Give Chad what he wants

[combatbengal]

Who's tired of hearing about Chad crying about not being wanted? Not being loved? Not being supported? Not making enough money? Bottom line, Chad Johnson signed the contract that he currently has. He made the obligation to play for the Bengals and his agent made all the negotiations. I say let him keep acting the way he is. We keep him on the team, bench him (I know this won't be good for the team), and let him lose money. He won't make any incentive money for not meeting contractual objectives, because he won't be on the field. The rest of the league will see him as a non factor and won't want him in the future. If he wants to play hard ball, then I think the Bengals should play along with him. Once again, Chad made a contract obligation to play ball in Cincinnati. It's nobody's fault but him and his agent. Keep him on the team, and hold him to the same standards as the rest of the players. If he fails to meet the standards set, bench him, and let him lose playing time and money. Sooner or later, he'll come around. He'll see that other WR's are getting playing time, getting the ball, reaching the end zone, receiving TV time, obtaining the commercials, etc. Chad, enough is enough. We the fans understand that it's a business, but a real man will comply with the contractual obligations that he, his agent and the team agreed upon. Just go and play football dude! You say you want to win, you want to be on a playoff team, and you want to win a ring. This is not the way to do it! Your behavior and attitude is doing nothing but causing friction and ciaos to your teammates, your coaches, and the Bengal football team.

Chad, the fans want the real #85 back this year. You broke your own receiving record with 1440 yards, and you became the franchises all time leader in receptions. The die hard Bengal fans challenge you to earn your paycheck by surpassing these achievements. Help get this team back into the playoffs and win the big one in 2008.Are you man enough to do the right thing? Chad, there is no I in team.

[JoePong]

Gimme a break

[BENGALTHEM]

The whole Chad Johnson situation is f**ked up, but at the same time I'm indifferent. I'm a Chad Johnson fan, but I'm a bigger Bengals fan. I don't want any player on my team, that doesn't want to be on the team. Would love to see him come into this season talking about how he guarantees a playoff birth this year for the Bengals but this is not the case. So let him go. I think Henry and Housh will do just fine would be like Toomer and Plaxico, but better, esp. with Utecht. Henry does things CJ can't or won't do. I don't blame CJ for wanting to jump ship. When is the last time the Bengals won a playoff game? That's why I never had hard feelings for Dillion or Spikes. A player can only take loosing for so long. If CJ doesn't feel he can win here, let him go, so long as we are appropriately compensated. I think this years Bengals are going to surprise some people, with or without CJ.

[combatbengal]

That's the point, if we let Chad go, we won't be appropriately compensated. I agree with Henry and TJ together. If Chad is on the bench watching those guys make it happen, he'll change his attitude. And pong, you seem like the type of guy who would want to rub a wife beaters or child malesters belly, insted of putting him in jail. so, your comments don't mean jack on this board!

[combatbengal]

The guys on NFL network brought up some good points on Chad. Chad wants more money but his play hasn't helped him. During the 06 season, we only needed one more win to get into the playoffs. In the last six games, Chad didn't make any TD's! In the 07 season, Chad only had 3 TD's in the first 10 games. That's only 3 touchdowns in 16 games for a man that claims no one can stop #85. Once again, chad, go out and play football.

[chrishcovga]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/24/...d-about-stinko/

In this article posted at profootballtalk.com, they talk about how the other Bengal Players aren't worried about Chad because he's always been a pain in the arse !

[agreen_112]

Its obvious now that Chad wants out (check the latest video on Bengals.com - NFL Network). He said repetedly that he would like a "change"; A "change in scenery" and that he needs a "fresh start". I guess he feels that there is no way to forgive the events that transpired in '07. Chad feels as if he's the scape goat for the losing season. He also feels disrespected and unappriciated by the fans, media, and perhaps some individuals in the organization ("no one had my back"). He also said (which is funny as hell actually) "They say the grass isn't always greener on the other side... Well, I have my seeds and my water. Ima make it greener!" That's classic Chad right there, lol.

OTOH, he's under contract. Marv and MB have both stated Chad isn't going anywhere, that there will be NO TRADE... Chad says if he's in Cincy, nothing will "change", you'll get the same Chad (meaning he won't sit out and won't milk it.) As much as I love Chad, I really don't get what he wants here. I understand you want out, rightfully so, but speak up. Tell us specifically what the f**k you want.

