_2.gif "Time.com 50 Best Websites 2008")
The ongoing Chad Johnson-Cincinnati Bengals saga continues.
The most recent development is a video plea from agent Drew Rosenhaus to the Bengals, in which he pleads with the team to trade Johnson. Here’s the video:
Clearly, the plan here is to stoke the fans and the media into continuing to pressure the Bengals to accept the reported offer of a first-round pick in 2008 and as much as another second-rounder in 2009 from the Redskins.
But the Bengals aren’t budging. During a spot with Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton of WFAN earlier this morning, Boomer offered up a great idea — the Bengals might be inclined to let Johnson go if he offers to pay back signing bonus money.
Even then, however, we’re not so sure that team president Mike Brown would bite. He’s out to make a point on this one, and it’s very possible that no amount of money or draft picks will change his mind.
So what say you, PFT Planet? Should the Bengals keep him, or should they trade him?
April 25th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I am torn on whether the Bengals should keep Ocho Stinko. On one hand, I admire the Bengals for their unwillingness to bow down to Johnson and meet his demands. Their stance has seemingly won back the locker room as well as the Cincy community at large, especially considering all of the crappy characters they have had to deal with. I applaud their convictions in this matter.
On the other hand, is it worth bringing back a TO, part deux into the locker room? Will Johnson’s outspoken behavior and negativity help build the “team” into a winner? In a word, no. If the Bengals want to build a true winner, they should shed themselves of these talented, yet troubled, players who contribute less to the overall functioning of the 10 other guys they play with on the field and more to themselves. Get rid of him, there are plenty of teams out there who would be more than happy to mortgage their future for a narcissistic, me-first scoundrel.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 3.75 / 5 with 4 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
This guy is a bigger jerk than his clients. He’s trying to be tongue in cheek about “what’s he’s heard in the media reports” be you know that he’s been talking to teams. They should go after him for tampering and even suspend him for a year to get him to understand that what he is doing has to end if he wants to keep doing business with the league and teams.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 4.65 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Mike and Marvin should stick to their guns on this one and let him retire. Hopefully this will stop all the future crybabies from crying when they don’t like it anymore. You signed the contract….now honor it. The Bengals have been more tha generous with you Chad. Because you feel the Cincinnati media was to hard on you, you want out. Look what the New York media put Eli Manning through. What did he do….he shut up and played football…oh yah and he helped his team beat the undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. So, Chad…..Shut up and play or please just retire already.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
-laughs-
Did you see the smug little smirk on Drew’s face throughout the interview? That was classic.
I’m a lifelong Bengals fan and I wouldn’t miss this entertainment for the world! Keep him right here and let these guys go out and make idiots of themselves on ESPN all this year and next year
Thing is…if Chad sits all year that doesn’t hurt his trade value. In fact it will just stoke the emotions of any team that covets him….additionally there is no injury risk to your asset if he doesn’t play.
They have him signed for two more years. If the rumors of Chad’s in house behavior is true and he’s been publicly hawking himself as a “great guy” while he’s been a train wreck privately, I have to think the guys in the locker room are enjoying this as much as me.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Ocho, also wasn’t a problem until TJ started to take some of his catches and more importantly spotlight away from Chad. It’s not about winning, it never has been. It’s about being numero uno in the spotlight.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 4 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Chad never said anything about more money. He does have a contract that pays him well, he just no longer wants to be a Bungle.
Who can argue against that? This happens all the time in the NFL a guy just wants to play elsewhere. he does not like the coach the QB whatever, who cares what the reason is, he has not even said why.
Just let him go. Why risk keeping a guy around who has alienated the coach, the fans and players in the name of a stupid principle. They should not be able to get anything but finacial compesation for Chads exlusive football rights, but here they have an opportunity to replace him with 2 higher draft picks than they spent to get him.
How is it either fair or smart to try to force your best WR out of football instead of trading him or letting him buy his way out of his contract?
Chad has played his heart out for the lowly Bungles his entire NFL carreer, why must you try to punish him for wanting to move on?
