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Bengals president Mike Brown is routinely criticized for his failure to spend money on improving his team. But Brown deserves praise for some of the things he has done and tried to do over the years.
In some matters, he’s truly ahead of the curve. In his current struggle with receiver Chad Johnson, Brown is right to dig in.
For the reasons to support this conclusion, check out some Internet hack’s latest for SportingNews.com.
April 25th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Nice to see you wake, Florio… two years ago you bashed Brown (and Ralph Wilson) for voting against the current CBA. Maybe Brown is right about not over spending, too…
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Florio said: “Brown, however, realizes that giving in to Johnson would reward his shenanigans and, at the same time, create a dangerous precedent. Any Bengals player in the future who wants more money (but doesn’t get it) or a trade (but doesn’t get it) then could begin to crow about the situation until the team relents.
Caving to such tactics gives players the right to fire their teams, and that is not what the owners bargained for when they agreed to give players real free agency, and to share with them three-fifths of the revenue the players’ efforts generate.”
Applause, applause, applause!!!!!!!!!
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Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Florio,
I agree with almost everything in your article. My biggest dissent is at the end where you state Brown’s current stance is at the expense of his team’s short-term interest. I respectfully beg to differ, it is at his team’s short- and long-term expense. Current players will surely take offense with Brown’s stance of sacrificing the team’s current best interest to prove a point and punish one player. That will not only affect this season, but when it’s team for them to resign, you can bet they will be more inclined to leave and search for a franchise that is willing to do its best to put the best possible product on the field. For the same reason, it will be difficult to attract top free-agents for years to come.
Like I said in a previous post, as a matter of principal I agree with Mike Brown’s stance (I hate saying I agree with anything Mike Brown does - and this makes twice because I also thought the owners should not have accepted the last CBA), but from the business side (and this is a business) he is making a terrible decision that will hurt the franchise’s chances at on-field success for years to come. (that being said I don’t believe he cares about the franchise’s on-field success as long as his franchise remains successful financially)
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Not when it is to the detriment of his team and it’s fans. Figures the only time Mike Brown ever takes a principled stand it’s the one time when such a stand is like shooting yourself in the foot. Viva 17 years of no GM! Viva the Apple Falling Way Far Away from the Tree! Viva One’s Extended Family Making All Football Decisions!
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Rating: 1.45 / 5 with 7 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
There is some validity to certain points made here, but where is the solution? Chad can play for Cincy or not play. If they don’t trade him and he doesn’t play, the team is in worse shape. Period. If he somehow swallows his pride and says he wants to play for the Bengals, how much faith can you have in him? How long will we hafta wait for his next disruption? The guy is a prima donna who feels that the coaches and owners are against him. How is Marvin Lewis, who is losing his grip on the team (depsite a recent two paragraph report), gonna mend that relationship? There are 53 guys on the final roster and he’ll be babysitting #85. The Bengals are in unfamiliar territory. They have the power to fleece another team for multiple picks and strengthen their team now. From a talent perspective, you don’t replace a Chad Johnson overnight, but if you can plug a few more holes in that Defense with quality guys, you can improve your team and create a locker room atmosphere that is positive and optimistic, as opposed to the current state of frustration, chaos and uncertainty. If I’m Mike Brown, I’m selling to the highest bidder and filling needs. Not patting myself on the back for winning a stare down contest.
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
This article is a must read for all, the Bengals can fire Chad, but Chad can’t fire the Bengals.
IgnatiusJReilly, you’re letting your past bitterness towards Mike Brown cloud your objectivity. If the Bengals plan on continuing in the NFL past this season, maybe they do risk sacrificing a Super Bowl run this season, but assure they have some say so in being around for future season, and having some say so in whom your players are. Novel idea.
Kotite did a nice job of summing up the pros and cons the Bengals are faced with, but seems to assume, like most others responses supporting getting rid of Chad, is that the offers have done nothing but increase since the early rumors of trade possibilities for Chad. If the Foreskins are willing to offer their 1st rounder and 3rd rounder(which could possibly becoming another 1st rounder), several days before the NFL draft, no telling what kind of offer they may receive on Saturday afternoon during the draft. Brown may just be putting on his best poker face, knowing the best time to have all this leverage is when they are trying to manipulate the draft to suit their needs (see Sedric Ellis).
