Ward is a class act.

[bwillycuse]

My feelings are mixed.

Granted, I want to see the Bengals tee off on the Steelers this Sunday and I won't shed a tear if several Steeler players show up on Monday's list of injured players. But that list doesn't haven't include Hines Ward.

No kidding, I'll accept substitutes.

Ill be ok with some fringe casualties. As long as they take it out on Hines in the locker room for stirrin up the storm on Sunday.

[gregstephens]

My feelings are mixed.

Granted, I want to see the Bengals tee off on the Steelers this Sunday and I won't shed a tear if several Steeler players show up on Monday's list of injured players. But that list doesn't haven't include Hines Ward.

No kidding, I'll accept substitutes.

I wouldn't lose any sleep on substitutes, either, but if Ward doesn't end up with his bell rung in particular, it better not be due to a lack of trying.

[TIMEsteelersfan]

I appreciate the thoughts everybody. If I were you guys I'd want to see somebody smoke Ward, knock his wind out and send him to the sideline for a little while, but, never deliberately injured, that's just cold. I'm shocked by those responses, afterall, this is a game. Either way, I see a guy who came in too high, some of you see an intentional cheap shot... I guess the eye sees what it wants to see.

[skyline]

I appreciate the thoughts everybody. If I were you guys I'd want to see somebody smoke Ward, knock his wind out and send him to the sideline for a little while, but, never deliberately injured, that's just cold. I'm shocked by those responses, afterall, this is a game. Either way, I see a guy who came in too high, some of you see an intentional cheap shot... I guess the eye sees what it wants to see.

Can't argue with that post.

Only Ward really knows for sure.

Regardless, seeing him pout after his fumble against the Titans brought me tears of joy. I enjoyed it immensely

[gregstephens]

...afterall, this is a game.

I don't think I've ever heard a Steelers fan say that in any context.

[COB]

but if Ward doesn't end up with his bell rung in particular, it better not be due to a lack of trying.

It is really hard to ring Ward's bell. He's just one of those players with a really solid base who doesn't give much when he gets hit. I'm not sure you could hurt him even if you really tried, let alone just within the normal flow of a game. The Ravens hate him and put a bounty on him last year, and they couldn't hurt him. Maybe Ben will hang him way up on a crossing pattern and Rey will have a full head of steam, then he might notice it.

[cincyhokie]

/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbLNFiQSTyE

Oh yes it's just him trying get back at the nfl for targeting him(cough bullshet),the guy is a douche who is looking to injure people and not "block them"...

Yep. TIME... you seem like a good guy, and a well reasoned and rational person. But you're wrong. It was not an aberration when Hines went high on Rivers. He always goes high. He leads with the top of his helmet and aims for the chin. He also often does this when the play is away from him, and when the player he is hitting isn't looking because the play is all but over.

I understand why Steeler fans like him, because it's a physical way to play, and it makes him seem like a bit of a badass... but Hines is a douche without rival. Yeah... he's a smaller guy who hits bigger guys. Big deal. He does it when they aren't looking and can't defend themselves. I'm not impressed.

He's an ass.

Yep. The man likes to lead with his head.

[jonahdsage]

/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbLNFiQSTyE

Oh yes it's just him trying get back at the nfl for targeting him(cough bullshet),the guy is a douche who is looking to injure people and not "block them"...

Yep. TIME... you seem like a good guy, and a well reasoned and rational person. But you're wrong. It was not an aberration when Hines went high on Rivers. He always goes high. He leads with the top of his helmet and aims for the chin. He also often does this when the play is away from him, and when the player he is hitting isn't looking because the play is all but over.

I understand why Steeler fans like him, because it's a physical way to play, and it makes him seem like a bit of a badass... but Hines is a douche without rival. Yeah... he's a smaller guy who hits bigger guys. Big deal. He does it when they aren't looking and can't defend themselves. I'm not impressed.

He's an ass.

Yep. The man likes to lead with his head.

Man it had been like ten minutes since that video had been played on TV. I was forgetting what it looked like

We should ban awful, quasi embarrassing videos like that from being posted on a bengals' board.

