’s been kind of waiting for his opportunity. He’s had Tory James and Deltha in front of him, so it’s been tough for him. He plays well against Chad (Johnson), he’s played well against T.J. (Houshmandzadeh). He just really hasn’t had his opportunity yet and he’s just waiting for it.” As for Ratliff, he shrugged. When asked what he’s done differently, he offered, “Nothing. I’m just getting a lot more opportunity to do it now. When Deltha didn’t show up, I’m next in line as far as experience so they threw me in that spot.” (Bengals.com) Updating the injury at minicamp file: (Bengals.com)
Most of the players on yesterday's injury list were still out. Best Quote came from Ahmad Brooks in response to the potential return of Odell Thurman: "It just steps the competition up even more, and that's what we need as a group — somebody with a good motor," linebacker Ahmad Brooks said. "He brings a lot of intensity to the team. He wreaks havoc out there, and I do the same." (DDN)
Finally, Mark Curnutte recanted on a recent story about Chris Henry's "failed drug test". Of course, you have the embarrassing comments from idiot readers that feel the need to shred the guy's work -- you know, it's that anonymity that gives some of these people that overwhelming sense of protectionism... and cowardice. After Curnutte admited fault, he was shreded. Makes me rethink the whole forgiveness in Cincinnati idea. Kicking off weekend minicamp
A question many have is whether we'll have the 2005 Deltha O'Neal or the 2006 version. He's back in Cincinnati for the mandatory weekend minicamp. Deltha says he wasn't so bad in 2006, he's not happy that Marvin aired his issues with O'Neal to the press and was disappointed for not getting a raise after 2005. Other than that.............. Also, in Hobson's latest, it appears there's some bad news about Chris Perry: "Marvin Lewis said running back Chris Perry is looking at starting his second straight season on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) and miss the first five games and six weeks of the regular season." (Bengals.com) Hello, Kenny Still hurt
Best quote: "We were humbled last year," (Reggie) Kelly said of missing the playoffs. "Guys' attitudes have changed." Chick Ludwig provides his "five pressing issues facing the club":
Entry Link :: 2 Comments Thurman's sentence reduced, applauding his rebound
Odell Thurman has really been given a bad rap... at least been getting more flack than he deserves. I say that because he's run ins with the law have been over-stated -- just one DUI (which I'm not saying is a good thing). His battle has been between him and the league regarding substance abuse -- which as we're seeing in modern football, is becoming more prevalent. I'm not making excuses for him, but I really believe that he's unfairly grouped with someone like Chris Henry. And Thurman's previous 90-day jail sentence has been reduced to six days in treatment. This in conjunction after having "completed an in-patient treatment program as well an intensive outpatient treatment." Some of you may hate the guy for being so much a distraction. But he appears to be rounding his life and soon, he'll have the opportunity to resume his NFL career. And most of you have to agree, the ceiling for his potential is nearly unlimited. Thurman gets six days treatment [Enquirer] Entry Link :: 2 Comments Taste of the NFL
All of the Bengals players and coaches will be in attendance for the Taste of the NFL event tonight (Friday). This year, attendees at the "Taste of the NFL" event sponsored by the Cincinnati Freestore Foodbank are walking away with prizes contained in specially printed paper grocery bags supplied by Duro Bag Each year, The Freestore Foodbank hosts a variety of community events including the popular "Taste of the NFL" -- the only NFL sanctioned local event where all of the Cincinnati Bengals players and the coaches are in attendance.
Nationally known as an outreach effort to help fight hunger on the part of NFL teams across the country, the Cincinnati "Taste of NFL" celebrity dinner party June 1st in Paul Brown Stadium sold out well in advance of the event. Always a great party, the 2007 theme is "Live and Let Fry" with a dinner-by-the-bite format prepared by some of the finest chefs in the area. All proceeds generated locally are to benefit The Freestore Foodbank.
Paper Grocery Bags Help Feed the Hungry
The laziness of one writer is embarrassing
I think eventually, people will tire of making up points of proof. There's always a reason for something, and in some people's minds, the problem the Bengals are running into, is solely because of Marvin Lewis. But my question is do you blame Marvin, even on the made up stories of players arrested? Take this Seahawks Huddle article: Most of us are getting tired of hearing about the Bengals’ trouble with the law. The Bengals keep getting themselves into trouble, everyone from Chris Henry to Reggie McNeal. However, the true problem starts with Marvin Lewis.
After detailing all the arrests, the article concludes that the Lewis' fault is drafting these guys -- which may carry some validity. However, at the time, these guys were drafted to help us win.. No one foresaw Chris Henry's troubles and being arguably the best #3 receiver in the league, no one cared. They raise their hands in beer salutes when he scores one of his 15 career touchdowns. Then he had a string of arrests that had people crying foul. I understand his frustrations, but instead of taking it out on the media, he needs to use his frustrations to set examples by disciplining the individuals who get arrested.
Chris Henry and Deltha O'Neal have sat out at least one game by a team imposed suspension. Matthias Askew and A.J. Nicholson are gone. The article said that Johnathan Joseph was "arrested twice for possession of marijuana, and domestic violence." The domestic violence is news to me. Therefore, I wonder if the article is trying to make the players appear more damaging to prove a point of blaming Lewis. Or take this statement: A.J. Nicholson has been arrested a few times for burglary, grand theft, and most recently, spousal abuse. Nicholson’s girl friend later changed her story, saying that she hit herself in the face with the phone, which is how she received the bruises on her face. The jury did not buy her story and Nicholson is now in jail. (The same day he was in court, the Bengals released him; Coach Lewis called it a coincidence.)