Chad should read David Beckam's autobiography. David recieved death threats from fans in England after "causing the team to lose, (in their eyes) an important game. A game in which he was ejected for kicking an opponent. One fan even said (some time after the fans turned on him) "I hope your child dies of cancer"... Did David walk away when the fans hated him and where making death treats? Did he decide to quit? NO. He decided to overcome that and gain the fans, media, and organizations love again. He became one of the best players in the world.

Chad if you want to be the best, act like the best. That's my only beef with you. I love you, don't want to see you go, but I think you need to man up and show the fans here in Cincy what your worth. Prove them wrong, prove the world wrong! That's "thinking about yourself", IMHO.

[HairOnFire]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/24/...d-about-stinko/

In this article posted at profootballtalk.com, they talk about how the other Bengal Players aren't worried about Chad because he's always been a pain in the arse !

And in typical PFT fashion it doesn't name a single player or provide a single quote to back up it's claims. And I believe that to be true because PFT probably doesn't have a single source with the Bengals that could provide that type of information. As a result the website sets up it's own "Chad has always been a pain in the ass" strawman, and then fires away at it.

Moving on....

I wrote months ago, during the 2nd half of the regular season, about how all things Chad had passed a tipping point, and would never return to the way it had been previously. Too much had already changed, and more change was bound to follow. The local media had demonstrated it's unwillingness to remain an equal partner in his douchebaggery, the national media soon followed, and the next domino to fall would be a large portion of the Bengal fanbase. Obviously we're finally at that last point, and it wasn't the media that brought us here. It was Chad himself.

What happens now is just as easy to predict. With a local press now free to write unflattering articles about a player who once stood as one of the most popular in local history, and becuse the Bengal fanbase is no longer blinded by the glare from an insincere golden grin other Bengal players will be far more willing to say how they really feel about Chad and his actions.

What happens after that is anyones guess, but if I had to bet I wouldn't place my money on Chad Johnson responding positively. Instead, I'd expect more of the same as he endlessly waffles back and forth between angry responses and self pity. In short, I'd bet we'll see another example of the Chad Johnson Yips.

[GregCook]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/24/...d-about-stinko/

In this article posted at profootballtalk.com, they talk about how the other Bengal Players aren't worried about Chad because he's always been a pain in the arse !

And in typical PFT fashion it doesn't name a single player or provide a single quote to back up it's claims. And I believe that to be true because PFT probably doesn't have a single source with the Bengals that could provide that type of information. As a result the website sets up it's own "Chad has always been a pain in the ass" strawman, and then fires away at it.

Moving on....

I wrote months ago, during the 2nd half of the regular season, about how all things Chad had passed a tipping point, and would never return to the way it had been previously. Too much had already changed, and more change was bound to follow. The local media had demonstrated it's unwillingness to remain an equal partner in his douchebaggery, the national media soon followed, and the next domino to fall would be a large portion of the Bengal fanbase. Obviously we're finally at that last point, and it wasn't the media that brought us here. It was Chad himself.

What happens now is just as easy to predict. With a local press now free to write unflattering articles about a player who once stood as one of the most popular in local history, and becuse the Bengal fanbase is no longer blinded by the glare from an insincere golden grin other Bengal players will be far more willing to say how they really feel about Chad and his actions.

What happens after that is anyones guess, but if I had to bet I wouldn't place my money on Chad Johnson responding positively. Instead, I'd expect more of the same as he endlessly waffles back and forth between angry responses and self pity. In short, I'd bet we'll see another example of the Chad Johnson Yips.

There is nothing wrong with Chad. He is behaving rationally given his past behavior on and off the field. He also hired Drew Rosenhaus to expand his brand value, the Chad's brand value. Chad wants more money and he won't get it from Cincy. He has less than 5 yeas of NFL football in him, maybe 1 or 2 to get a big guaranteed contract. He has to act now to get that money. Drew has proven that he can take a player, demonize him for the local fans, then negotiate a huge deal elsewhere that makes Drew and the athlete richer.