What else has he done to deserve this type of hatorade? He always seemed pretty entertaining and harmless to me with his antics. T Sizzle’s sack dance is more obscene than any of his stupid TD dancing.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 1 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
The Bengals should trade CJ to the Tokyo Giants for a case of Ramen noodles. Oh, and a bottle of saki.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: Not yet rated
April 25th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
‘Rosenwhore’ HAHAHAHAHA!!!
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: Not yet rated
April 25th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
The Bengals are doing the right thing, if he doesn’t want to play then he doesn’t have to. They should reject all offers publicly and make it public how much money they can reclaim from him and how much money he will forfeit over the year in lost bonuses and game checks and fines.
Rosenhaus is an idiot, he is lying through his teeth so he can get Chad Johnson to a new team and sign a new fat contract.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
How does he even have to “tamper” with anything? There are 4 or 5 teams out there telling the media they want to trade for him. drew just has to sit back and wait for common sense to sink in to Bungle braintrust. Something is always better than nothing a feeling proud of looking like a moron over principle.
How about the fact that Chad would rather retire than continue to collect chacks from the Bungles?
He does not want Bungle money, he wants to play for championships and a chance at the HOF. No amount of Bungle money is going to buy him that.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 1 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
As a football fan that does not root for the Bengals, I love what Lewis is doing and its great to see someone finally take a stand against these greedy players.
If I were a Bengal fan, I’d be FURIOUS at any team officials that turn down a chance to get TWO prime draft picks in exchange for cutting a cancer/distraction.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 1.35 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Rosenhaus makes me hope the Bengals dig in on this one…
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Chad use to say who can cover number 85. Well the water boy can when he is sitting on the bench and his agent Drew Rosenhaus. Is losing money for his client. I say to the Bengals let him sit a year if he wants. Then next year is aanother NFL team want him then nogotiate. So Ocho stinko just sit on the Bench.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 4.65 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Rebel2124,
I agree with everything you said except about the contracts. For a myriad of reasons trading Chad Johnson now is the only sensible decision for the Bengals, but if you allowed players to walk away from contracts at anytime (similar to how the teams can cut a player) you would take away the tiny bit of leverage the teams do have. In my opinion that would be a disaster and the inmates would really take over the asylum.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I think it’s hilarious to read “IF I was a Bengals fan…”
From what I can tell, Bengals fans responses are firmly in support of Mr. Brown.
I understand the point being made about winning football games and drafting good players and all the other comments that lead to the conclusion being, trade Chad Johnson. But these premises do not lead to that conclusion. The argument the Cincinnati franchise and fans have with this particular situation is based on principle. Chad hired Drew and the fans were leary it would be a holdout situation. Drew quitely works out a fair contract for both sides behind the scenes and Chad is praised for not being a distraction. Two seasons later and Chad needs a new deal…again! If Chad wanted huge pay day every 2 years he should have a)played out his original deal and hit UFA or b)signed a shorter extension with less money up front to hit UFA sooner.
It’s a very simple deal for those of us with stripes on our back, we are fed up with being the laughing stock. Whether it’s a win in principle or on the field I want my team to win.
As for those who think Chad has lost the fans I would submit again how much I love watching Chad play and would welcome him back at this point.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: Not yet rated
April 25th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I cannot stand Drew Rosenhouse.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=404376
All you knuckleheads that are defending Chad’s right to quit the Bengals, since the Bengals can cut him, need to read how it all works in the story written by Florio at the above link. The Bengals paid over $20 million dollars up front, guaranteed, for the right to cut Chad if they want to, and all he has to do is gather up all that money and leave. Then he can sign with another team for a $40 million dollar, up front, guaranteed signing bonus, etc, etc.
If you still don’t get the point, you probably don’t get the point about Mario Manningham’s Wonderlic score.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 4.5 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Do any of us really believe that Rosenhaus hasn’t been talking to other teams?
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
One Bungle brain please explain how it is better to keep this circus going all season, or have Ocho retire, than it would be to actually get something for him?
What message are you trying to send, don’t sign with the Bungles if you have a chioce.
Look at the Steelers, they let guys go who don’t want to be there and they don’t stink every season. Fanneca is better than any Bungle lineman and they let him walk away.
The Ravens let Adalius Thomas, Tony Pashos and Ovie Mughelli walk away as free agents because they have a GM that understands how to manage a slalary cap and use draft picks to replace the good players who get top dollar on the open market.