This is where I begin question whether or not the work was done to research... anything. First of all, there was no jury -- the judge was the one that continued the case without hearing the girlfriend's testimony. And Nicholson was arrested for violating his probation; not direct punishment for domestic violence. The case for domestic violence was a preliminary hearing. Odell Thurman is the most recognizable name out of these. He has been given many chances by the league and may have run out them. He was arrested a few times for driving while intoxicated and received a few suspensions.
Once. Odell Thurman was arrested, once. The problems Thurman is dealing with is with the NFL, not the law. And no, he hasn't been given any chances. He was suspended twice (four games and 12 games). But wait... there's more! Matthias Askew, from Michigan State, was arrested for resisting arrest. Askew parked his car illegally, and later refused to move his car. The 6’5”, 308-pound defensive lineman chose to physically show the police how he felt. Obviously, this is never a good idea. Askew was tazed and arrested. The situation could have simply been avoided if Askew had moved his car, but he decided to make the situation difficult.
The article fails to provide any balance -- just total slant. Askew was tazed and arrested. That part is correct. What the writer fails to say is that Askew was found not guilty of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of official business. Soon afterwards, Askew filed a $50 million lawsuit against the city, "accusing police officers of excessive force when they used a stun gun to subdue him while making an arrest in July." From all reports, Chris Henry has been on his way to getting his life back together, so hopefully these latest reports of drug test failure are not true.
They're not true. That's been established already. This is what I talk about when I say the media -- blog, print, television -- really fail. Entry Link :: 2 Comments Taking a tour in the land of football
Money, money, money. The latest funny money story comes from Oakland where wide receiver Jerry Porter wants to swap his jersey number from 84 to 81... because he needs those materialistic things to get that psychological edge of having a "fresh start". But compared to last year, wouldn't playing football and not being an ass be the fresh start he's seeking? In order for that fresh start to happen, Porter said he'd have to pay $210,000 for the compensation of unsold Reebok jersey's. Yea, I know. Changing jersey numbers is one thing, but now paying the apparel provider money because of lack of merchandise sales? Now we've truly entered the NFL-is-way-too-greedy-by-signing-ridiculous-large-dollar-sponser-contracts era. At the same time, if Porter grows up and realizes that the number of jersey really has nothing to do with your talent or attitude, then I'm sure he'll move on and might actually sell over ten jersey's before next season. Then again, did Superman use his talents without his cape? UPDATING THE OWNER IS WACKY FILE However, if the world's greatest promoter, Vince McMahon failed to create a football league to compete with the NFL, what makes us think Mark Cuban will succeed? First failed concept... the proposal to play Friday night games. This alone would doom the league. What I don't understand is that Cuban owns a team in football-heavy Texas. Cincinnati is heavily involved in high school football... much more than college football in most respects. Texas and Ohio are very similar in their traditional football love. Playing on Friday nights would, in my opinion, be the greatest failure if this league is conceived. "That's not to say it will be easy. It won't," Cuban wrote. "We still have to cover quite a bit of ground and have a lot of milestones to hit. That said, if we can get the right owners I obviously think we can make this work."
The only model, in my opinion, that works creating a new league is to abandon the idea of competing against the NFL... to start. If you develop a new league with the intention of directly competing to the NFL, you'll fail miserably. And there's enough historical evidence to confirm that. And Brian agrees. UPDATING THE HASHMARKS FILE So far, Mosley has touched on "Pit Bull Knowledge", Vick looking for home in Wyoming, Tank Johnson's nutritional diet and plenty of reader feedback. I think he's doing a fine job. But it's not really doing much for me at this point. UPDATING CONFUSION ON BATTERY FILE TURDLINGS UPDATING THE SPINNING IN PLACE FILE The generic Personal Conduct Policy comes down to one thing... one man solely responsible for a player's suspension with no guideline for what violation brings what suspension. Wild interpretation of a commissioner's perspective of rightful reaction is extremely slippery and it shocked me that the the Player's Association had agreed to such vagueness. The NFLPA supporting Jones' appeal doesn't shock me either. I believe the NFLPA supported the Commissioner to show the unified front -- mainly so they aren't hounded with questions why they didn't support a tough conduct policy guideline. Now, they are riding into town as saviors to the players while questions are pointed towards Goodell and his policies as, possibly, being too arbitrary. Who knows. Regardless, this could get very interesting. Will concludes that the NFLPA is supporting Jones simply to appear that they are backing their players. TAKING A NATION-WIDE TOUR
Chad vs. Horse. Yes, Chad. Racing a Horse.
Some say that Chad Johnson is a complete jack-ass. I don't agree, but that's their own opinion. However, Chad will be racing against the jack-ass' cousin, a horse, to benefit Feed the Children -- "an Oklahoma City-based charity that provides food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities to children around the world." No, Chad isn't riding the horse. He's actually racing AGAINST the horse. Yeap. Chad. We love him. And you have to believe that Chad thinks he has a chance. Yeap. That's Chad. As part of the fund-raiser, Johnson has donated sports memorabilia that will be sold at silent auction; River Downs will make a donation to Feed the Children; and Restore the Roar's owner, Patricia Glenn, will donate a portion of the horse's earnings this year to the Marvin Lewis Foundation, a fund run by the Bengals' head coach that aids youth organizations and nonprofit groups in the Cincinnati area.
This team holds more benefits and does more charitable work to help the community than they are recognized for. Idiots and talking points artists ensure the black eye never heels for this team by totally avoiding stories that makes Cincinnati look good. And as long as phonies like Colin Coward continue to slam cities while holding onto his estrogen spray in the backseat of his GEO Metro, then they'll continue to play the role of idiot that jacks up controversy because the ratings would suffer terribly. But I also know, in a way, I'm enabling the problem by not going out of my own way to promote the good when it happens. So we're creating a new "Charity" section that will balance out the bad. Hopefully. SB Nation Sports Report
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