One final piece to this puzzle. The Bengals are a family shop, not corporate at all. The last thing they want is for a corrosive atmosphere to take hold in the family. Drew knows this as does Chad. I expect the Bengals know a trade is only when and for who, not whether they should trade him. The cap hit of $8 million is only a obstacle, not a barrier. Palmer being the 100 million dollar man is a natural to approach about a extended deal that eliminates the Chad cap hit.

[combatbengal]

The saga continues. The Bengals this morning opened their offseason strength and conditioning program, and Pro Bowl wide receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson were not in attendance.

A good thing is that nobody is worried about Chad or his actions. They are focused on the players that are there and dedicated to winning football games.

[HairOnFire]

There is nothing wrong with Chad. He is behaving rationally given his past behavior on and off the field.

Given his past behavior there's nothing rational about Chad Johnson....unless the behavior of children is your standard. After all, we're talking about the most selfish types of behavior being demonstrated by a player who claims to rank amongst the very best within a team sport. And we're talking an appropriate response by that player to slights and criticism that were made by members of the press, not the Bengals. And ultimatly we're talking about a blatant play for more money being made by a person who claims money matters have nothing to do with his demands.

He also hired Drew Rosenhaus to expand his brand value, the Chad's brand value. Chad wants more money and he won't get it from Cincy.

Well, which lie should a Bengal fan believe? After hiring Rosenhaus both parties , Chad and Drew, claimed it was only to increase his endorsment income, not to renegotiate a better contract. However, Rosenhaus has since admitted that he approached the Bengals about a new and richer deal and was rebuffed. Plus, in his latest rant Chad was asked if his trade demands were motivated by money. He quickly admitted everything is motivated by money, but then claimed he didn't want more money to remain where he was at. In short, it seems obvious his 3-month long tantrum is mostly based upon money matters, but Chad and Rosenhaus both know there'll be more support given to Johnson if they paint him as an unfairly criticized passionate football player who only cares about winning. And that's crap. In fact, you don't even bother to mention Chad's explanation for why he's so upset anywhere in your so-called "rational" defense.

He has less than 5 yeas of NFL football in him, maybe 1 or 2 to get a big guaranteed contract. He has to act now to get that money.

Again, not even you are giving credence to the things Chad claims to be upset about. Instead, you quite correctly ignore the smoke screen and zero right in on the money issues that Chad claims aren't the reason behind his trade demands.

Drew has proven that he can take a player, demonize him for the local fans, then negotiate a huge deal elsewhere that makes Drew and the athlete richer.

No, it goes much deeper than that. Drew has proven that he can get a player a much bigger contract even if that player fractures the team itself. So we're no longer talking about the Bengals reacting to pressure from fans. The real risk rests in a player and an agent who will willingly engage in behavior so unprofessional that it threatens everything a team is trying to accomplish. And there's the rub because the only players who will go to those lengths are those who have always acted, even at their very best, as selfish individuals.

The Bengals are a family shop, not corporate at all. The last thing they want is for a corrosive atmosphere to take hold in the family. Drew knows this as does Chad.

If the Bengals are a family they're the dysfunctional kind, and it wouldn't take a genius to exploit the already corrosive atmosphere that has existed for decades. After all, look how quick some fans are to blame the Bengals for proactively extending Chad's contract, a move that was unquestioned and applauded when it was made.

I expect the Bengals know a trade is only when and for who, not whether they should trade him. The cap hit of $8 million is only a obstacle, not a barrier.

It's not an ultimate barrier, but it begs the question of what cost the team is willing to pay just to make a problem go away. Addition by subtraction is all well and good, and in this case it may be unavoidable, but most realistic scenarios for trading Chad this season are based on subtracting far more than Chad, changing the focus of the coming draft, and accepting the hit the passing game will almost certainly take.

Palmer being the 100 million dollar man is a natural to approach about a extended deal that eliminates the Chad cap hit.

But you don't eliminate the hit. All you're doing is finding the least harmful way to absorb it. And call me crazy but why wouldn't the more natural place to start begin with asking Chad to do the things needed to facilitate his own trade? Not that Chad would, as I'd expect no more from him that we saw from Carl Pickens...who once said he'd give back his bonus money if the Bengals would trade him, and then quickly withdrew the offer. But why should Palmer be expected to clean up Chad Johnson's mess?

[GregCook]

There is nothing wrong with Chad. He is behaving rationally given his past behavior on and off the field.