Don’t be bitter Bungle fans. Free Ocho Stinko. He has done well for you for years, and if you trade him for a couple of picks, he can help you for years after he all washed up.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 1 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
As a Redskin fan I say KEEP HIM! Pleeeeease.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: Not yet rated
April 25th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I think it’s time that Commissioner “Good”-ell does something about ruthless bastard agents like that drug abuser Rosenshit. Not that Chad can’t be a sh-t on his own. I think that Rosenbastard has as much or more to do with this as does Ocho Stinko. It’s time for Goodell to clean up the world of crooked agents that represent NFL Players. This can only improve the game.
Based on Rosenshit’s past history of making a mockery out of the league during the T.O. fiasco in Philthydelphia and the influence he has had with Ocho Psycho, I believe he should be suspended from representing players for the next two years. If it’s good enough for Odell Thurman it’s good enough for Drew Rosen Superdick Agent.
So Mr. Commissioner the ball is in your court. Are you going to continue to let Drew Rosenhaus make a mockery out of your league or are you going to do something about it? And oh by the way, one can surmise that Rosenhaus has had contact with the Skins concerning Chad or he wouldn’t be pushing for this trade. So now it could be a question of tampering. Mr. Commissioner, take care of this situation before it ruins your league.
Note to Mr. Florio: I would hope that you would bring this issue up somewhere in the media, since you have much more clout than any of us out here in internet land. Please excuse the language, I was venting.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
April 25th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
to make a statement, they should keep him.
However, if they’ve really been offered two first round picks, it would be in the best interests of the organization to deal him. Hell, even a first and a third would be beneficial. Chad is not going to be happy. Trading him is giving in, but it’s also getting rid of a cancerous growth and getting handsomely compensated for it.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
April 26th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
To Jeremiah W:
Here is why it makes sense for the Bengals to keep Chad;
1. Marvin has already re-gained the respect of the players that was lost on that playoff Sunday where someone had someone else in a headlock and punches may/may not have been thrown.
2. So far, no one has offered a fair trade for Chad.
3. It sends a message to not only players of the Bengals organization but also to other players that franchises will no longer be held hostage while a millionaire complains about his money.
4. It shuts Chad up, one way or the other, in the long run. I do not care about “soap opera’s” or “controversies” or any other form of what the media is painting it out to be. There are 2 options, play or sit. Either way Chad will have to eat his words.
Now, let me ask you how it makes sense for us to trade him just because he’s been a good player for us?
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
April 26th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
How does he help you sitting out? There are at least 10 teams that would give you something “fair” for his contract.
Suppose he takes it all back and shows up the first day of camp, do you think the coaches really still want him there running his mouth or just sulking and pouting like a 7 year old?
He played his heart out for you, he just wants to move on. What is so wrong with that? Why is forcing him to retire or return the best option? He is 30, has a good contract and other than pleading his case to the media has not bad mouthed anyone in Cincy.
What is the point of the message, and do you really believe Marvin has more “respect” or percieved value to the rest of the team and locker room than Ocho? I don’t stink so.
Marvin would be upgraded easily and immediatly if your GM was not a joke. He is a decent coach, but once you lose credibility as GURU, you can’t win it bag with a bunch of words or taking a stand.
The precedent has also really been set. The media is going to run with this story until Ocho is free. He has so much more charisma than T.O. or Keyshawn or Willis McGahee, Portis, Moss, Eli Manning, Billy Volek, or one of the dozens of veteran players who quitly or not so demanded to be traded and were.
Get something other than a headache and more national embarassment than usuall while you still can.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 1 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
April 26th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
If/When the Bengals trade Chad I will be happy if it is a fair trade. The Redskins trade was not fair, a 1st and a 3rd? You can’t count on incentives to upgrade the pick.
I stand behind Marvin and Mike because it is better for the long term outlook for my favorite team. The Media can do whatever they wish, but Mike will not be bullied.
As far as the respect in the locker room, yeah I do think that it has had an effect. I ran into one of the Bengals DEF players at work the other day and he had nothing but bad things to say about Chad, and only good about what Marvin was doing.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)