[BengalByTheBay]

I appreciate the thoughts everybody. If I were you guys I'd want to see somebody smoke Ward, knock his wind out and send him to the sideline for a little while, but, never deliberately injured, that's just cold. I'm shocked by those responses, afterall, this is a game. Either way, I see a guy who came in too high, some of you see an intentional cheap shot... I guess the eye sees what it wants to see.

No doubt. There is a degree of history there, however, and I doubt anyone could objectively fault Bengals fans for being touchy about borderline hits by your team. Whatever emotions you're seeing on this thread though are, to my eye, geared toward the concept that it's time for the Bengals to inflict rather than sustain these kinds of hits even if they end up being penalized. Surely, that is a sentiment that doesn't shock you as a Pitt fan.

[redsbengalsbucks]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbLNFiQSTyE

Ward should have been fined for almost every hit on this video. He acts like he enjoys popping other players with his helmet, it is a bad habit that should be penalized and fined when he does it this season.

[cincyhokie]

/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbLNFiQSTyE

Ward should have been fined for almost every hit on this video. He acts like he enjoys popping other players with his helmet, it is a bad habit that should be penalized and fined when he does it this season.

I love the one on Daven Holly. Gosh, Hines! You're so awesome!

[derekshank]

/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbLNFiQSTyE

Ward should have been fined for almost every hit on this video. He acts like he enjoys popping other players with his helmet, it is a bad habit that should be penalized and fined when he does it this season.

I love the one on Daven Holly. Gosh, Hines! You're so awesome!

Yep. Perfect example. The play was over. He looked down and saw the tackle had already been made, but then realized there was a player standing there not paying attention. "Hey, I'll wake him up!"

What a tool.

[bwillycuse]

/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbLNFiQSTyE

Ward should have been fined for almost every hit on this video. He acts like he enjoys popping other players with his helmet, it is a bad habit that should be penalized and fined when he does it this season.

I love the one on Daven Holly. Gosh, Hines! You're so awesome!

Yep. Perfect example. The play was over. He looked down and saw the tackle had already been made, but then realized there was a player standing there not paying attention. "Hey, I'll wake him up!"

What a tool.

Thats what blows me away. He is just regarded as a great blocking receiver by all the talking heads.

I just see him as a head hunter looking for the biggest hit. Regardless of if it helps the play or not. Selfish. Just like him fumbling in the first game. Selfish play. But of course he gets away with it every time.

He does a lot of things well. He is an excellent blocker. Just takes it too far and I thought the NFL is supposed to police itself in that regard. Lets see if the Bengals accept the hit from last year or want to let him know that what goes around comes around.

He is by far my most hated player in any sport of all time.

Who Dey!!!

Bring on Sunday!!!

[ArmyBengal]

The eye may see what the eye may see, but unless you are blind, that Youtube clip clearly demonstrates what we already know.

Ward is cheap when he clearly doesn't need to be and since I can hand them out to deserving Bengals, allow me to hand one out to a deserving Steeler.

F*CK YOU HINES WARD !!!

[cincyhokie]

/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbLNFiQSTyE

Ward should have been fined for almost every hit on this video. He acts like he enjoys popping other players with his helmet, it is a bad habit that should be penalized and fined when he does it this season.

I also like the one on Nick Ferguson of the Broncos. The play is going on behind him but he's not paying attention as he gives a fist pump and then turns around to see where the RB is. This is actually a good block but it's interesting to see where his mind is at. Obviously he is locked into hitting the defender more than how the play is developing.

[Ickey44]

/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbLNFiQSTyE

Ward should have been fined for almost every hit on this video. He acts like he enjoys popping other players with his helmet, it is a bad habit that should be penalized and fined when he does it this season.

There was only one person he hit that even saw him coming. Every other hit the dude was looking the other way. Yeah, Hines is really tough. What a bitch.

[HairOnFire]

If I were you guys I'd want to see somebody smoke Ward, knock his wind out and send him to the sideline for a little while, but, never deliberately injured, that's just cold. I'm shocked by those responses, afterall, this is a game.

Let me ask you a question. How did you feel when you read the remarks by a Steeler defender, about how he'd knowingly and willfully injure an opposing player rather than assume the risk of being fined even a fraction of his paycheck by the NFL?

