Where's Chad?

[Bengalhead]

OK, the Bengals laid an egg all around last night and there is PLENTY of blame to go around.

However, one of the things that drove me absolutely bonkers was seeing Chad Johnson running into the locker room for what feels like the 37th time to get an IV. The fact that this man has to constantly get fluids in the middle of a game is deplorable. Especially last night as he went in WHILE THE OFFENSE IS DRIVING DOWN THE FIELD. I love Chad. He's probably the best receiver in the league. But why on earth must he have to constantly take himself out of the game because he's dehydrated. For god sakes man!! Drink more water BEFORE the game. Or, here's a tip: LAY OFF THE MCDONALDS every once in a while.

They still may not have won if he didn't do this last night, but the fact that he was unavailable when is team badly needed him on the field is inexcusable. If he is such a fantastic athlete, he should be conditioned well enough to not need an IV in the middle of every single game!

What are your opinions on this?

[skyline]

I'm certainly not going to pin the loss on Chad because he missed that drive, but yes...it's frustrating.

You've got to think, though, that the Bengals training staff does everything they can to prevent this. And as for the McDonalds, I don't know. I've eaten a lot of McDonalds in my day, and while it's certainly not been good for me, I can't say that it's ever caused me to dehydrate. There's something more at work there.

[muelleaw1]

I have to say that it is the McDonalds food that he constantly eats. I know that the Bengals staff has told him multiple times to lay off fast food because it is extremely high in sodium content and can lead to cramping. He has apparently not taken the advice.

The pregame segment on ESPN called I believe, "A day with Chad" had him purchasing $8.12 worth of McDonald's breakfast in one of the days leading up to the game. Combined with the fact that every good Cincinnatian knows that his favorite meal is the Big Mac meal with an orange drink leads one to believe that he hasn't stopped eating it, and will continue to cramp. (Hey Chad, if your body has a problem dealing with salt levels, think you might want to switch to a low sodium diet????)

It's rediculous that an athlete with that much on the line can't be self disciplined enough to put the right things into the fuel tank.

And it might be a stretch here, but I see similarites in Chad's cramping situation and the Henry and O'Neal and McNeal situations. The individual player is allowing personal, selfish things that they do on their own time affect the team by the way it impacts their ability to play on gameday. It's hard to tell somebody what they can eat and what they can't, but their has to be some accountablility. He was out for big plays in that game getting IVs, and unfortuantely its pretty common.

[Kazkal]

Wasen't their a article awhile ago about chad eating better?ya he still eats it but aslong as its not everyday : P (was around same time article about rudi eating better too who also ate alot of fast food)

[JoePong]

I don't care about the McDonald's. How about he starts practicing hanging on to the ball in pre-game instead of playing soccer. As for going into the locker room, hell, the way he was playng it's probably a good thing he was not on the field. He just would have had a few more dropped balls.

I guess he would rather run his mouth, talk about how he's going to celerate if he scores (which hasn't been very often), and waste time pasting pictures of himself on his shoes than get ready for a game, make sure he's hydrated, or actually work on running with the ball after he catches it instead of just falling to the ground after every reception.

[muelleaw1]

I just looked up the sodium thing, and my prior statement seems to be a bit off. Researchers now think that there is no basis to the common belief that a high salt diet leads to increased cramping. Still though, anything for the betterment of the team, right?

It's just so frustrating to know that the Bengals staff has asked a guy to cut something back and he does a media segment pretty much highlighting the fact that he is still doing it. And the other part of the "Day with Chad" segment was about how he was taking out money early to pay his fine from the NFL that was coming. Does anyone else remember a certain coach asking a certain WR to tone it down a bit?

[Kazkal]

I love it when we lose all the hate on chad starts.the guy works his arse off and your questioning his work ethic?Chad busts his ass more then any other player.

[Bengalhead]

I love it when we lose all the hate on chad starts.the guy works his arse off and your questioning his work ethic?Chad busts his ass more then any other player.

Fine. Chad busts his arse. Well, all I remember about his arse busting performance last night was him busting his arse running into the locker room to get yet another IV when his team needed his hard work ethic arse on the freaking field. There is simply no excuse for this to continue happening. How many times do you see T. J getting an IV? How many IVs has Jonathan Joseph received during a game? How about even Tory freaking James. The guy can't cover a turtle but at least he's conditioned enough to be on the field when his team needs him!