Given his past behavior there's nothing rational about Chad Johnson....unless the behavior of children is your standard. After all, we're talking about the most selfish types of behavior being demonstrated by a player who claims to rank amongst the very best within a team sport. And we're talking an appropriate response by that player to slights and criticism that were made by members of the press, not the Bengals. And ultimatly we're talking about a blatant play for more money being made by a person who claims money matters have nothing to do with his demands.

He also hired Drew Rosenhaus to expand his brand value, the Chad's brand value. Chad wants more money and he won't get it from Cincy.

Well, which lie should a Bengal fan believe? After hiring Rosenhaus both parties , Chad and Drew, claimed it was only to increase his endorsment income, not to renegotiate a better contract. However, Rosenhaus has since admitted that he approached the Bengals about a new and richer deal and was rebuffed. Plus, in his latest rant Chad was asked if his trade demands were motivated by money. He quickly admitted everything is motivated by money, but then claimed he didn't want more money to remain where he was at. In short, it seems obvious his 3-month long tantrum is mostly based upon money matters, but Chad and Rosenhaus both know there'll be more support given to Johnson if they paint him as an unfairly criticized passionate football player who only cares about winning. And that's crap. In fact, you don't even bother to mention Chad's explanation for why he's so upset anywhere in your so-called "rational" defense.

He has less than 5 yeas of NFL football in him, maybe 1 or 2 to get a big guaranteed contract. He has to act now to get that money.

Again, not even you are giving credence to the things Chad claims to be upset about. Instead, you quite correctly ignore the smoke screen and zero right in on the money issues that Chad claims aren't the reason behind his trade demands.

Drew has proven that he can take a player, demonize him for the local fans, then negotiate a huge deal elsewhere that makes Drew and the athlete richer.

No, it goes much deeper than that. Drew has proven that he can get a player a much bigger contract even if that player fractures the team itself. So we're no longer talking about the Bengals reacting to pressure from fans. The real risk rests in a player and an agent who will willingly engage in behavior so unprofessional that it threatens everything a team is trying to accomplish. And there's the rub because the only players who will go to those lengths are those who have always acted, even at their very best, as selfish individuals.

The Bengals are a family shop, not corporate at all. The last thing they want is for a corrosive atmosphere to take hold in the family. Drew knows this as does Chad.

If the Bengals are a family they're the dysfunctional kind, and it wouldn't take a genius to exploit the already corrosive atmosphere that has existed for decades. After all, look how quick some fans are to blame the Bengals for proactively extending Chad's contract, a move that was unquestioned and applauded when it was made.

I expect the Bengals know a trade is only when and for who, not whether they should trade him. The cap hit of $8 million is only a obstacle, not a barrier.

It's not an ultimate barrier, but it begs the question of what cost the team is willing to pay just to make a problem go away. Addition by subtraction is all well and good, and in this case it may be unavoidable, but most realistic scenarios for trading Chad this season are based on subtracting far more than Chad, changing the focus of the coming draft, and accepting the hit the passing game will almost certainly take.

Palmer being the 100 million dollar man is a natural to approach about a extended deal that eliminates the Chad cap hit.

But you don't eliminate the hit. All you're doing is finding the least harmful way to absorb it. And call me crazy but why wouldn't the more natural place to start begin with asking Chad to do the things needed to facilitate his own trade? Not that Chad would, as I'd expect no more from him that we saw from Carl Pickens...who once said he'd give back his bonus money if the Bengals would trade him, and then quickly withdrew the offer. But why should Palmer be expected to clean up Chad Johnson's mess?

Wow, Hair, you must have a hellious lunch break to type all of this.

1. "Given his past behavior there's nothing rational about Chad Johnson....unless the behavior of children is your standard. "

That is exactly the point, he is acting like a brat and has acted as a high school kid during games. His current behavior is consistent with all of that, ie immature.

2.

"No, it goes much deeper than that. Drew has proven that he can get a player a much bigger contract even if that player fractures the team itself." As if TO cares, or Drew about Philly. They work the system that is in place and simply play by the rules. The NFL has owners that will pay Chad what Mike Brown won't, Drew has methods of getting a player into a nice big contract that pays him and the player.