Oh, and wasn't yet another Steeler defender fined only yesterday for striking with the crown of his helmet?

Save the lecture. Because all we Bengal fans want to see is the very same things you cheer for every week.

[bwillycuse]

What I dont get is why isnt he fined after every single one of those hits. I guess its ok to lead with the helmet if you are on offense.

Put Rey at TE and crack back all day long.

The thing is that these hits should get the rest of his team hit harder. Im very disappointed with these players that let things like this slide, that they dont teach this p***y a lesson. Where is the pride?

[TIMEsteelersfan]

I'm not lecturing anyone, I'm shocked that anyone has the desire to see any player injured regardless of the team or player. Hardly a lecture.

If Ward was out to hurt people he'd be hurting people all the time. Any player that wants to hurt somebody could hurt somebody in every single game they play. Plenty of opportunities out there and Ward has very rarely caused injuries in his decade in the NFL. You guys hate him, I get that, I would too if I were you.

[HairOnFire]

I'm not lecturing anyone, I'm shocked that anyone has the desire to see any player injured regardless of the team or player. Hardly a lecture.

Why are you shocked? Or perhaps a better question who ask why you care what opposing fans think? We don't play the game.

Didn't you just hear a Steeler player describe how he'd rather end another players career than risk a small fine? And that player wasn't responding to a hypothetical question, was he? He had in fact only recently taken another player out with a hit he knew might, and did, cause serious injury. And the injured player did in fact call the hit cheap and dirty, didn't he?

So did you immediately renounce the player in question? And while we're on the subject, did the most recent fine of a Steeler player for striking with the crown of his helmet prompt you to question, even for a moment, how your favorite team plays? Or did you just shrug your shoulders and move on without giving the matter another moments thought simply because of the color jerseys those players wear?

Fans can say anything they want and when it's all added up it collectively amounts to nothing. But players actually have some control over what happens in a game and there's the rub because all week long we've been treated to rant after rant by Steeler players talking about their willingness to injure, and their disdain for player safety rules....including Hines Ward popping off for the umpteenth time about how he'd go high on Rivers again regardless of the rule change.

So why is any of this shocking?

In fact, I'm betting you get fired up whenever you hear Hines do a little peacock strutting, right? And one of the reasons you get fired up is because you're aware of how his words will play in Cincinnati. So if he's asking for this kind of response, and he very clearly is, then why are you shocked at the predictable results?

[Pidge]

Well whatever, I hate the c*nt and would derive great pleasure from seeing him bleed.

Yeah yeah, BOO me/I suck and so on and so forth.

[gregstephens]

I'm not lecturing anyone, I'm shocked that anyone has the desire to see any player injured regardless of the team or player. Hardly a lecture.

Why are you shocked? Or perhaps a better question who ask why you care what opposing fans think? We don't play the game.

Didn't you just hear a Steeler player describe how he'd rather end another players career than risk a small fine? And that player wasn't responding to a hypothetical question, was he? He had in fact only recently taken another player out with a hit he knew might, and did, cause serious injury. And the injured player did in fact call the hit cheap and dirty, didn't he?

So did you immediately renounce the player in question? And while we're on the subject, did the most recent fine of a Steeler player for striking with the crown of his helmet prompt you to question, even for a moment, how your favorite team plays? Or did you just shrug your shoulders and move on without giving the matter another moments thought simply because of the color jerseys those players wear?

Fans can say anything they want and when it's all added up it collectively amounts to nothing. But players actually have some control over what happens in a game and there's the rub because all week long we've been treated to rant after rant by Steeler players talking about their willingness to injure, and their disdain for player safety rules....including Hines Ward popping off for the umpteenth time about how he'd go high on Rivers again regardless of the rule change.

So why is any of this shocking?

In fact, I'm betting you get fired up whenever you hear Hines do a little peacock strutting, right? And one of the reasons you get fired up is because you're aware of how his words will play in Cincinnati. So if he's asking for this kind of response, and he very clearly is, then why are you shocked at the predictable results?

Welcome back, Hair.

[redsbengalsbucks]

I'm not lecturing anyone, I'm shocked that anyone has the desire to see any player injured regardless of the team or player. Hardly a lecture.