Look, if he got hurt, one can't complain. That happens in football. Also, if this was an isolated incident, I would gladly give him a pass. But it is clearly a recurring problem and, short of him having some dabilitative problem that requires him to get IVs frequently, it is simply unacceptable. What if he was on the field during that drive instead of in the locker room and he was able to catch a long TD pass. Who knows, maybe the game turns out differently. The operative point here is, we'll never know.

Like I said, I love the guy. But I'm not going to make excuses for him - and IMO, no one else should either. The guy should shut his freaking mouth and work on staying on the field when his team needs his talent and leadership during the game.

[Riagogogoindanati]

Osmolality, osmolarity...........that is the question.

I was pretty ticked to see him going to the LR when the offense was on the field. I understand the dehydration/cramping aspect, if it were to happen in pre-season games/practice or even a few games into the season where there might be a higher heat index. I don't know how many cups of H2O or gatorade CJ drinks while our D is on the field, but something has to be amiss here. There is no reason he shouldn't be pushing fluids during the game and espescially under higher heat circumstances......but, in a dome with controlled temps? Come on!

[Kazkal]

Fine. Chad busts his arse. Well, all I remember about his arse busting performance last night was him busting his arse running into the locker room to get yet another

Does it matter? our whole offense was playing like sh3t anyways...I see alot more problems then chad last night ...but keep hating because you'll be right back as a nut hugger in a week.

[HoosierCat]

[Also, if this was an isolated incident, I would gladly give him a pass. But it is clearly a recurring problem and, short of him having some dabilitative problem that requires him to get IVs frequently, it is simply unacceptable.

It was a recurring problem is past seasons, but this is the first time I've heard of it cropping up this year. Not saying it hasn't, but this is the first time I've seen it mentioned.

[Bengalhead]

[Also, if this was an isolated incident, I would gladly give him a pass. But it is clearly a recurring problem and, short of him having some dabilitative problem that requires him to get IVs frequently, it is simply unacceptable.

It was a recurring problem is past seasons, but this is the first time I've heard of it cropping up this year. Not saying it hasn't, but this is the first time I've seen it mentioned.

It is AT LEAST the third time he's done it this year. I remember it happened for or five times last year too. Anyway, if it happens more than once, there is no excuse. Learn from it the first time.

Fine. Chad busts his arse. Well, all I remember about his arse busting performance last night was him busting his arse running into the locker room to get yet another

Does it matter? our whole offense was playing like sh3t anyways...I see alot more problems then chad last night ...but keep hating because you'll be right back as a nut hugger in a week.

Whatever dude. Read my posts. I love Chad but I call things as I see them. Chad wasn't there for his team because he had to get an IV. That is my complaint. It wasn't as if he pulled a hammy or sprained a ligament or something like that. If that was the case, I would not say a word.

I agree that the offense played like garbage. Particularly the O-line. But that doesn't cover up the fact that Chad has repeatedly had this problem and there is simply no excuse for it to keep happening. I don't care who or what the topic is. If I think somebody did good, I give them props. If I think they sucked or did something stupid, then I'll let them have it. How is that being a nut-hugger?

[Riagogogoindanati]

Kazkal..........

I'm huggin' nuts.

Ria={{{{{nuts}}}}}

[Scottishbengal]

There is no reason he shouldn't be pushing fluids during the game and espescially under higher heat circumstances......but, in a dome with controlled temps? Come on!

Perhaps it's something else, like diabetes, and the staff are trying to keep a lid on it.

[agreen_112]

Chad's just a diva! It's okay, but I'm getting tired of it too. When Marv told him to tone it down a bit at the begining of the season, I knew that wouldn't last. Chad's abilities are unbelievable and he could be the very best WR in the league. He doesn't help this team when running into the gotdamn locker room when we are driving down the f**king field.... That's unbelievable??

He has to be embarrased after that whole shoe/fine stunt he pulled before the game, because our offense got SHUT DOWN! Hopefully he'll learn his lesson and not make such an ass out of himself... I'm not saying that I thought he was an ass, but I betcha that's what the the national audience was thinking.

[skyline]

Perhaps it's something else, like diabetes, and the staff are trying to keep a lid on it.

I don't know about diabetes, but I think there has to be SOMETHING like this going on. If it were simple dehydration of a normal body, you know they'd be able to prevent it. People need to cut him some slack and understand that what you see on TV isn't the entire story.