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April 25th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
In terms of ‘new money,’ and just being unique from the standpoint of being able to do something for a player who still had four years left on his [existing] contract, it’s really monumental,” said agent Drew Rosenhaus, who was hired by Johnson a year ago to upgrade his contract “As long as I’ve been doing this, I’ve never been able to get an extension like this, basically because of the time remaining on the contract. It’s historical. And it’s a testament to Chad, and how well he’s performed, and to Bengals management for the way they have handled this and the commitment they’ve made to him”
rosenhaus when bengals gave cj extension
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Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Ahead of the curve?????? They were an NFL doormat for years, got a little better recently but still are the definition of mediocre. Every owner should strive to be like Mike Brown. I don’t understand all this pro-Bengals chatter, Marvin Lewis “winning the locker room” over?? Who cares….
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Rating: 1 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Brown is not digging in, He’s taking it personal and cutting of his nose to spite his face, that was a stupid decision not to take the Redskin’s offer of two 1st round draft picks. THAT CRAZY!!!! and all the experts agree. and it would have been two #1st round picks it was a #1st round this year and a a #3 that would turn to a 1st round if Chad performed at certain levels. (which he would have)
Now all the Bengals are going to have is another T.O situation
and I’m from Philly that was no fun, and you know how Chad likes to out do everybody so he can be a bigger problem then T.O
he already went at Carson’s neck and said he needs to stay out his business, its only going to get worse, lets see Brown puff out his chest after their season goes down the tubes
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Rating: 1 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Florio is right and so is Mike Brown (boy that’s a first.) While he can get a boatload for Ocho Stinko, what happens when Carson Palmer decides he’s out the door. Or for that matter, TJ or a midlevel player etc. You have to draw the line somewhere. Ocho Stinko signed his contract. He got of pilefull of bonus money. Now he has buyers remorse. Too freaking bad. Either play for your contract or sit your prima donna a$$ down and don’t play. This is a principled stand that the majority of owners in the NFL such as JJ or the little danny would never take, but then again those two have no real principles other than he with the most toys at the end of the game wins. As often as I beat up the Bungles for their cheapskate ownership and lousy administration, this time I think they have the correct idea.
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Rating: 5 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
As a skins fan I don’t want this guy in my team because there’s a strong possibility that he’d create a problem within our team, given our more laid-back coaching staff. But clearly the possibility of vastly improving your defense with two first rounders is something that, as a franchise, you have to pounce on.
If the bengals become a more successful franchise, they won’t encounter this type of problem again. Only loser teams have this problem, these players want to play in a winning franchise that usually have more national coverage. Redskins happen to be one of the few teams that can afford to be a mediocre franchise and have a lot of nat’l coverage. That’s what chad wants.
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Rating: 1 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I disagree with those who say Cincy is in worse shape if Chad doesn’t play. I am a Bengals fan and I don’t want his negativity to continue to affect the team. Negative comments and actions are powerful. After Tiki Barber left the Giants, running his mouth the whole time, they gained confidence and momentum, and won the flipping Super Bowl. I think we are better off without him.
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Rating: 5 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
april 2006
In terms of ‘new money,’ and just being unique from the standpoint of being able to do something for a player who still had four years left on his [existing] contract, it’s really monumental,” said agent Drew Rosenhaus, who was hired by Johnson a year ago to upgrade his contract “As long as I’ve been doing this, I’ve never been able to get an extension like this, basically because of the time remaining on the contract. It’s historical. And it’s a testament to Chad, and how well he’s performed, and to Bengals management for the way they have handled this and the commitment they’ve made to him.”