Why are you shocked? Or perhaps a better question who ask why you care what opposing fans think? We don't play the game.

Didn't you just hear a Steeler player describe how he'd rather end another players career than risk a small fine? And that player wasn't responding to a hypothetical question, was he? He had in fact only recently taken another player out with a hit he knew might, and did, cause serious injury. And the injured player did in fact call the hit cheap and dirty, didn't he?

So did you immediately renounce the player in question? And while we're on the subject, did the most recent fine of a Steeler player for striking with the crown of his helmet prompt you to question, even for a moment, how your favorite team plays? Or did you just shrug your shoulders and move on without giving the matter another moments thought simply because of the color jerseys those players wear?

Fans can say anything they want and when it's all added up it collectively amounts to nothing. But players actually have some control over what happens in a game and there's the rub because all week long we've been treated to rant after rant by Steeler players talking about their willingness to injure, and their disdain for player safety rules....including Hines Ward popping off for the umpteenth time about how he'd go high on Rivers again regardless of the rule change.

So why is any of this shocking?

In fact, I'm betting you get fired up whenever you hear Hines do a little peacock strutting, right? And one of the reasons you get fired up is because you're aware of how his words will play in Cincinnati. So if he's asking for this kind of response, and he very clearly is, then why are you shocked at the predictable results?

HOF, it is dead-on posts like this one that keep me reading through some of the mind-numbing blather that passes for thought provoking posts on this board.

KUDOS!!

[TIMEsteelersfan]

Now there's some passion! I love it Hair! You do make some good points there and I understand where you're coming from, I really do. You must be refering to James Harrison's comments aobout injuring other players. I couldn't agree with you more on that point, what he said was truly classless and wreaks of a POS human being.

What's so shocking? Some here hate a guy for "wanting" to hurt people then talk about wanting to see him hurt. Hypocrisy, and yes, that shocked me. That makes you just as bad as any of them.

Now it's your turn. How about the massive hit one of your boys laid on Trent Green long after he was sliding to the ground? Every team has some questionable/dirty (depending on your perspective) hits Hair, so please spare me the hollier than thou lecture. You hate the Steelers and you like believing they're a dirty team, your long passionate post made that pretty evident. Of all the fans I've had this duscussion with, nobody has lashed out so maliciously toward Ward, and again, that shocked me, I just wasn't expecting it.

I'll bow out of this thread now, I have no desire to get into a pissing contest with you. So, take your time and build up the nastiest retort you can, give the people a show!

Take care.

[derekshank]

Now it's your turn. How about the massive hit one of your boys laid on Trent Green long after he was sliding to the ground? Every team has some questionable/dirty (depending on your perspective) hits Hair, so please spare me the hollier than thou lecture.

Hair is probably the last person here who needs anyone to rush to his defense... but I'll give it a shot anyway. He cleary wasn't coming at this from a "holier than thou" perspectve. In fact, he was merely pointing out the hypocrisy of a Steeler fan who defends Hines Ward and his repeated helmet to helmet cheap shots, while acting surprised that other fans would like to see him receive the same treatment he so willingly gives out.

Hair was certainly not saying the Bengals have never had a dirty hit. He was only pointing out how silly it is to overeact to a fanbase that wishes they could celebrate dirty hits as often as the Steeler fanbase currently does. You clearly like Ward and the way he plays the game, so don't act surprised that other fans wish to see him reap what he sows.

And with that in mind... it would probably be safe to say that you don't remember the Trent Green hit as well as a bunch of Bengal fans. When played in ridiculous slow motion, one can claim a player had a chance to avoid contact. But when played in full speed, it's obvious that Geathers had already committed to the hit before Green slid... and that the hit wasn't even helmet to helmet. Green suffered a concussion because his head hit the ground.

No flag was thrown on the play, and the NFL rules committee determined that the hit was well within the rules of play and was determined unavoidable... unlike so many of the hits your boy Ward has been fined for.

So, this isn't merely a biased Bengals fan opinion. The NFL reviews these things and hands out fines and rule changes to the way Ward plays the game. Name a Bengal who that is true for.