[bengalboomer7]

Sometimes I wonder if any of you have laced up your shoes for any sport, EVER. I feel like going on an Iverson rant "We talking about practice." Are we really gonna give someone this much s**t because of what they had for breakfast

[dave]

Sometimes I wonder if any of you have laced up your shoes for any sport, EVER. I feel like going on an Iverson rant "We talking about practice." Are we really gonna give someone this much s**t because of what they had for breakfast

Funny, your comment makes me wonder if you've ever laced them up. I play hoops, run, and bike regularly and I can feel the difference between a week when I've eaten like s**t (like the holidays) and when I'm on my normal, healthy diet. There are countless articles about athletes in all fields who've gotten more serious about their diet, to the point of hiring personal trainers or chefs to guide them in what they eat.

Championship athletes will do anything to gain an edge. In a game of inches, you can bet your ass that the dehydration bit and a poor diet will catch up to Chad at some point.

[BlainThePain]

I remember him trying to do something about it in the past, but he cramped up anyway. Maybe he is just prone to cramping and there is no conspiracy to what is going on. Nah, it couldn't be that because then you guys wouldn't be able to bitch about it.

[HairOnFire]

He has to be embarrased after that whole shoe/fine stunt he pulled before the game, because our offense got SHUT DOWN! Hopefully he'll learn his lesson and not make such an ass out of himself... I'm not saying that I thought he was an ass, but I betcha that's what the the national audience was thinking.

Chad needs to understand that the Cincy area media is going to ignore or embrace things that the national media will feed upon in a negative way. For example, Chad was featured in several pregame segments by ESPN and to a man everyone agreed that he's funny and engaging. So they happily fed the beast and gave Chad the media attention that he can't seem to live without.

However, while they were laughing they also gave Chad enough rope to hang himself, and after the game the same talking heads criticized Chad for not being serious enough, mocking his poor performance by spending several minutes making the point that Chad's presence that night was notable only for the ugly shoes he wore during warmups.

In short, everyone laughed with him for awhile but quickly laughed at him during post the game breakdown, most notably as they pointed out that when it comes to being a professional Chad doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the quiet and unassuming Marvin Harrison.

Sadly, I didn't feel they were being unfair.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Marvin defended Chad today and said that the training staff usually gives him an IV at half time, but chose not to Monday night (probably because he was hardly on the field in the first half - 3 drives). Marv said he would make sure that's done from now on.

He also said he has never seen him eating anything other than "breakfast food" from McDonald's and that the rest of the team eats "pancakes" just like he does - but Chad just gets his from McDonald's before he comes in.

Chad sees a nutritionist and follows a checklist and was seen eating "chicken and rice" today. (yum)

His problem is that his body is prone to dehydration, partially because he's so hyper all the time, but some people are just prone to cramping (I was when I played ball also no matter what I did, I cramped up eventually - then again I played both ways and returned kicks).

Now Chad's drops I can't excuse (3 of them monday) and that's what killed drives. I also thought Carson was a jittery mess the whole night and was throwing balls harder than he usually does.

On a side note Willie and Carson seemed to be fairly dejected/pissed off about Monday night and Carson said he "still wasn't over Monday night but that I have to get over it today and get ready for Denver.")

Chad reiterated the fact that the Pro Bowl nod wasn't important, and that getting to Miami is. Always good to "hear" any ways.

Now do it. (Willie will play Sunday he said BTW)

BTW - I would be friggin embarrassed to be featured on a Monday Night pre-game like that, then come out and need IV's and drop 3 passes and lose like that.

That whole team, ecspecially Carson and Chad, should be playing with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove the next two weeks. If not, I question their character.

[agreen_112]

Sometimes I wonder if any of you have laced up your shoes for any sport, EVER. I feel like going on an Iverson rant "We talking about practice." Are we really gonna give someone this much s**t because of what they had for breakfast

Funny, your comment makes me wonder if you've ever laced them up. I play hoops, run, and bike regularly and I can feel the difference between a week when I've eaten like s**t (like the holidays) and when I'm on my normal, healthy diet. There are countless articles about athletes in all fields who've gotten more serious about their diet, to the point of hiring personal trainers or chefs to guide them in what they eat.

Championship athletes will do anything to gain an edge. In a game of inches, you can bet your ass that the dehydration bit and a poor diet will catch up to Chad at some point.

he's reffering to the regulars around here buddy.