3." It's not an ultimate barrier, but it begs the question of what cost the team is willing to pay just to make a problem go away." Drew and Chad are trying to find the answer to that question and will work on it all summer if need be. As I see it the owners have put in place rules that screw them whenever they try to trade a disgruntled player. The Cap rules are arcane and make trades very hard to do. If Chad is traded be gets richly rewarded, gets face time on ESPN with a huge grin after signing a multimillion dollar contract. The Brown family gets to treasure a lowly draft pick or someother garbage.

Why wouldn't Chad want to work this system that the NFL uses?

4. "But you don't eliminate the hit. " You are right, poor phrasing on me. The Bengals eat the hit but could reduce the impact of that hit if they renegotiate a contract or two. I picked on Carson only because he has the biggest deal, he is the team leader....take one for the team, etc. I can think of no reason for Carson to be generous, but other players have redone deals to accommodate a team, obviously Carson would be stupid to give money back, he'd have to get more in return, at some later date. Which pushes the pain down the road, maybe a good thing, maybe not.

[HairOnFire]

Wow, Hair, you must have a hellious lunch break to type all of this.

Nope, I have to work Saturday so I always take Mondays off.

That is exactly the point, he is acting like a brat and has acted as a high school kid during games. His current behavior is consistent with all of that, ie immature.

That's fair, but I wouldn't describe his behavior as rational. Instead, I'd call it selfish, immature, delusional, calculating, etc.

As if TO cares, or Drew about Philly. They work the system that is in place and simply play by the rules. The NFL has owners that will pay Chad what Mike Brown won't, Drew has methods of getting a player into a nice big contract that pays him and the player.

No, they don't play by the rules because the rules say if you sign a performance based contract you play out that contract to the very best of your abilities. Far better and more accurate to say players and their agents often work outside of the rules, bending them to whatever advantage the system, and their own level of professional standards, might allow. And on that last point, Drew Rosenhaus has many clients who wouldn't allow him to broker deals in this fashion. He's simply doing what they direct him to do.

If Chad is traded be gets richly rewarded, gets face time on ESPN with a huge grin after signing a multimillion dollar contract. The Brown family gets to treasure a lowly draft pick or someother garbage. Why wouldn't Chad want to work this system that the NFL uses?

That a hard question to answer. The first thing that popped into my mind was the loss of reputation a player might suffer in certain circles, but those things seem to matter less and less with each passing day....and that's true because players like TO were allowed to benefit from the same type of unprofessional behavior that Chad now imitates. So all Chad needs to cash in is a Jerry Jones, an owner who signed Owens, Tank Johnson, and is attempting to trade for Pacman Jones.

You are right, poor phrasing on me. The Bengals eat the hit but could reduce the impact of that hit if they renegotiate a contract or two. I picked on Carson only because he has the biggest deal, he is the team leader....take one for the team, etc. I can think of no reason for Carson to be generous, but other players have redone deals to accommodate a team, obviously Carson would be stupid to give money back, he'd have to get more in return, at some later date. Which pushes the pain down the road, maybe a good thing, maybe not.

Pure speculation on his part, but Chris Mortenson just claimed the Bengals won't trade Chad Johnson under any circumstance unless Palmer asks them to. Mort also claimed Rosenhaus has repeatedly asked Chad to tone it down...believing he has a better shot of brokering a trade quietly and from the background. If true, he's having no more luck controlling Chad's actions than anyone else has managed.

[COB]

If Chad is traded be gets richly rewarded, gets face time on ESPN with a huge grin after signing a multimillion dollar contract.

This isn't true. Chad's contract goes with him if he gets traded. What makes you think some savvy owner won't trade for Chad, then when Chad shows up say, "You want a new contract? Talk to me in two years. Now get your ass out there and play for the winner you've always hoped you'd get to play for. Oh, hi Drew. Say hello to my Director of Security, he'll be escorting you off the premises."

[HairOnFire]

As if TO cares, or Drew about Philly. They work the system that is in place and simply play by the rules. The NFL has owners that will pay Chad what Mike Brown won't, Drew has methods of getting a player into a nice big contract that pays him and the player.

Well, how timely is this?

The NFL just punished the 49'ers for tampering with Drew Rosenhaus's client Lance Briggs last season. Seems the 49'ers contacted Rosenhaus with getting permission from the Bears, and the 49'ers interest prompted Briggs to break off further contract negotiations with Chicago. Rosenhaus then attempts to broker a trade between the 49'ers and a Bear team that has reason to believe he'll leave in free agency after being tagged.