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April 25th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
EaglesOmen, a Cheerleader, said
April 25th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Brown is not digging in, He’s taking it personal and cutting of his nose to spite his face, that was a stupid decision not to take the Redskin’s offer of two 1st round draft picks. THAT CRAZY!!!! and all the experts agree. and it would have been two #1st round picks it was a #1st round this year and a a #3 that would turn to a 1st round if Chad performed at certain levels. (which he would have)
Now all the Bengals are going to have is another T.O situation
and I’m from Philly that was no fun, and you know how Chad likes to out do everybody so he can be a bigger problem then T.O
he already went at Carson’s neck and said he needs to stay out his business, its only going to get worse, lets see Brown puff out his chest after their season goes down the tubes
Look Spanky, Its a matter of principle….or didn’t you read the article. Give in to Chad=show the rest of the team your lack male reproductuive organs. Let Chad sit. He’s a bum and no upstanding prideful NFL team should want a guy who has such character flaws on their team. If the Eagles decided to trade for Ocho Stinko, I think I’d sell out to Dallas and jump on their bandwagon. He’s an embarrassment to athletes and role models everywhere. Hopefully under the next CBA (if there is one) there will be some sort of clause that eliminates all this BS about sitting out and wanting more money. Hell, give the fans a say since it’s our money that controls everything! ha wishful think….
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April 25th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Have you all been watching what has happened to our past first round draft picks? Why would we trade Chad for two uncertainties…I hope none of you run Businesses out there. A bird in hand is worth two draft picks in the bush even if that bird is a DoDo. Watch, you can feel it here in CIncinnati, Carson Palmer and all the offense will come together because of this, if only out of spite and we will be contenders….WATCH
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April 25th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
gallaghedj311, you brainless fool, It’s not about giving in to Chad
its about getting to 1st round picks, when noone is giving 1st
rounders for Wideouts. The experts even called Brown a fool for not taking the deal, and to get to 1st rounders for getting rid of
a cancer. who already bad mouthed Carson Palmer. You claim
you’re an Eagles fan, did you not see what happen with the T.O
saga???? all the players said it was a big distraction.
T.J is even saying get Chad out of here.. I’s hate for him to be a Redskin and I don’t want him to be an Eagle either but if you have some fool Waving around two 1st rounders. make chad give back a portion of his signing bonus and ship him out, or his antics and his distractions will cost his team the season. Chad going to the Redskins he’ll still be crying because he’ll still be on a losing team but the Bengals would have his nonsense out the locker room
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April 25th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
As I type this the NFL network has their “top 10 draft trade” show on. Some incredible BS was pulled off back in the day. Too bad we can’t blame Akili Smith on a trade. And how in god’s green earth can the Ditka-Ricky trade be #5 on the list? Hah!
Anyway… If Chad gets tossed overboard tomorrow, as part of a late trade, it wouldn’t bother me one bit; I will be at the local watering hole, with my #9 Palmer jersey on, cheering like hell. I think the last handful of 1st round picks hasn’t been that bad, and really the Bengals have never found value until the 2’s and 3’s anyway. Trade Chad now, with 10 picks already in hand, and get the draft of the decade. PLEASE!
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April 25th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I don’t know how many times people have to post this: its not bad business to get out of your investments what you have put in to them.
This article is right, Mike Brown is ahead of the curve.
Also, let me correct people by saying that since Marvin has come to town the Bengals have been at or near the salary cap. There was a time when Brown was cheap, lately it has not been the case.
Being a Bengal fan it is increasingly frustrating to have this stigma, at least in the 90’s and early this decade we deserved it. Now it is old news. Had it not been for the arrests of our draft picks Cincy would be regarded highly. Brown took a chance to push us over the top and lost with those picks, he won’t lose this battle when he won by selecting a all-pro wideout.
The Bengals played Drewball once, now he and Chad need to get over it.
On a different note, does anyone think this would be a different situation if there was not a lingering labor debate?
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April 26th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Go Mike Brown!
You know, so what if Chad doesn’t play this year. If the Bengals pick up some good players in the draft would they be much worse than last year? Get a decent WR, like Limas Sweed or James Hardy in the second and roll on with it. Play some smash-mouth football this year instead of aerial assault. And you know what, even if you go 8-8 this year each week would be a party while you watch Chad Johnson getting older and slower at home. I’d laugh at him all week every week.
Go Mike Brown, make this players honest and have then honor their contracts. Someone sometime has too, or the NFL will get torn apart by the Chad Johnsons’s, the Terrel Owens’s of the league.
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April 26th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Let him sit. Finally, an owner who has some balls and won’t put up this crap
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