[Bengalhead]

Perhaps it's something else, like diabetes, and the staff are trying to keep a lid on it.

I don't know about diabetes, but I think there has to be SOMETHING like this going on. If it were simple dehydration of a normal body, you know they'd be able to prevent it. People need to cut him some slack and understand that what you see on TV isn't the entire story.

Wrong. They need to give us a reason to cut him some slack. If they said that it is something that is unavoidable, then fine. I'll lay off. Until then, he deserves to be criticized. I don't care if he's Chad Johnson or not. He's a freaking football player who also happens to be a key piece to this offense and should be on the field.

I remember him trying to do something about it in the past, but he cramped up anyway. Maybe he is just prone to cramping and there is no conspiracy to what is going on. Nah, it couldn't be that because then you guys wouldn't be able to bitch about it.

I wouldn't bitch if he/they wouldn't give me things to bitch about. If Chad couldn't play because he got hurt - you would not hear a peep from me. God. I'm so sick and tired of people here laying into people that refuse to accept poor performance/stupid behavior, etc. I love the Bengals but I excpect/demand excellence from them - because they are very capable of it. So get used to hearing me "bitch" about stupid things that are unacceptable because I'm not going to stop until the stupid/unacceptable behavior stops. And when they do play well, I will cheer them on. If you don't like the "bitching" then don't read it.

Marvin defended Chad today and said that the training staff usually gives him an IV at half time, but chose not to Monday night (probably because he was hardly on the field in the first half - 3 drives). Marv said he would make sure that's done from now on.

He also said he has never seen him eating anything other than "breakfast food" from McDonald's and that the rest of the team eats "pancakes" just like he does - but Chad just gets his from McDonald's before he comes in.

Chad sees a nutritionist and follows a checklist and was seen eating "chicken and rice" today. (yum)

His problem is that his body is prone to dehydration, partially because he's so hyper all the time, but some people are just prone to cramping (I was when I played ball also no matter what I did, I cramped up eventually - then again I played both ways and returned kicks).

Now Chad's drops I can't excuse (3 of them monday) and that's what killed drives. I also thought Carson was a jittery mess the whole night and was throwing balls harder than he usually does.

On a side note Willie and Carson seemed to be fairly dejected/pissed off about Monday night and Carson said he "still wasn't over Monday night but that I have to get over it today and get ready for Denver.")

Chad reiterated the fact that the Pro Bowl nod wasn't important, and that getting to Miami is. Always good to "hear" any ways.

Now do it. (Willie will play Sunday he said BTW)

BTW - I would be friggin embarrassed to be featured on a Monday Night pre-game like that, then come out and need IV's and drop 3 passes and lose like that.

That whole team, ecspecially Carson and Chad, should be playing with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove the next two weeks. If not, I question their character.

Good points, ShulaSteak. I heard the press conference too and I'm glad that he at least addressed it. If this is an unavoidable issue. Then so be it. I'll leave him alone. If it IS avoidable, it should NEVER happen again. I just can't understand why all of the other skill position players don't have this problem. They run just as much and often that he does. And yes, you're right, Chad's drops helped kill us on Sunday. And when you run your mouth like he does, that spotlight gets even brighter in your face when you do stupid things or you don't back it up.

[bengalboomer7]

Sometimes I wonder if any of you have laced up your shoes for any sport, EVER. I feel like going on an Iverson rant "We talking about practice." Are we really gonna give someone this much s**t because of what they had for breakfast

Funny, your comment makes me wonder if you've ever laced them up. I play hoops, run, and bike regularly and I can feel the difference between a week when I've eaten like s**t (like the holidays) and when I'm on my normal, healthy diet. There are countless articles about athletes in all fields who've gotten more serious about their diet, to the point of hiring personal trainers or chefs to guide them in what they eat.

Championship athletes will do anything to gain an edge. In a game of inches, you can bet your ass that the dehydration bit and a poor diet will catch up to Chad at some point.

Laced up my shoes for plenty of sports. Unfortuntately for me, I'm not superhuman, because in all those sports I played I sometimes got cramps, sprained ankles and wrists, got charlie horses, even broke a bone or two. Since you are such an active person, you should know this

[BengalChamps]

I just dont understand why we never see him drinking fluids on the sideline during the game??? He should be drinking constantly.

Maybe his pregame warmup is too long.