So, who still thinks Chad and Drew are simply playing within the rules?

[GregCook]

If Chad is traded be gets richly rewarded, gets face time on ESPN with a huge grin after signing a multimillion dollar contract.

This isn't true. Chad's contract goes with him if he gets traded. What makes you think some savvy owner won't trade for Chad, then when Chad shows up say, "You want a new contract? Talk to me in two years. Now get your ass out there and play for the winner you've always hoped you'd get to play for. Oh, hi Drew. Say hello to my Director of Security, he'll be escorting you off the premises."

Contracts are redone in the NFL all the time. Sure Chad can get his redone with the new team! In fact his agent would do the deal ahead of any trade, then get it signed after the trade is official.

[GregCook]

As if TO cares, or Drew about Philly. They work the system that is in place and simply play by the rules. The NFL has owners that will pay Chad what Mike Brown won't, Drew has methods of getting a player into a nice big contract that pays him and the player.

Well, how timely is this?

The NFL just punished the 49'ers for tampering with Drew Rosenhaus's client Lance Briggs last season. Seems the 49'ers contacted Rosenhaus with getting permission from the Bears, and the 49'ers interest prompted Briggs to break off further contract negotiations with Chicago. Rosenhaus then attempts to broker a trade between the 49'ers and a Bear team that has reason to believe he'll leave in free agency after being tagged.

So, who still thinks Chad and Drew are simply playing within the rules?

Well, I never said agents like Drew play within the rules everytime. In Chad's case, Drew is following a script he wrote for TO. In that case, all wells that ends well. The NFL did not punish him, TO, Boys or Philly.

Now with a new sheriff in town, maybe Goodell will read the rules differently than the last guy. I blame the NFL for allowing these transparent attempts to trash a contract and screw teams. But the fact is, they have allowed players to act like Chad and get new deals. TO did it and if I got moved to research, I'd probably find other players too.

I don't think its too much to ask a player to honor his contract especially when they get most of the money upfront. Again though, the NFL has allowed guys like Drew to pull this stuff, don't blame Chad or Drew, blame the NFL for tolerating it.

[HairOnFire]

Well, I never said agents like Drew play within the rules everytime.

Please stop before you embarrass yourself further.

In Chad's case, Drew is following a script he wrote for TO. In that case, all wells that ends well. The NFL did not punish him, TO, Boys or Philly.

Tampering is said to be almost impossible to prove, and the NFL has until recently shown absolutely no interest in trying to stop it. But if that changes you should see an end to things like UFA signing new long term deals within the first 5 minutes of the start of free agency. That is, unless you think 30 page contracts paying 50 million dollars can actually be negotiated with 5 minutes. As for me I've got my doubts.

Now with a new sheriff in town, maybe Goodell will read the rules differently than the last guy.

Who knows, the Bengals may find themselves getting some form of draft compensation from the Redskins next season. After all, more than a month ago Redskin GM Vinny Cerrato confirmed he was discussing a trade for Chad Johnson with Drew Rosenhaus...breaking things off only after Marvin Lewis repeated the Bengals stance that Chad Johnson wouldn't be traded under any circumstances. Something tells me the Redskins didn't ask or receive permission from the Bengals to discuss a trade with Chad's agent.

Again though, the NFL has allowed guys like Drew to pull this stuff, don't blame Chad or Drew, blame the NFL for tolerating it.

Sorry, but no. I'm blaming Chad first and foremost, and then I'm blaming Rosenhaus. After that I blame individual owners like Jerry Jones. Then I blame individual franchises that have a history of attempting to cheat the salary cap or tampering with another teams players. The 49'ers come to mind there, but there are others. And if I have any blame left only then do I throw a glance towards the faceless entity that is the NFL.

[jjakq27]

Unless Drew can make the $8M cap hit go away this situation is not going to change. Drew can do whatever he wants and talk to the whole league but I can't see the Bengals swallowing that big of a hit unless they are getting someone like LT.

And to all of the loyal fans, it's OK to be mad or disappointed in Chad. It's not required that you support him blindly. He has made a decision in which he has very little leverage and is threatening to blow up another season before it even gets started. He signed a new deal two years ago which put him in the upper echelon of WR's in the league at that time. So it is hard for me to have pity on him.

It's true we don't know much about the behind the scenes with the team but if his interview with Keyshawn is any indication, he must be in complete denial and an absolute ass to deal with on a daily basis.

Personally I hope he announces that he will sit out the entire season and that they draft his replacement in April. Then trade him next year when the cap hit is not so great. But not having to listen to him bitch all season might be better than his absence on the field for the entire season.

Oh and Drew is doing a great job with Chad's marketability so far. Let's see, a deodorant commercial and

a website commercial is all I have seen to date.

[chrishcovga]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/24/...d-about-stinko/

In this article posted at profootballtalk.com, they talk about how the other Bengal Players aren't worried about Chad because he's always been a pain in the arse !

And in typical PFT fashion it doesn't name a single player or provide a single quote to back up it's claims. And I believe that to be true because PFT probably doesn't have a single source with the Bengals that could provide that type of information. As a result the website sets up it's own "Chad has always been a pain in the ass" strawman, and then fires away at it.

Moving on....

Actually, this was supported by Marvin Lewis himself and also said that they talked about the same things that they did a year ago at this same time. per Canutte and Hobson,

- People always rag this site, but they hit on it right on the mark time and time again.

[GregCook]

Well, I never said agents like Drew play within the rules everytime.

Please stop before you embarrass yourself further.

In Chad's case, Drew is following a script he wrote for TO. In that case, all wells that ends well. The NFL did not punish him, TO, Boys or Philly.

Tampering is said to be almost impossible to prove, and the NFL has until recently shown absolutely no interest in trying to stop it. But if that changes you should see an end to things like UFA signing new long term deals within the first 5 minutes of the start of free agency. That is, unless you think 30 page contracts paying 50 million dollars can actually be negotiated with 5 minutes. As for me I've got my doubts.

Now with a new sheriff in town, maybe Goodell will read the rules differently than the last guy.

Who knows, the Bengals may find themselves getting some form of draft compensation from the Redskins next season. After all, more than a month ago Redskin GM Vinny Cerrato confirmed he was discussing a trade for Chad Johnson with Drew Rosenhaus...breaking things off only after Marvin Lewis repeated the Bengals stance that Chad Johnson wouldn't be traded under any circumstances. Something tells me the Redskins didn't ask or receive permission from the Bengals to discuss a trade with Chad's agent.

Again though, the NFL has allowed guys like Drew to pull this stuff, don't blame Chad or Drew, blame the NFL for tolerating it.

Sorry, but no. I'm blaming Chad first and foremost, and then I'm blaming Rosenhaus. After that I blame individual owners like Jerry Jones. Then I blame individual franchises that have a history of attempting to cheat the salary cap or tampering with another teams players. The 49'ers come to mind there, but there are others. And if I have any blame left only then do I throw a glance towards the faceless entity that is the NFL.

Hair your getting emotional about all of this. You're not a season ticket holder already paid up in 2008?

The way I see it, the NFL has given players too much leverage in getting out of contracts and guys like Rosenhaus know how to do it. Of course NFL teams can cut players at any time and owe them nothing.

Believe me, on this site, there is nothing that I can say that will embarrass me...it's only sports.

[HairOnFire]

Believe me, on this site, there is nothing that I can say that will embarrass me...it's only sports.

Well said. In fact, I happily and knowingly embarrass myself here on a daily basis.

As for being emotional, the very popularity of all sports is rooted in a fans ability to show a range of emotions they wouldn't dare expess if the subject were serious.

Well, that....plus the drinking.

[combatbengal]

Marvin said it again on the NFL network. The Bengals will not trade Chad. If he wants to play pro ball, it's going to be in Bengal stripes. Time to man up and comply to the contract. That or lose more money.

[ArmyBengal]

I will throw in my belief that Chad will be in Stripes this season if he wants to play football as well and YES, Marvin made those comments to everyone during the interview. However, to claim that the things Marvin says are "ABSOLUTES" is not keeping things in perspective either. Marvin has repeatedly made statements regarding the team, only to do the exact opposite. Given the right set of circumstances, this could be yet another one to add to that category...

WHODEY !!!

[combatbengal]

I hope you're wrong. We need Chad on the field.