_2.gif "Time.com 50 Best Websites 2008")
Bengals wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are skipping the team’s off-season workouts, and both are apparently unhappy with their contracts.
But their quarterback, Carson Palmer, isn’t concerned about having a pair of starting receivers missing in action.
“My frustration level? I’m at zero right now,” Palmer said, per the Dayton Daily News. ”I’m not frustrated at all. I’m happy and excited to be back on the field myself, whether they’re here or not. I’m excited to be back with these guys, the guys that are here.”
Still, Palmer added that “We’re definitely missing valuable time. We’ll get to work whenever they get here.”
The real question, though, is whether Palmer’s receivers will ever get there at all. Houshmandzadeh appears prepared to show up to training camp, but Johnson has said he has no desire ever to play in Cincinnati again. And given the way he’s reacted to everything else coming out of Cincinnati this offseason, Johnson may decide to interpret Palmer’s latest comments as an insult and a further reason to want out.
May 14th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
T.J is in the last year of his contract, and where has he stated that he was unhappy? He’s 31 and has taken a beating for the last 3 years. He is unusually physical WR, but how much longer will he be able to absorb that kind of hitting
Ocho Psycho, on the other hand is already showing his aversion to getting hit. He often slides before getting hit. He no longer takes any risks across the middle, and given his anatomical physique, it is likely to continue.
There comes a time in most NFLer’s final years that they are not willing to take the punishment as they would earlier in their careers. It’s natural, of course, to question if it’s worth the pain and injury when a player reaches in his 30’s (Yeah, I know, that’s very young in the larger picture, but it does not apply here) For when a player decides not to sacrifice his body in the haphazardous ways of the past,it is at that point that his performance slowly diminishes. And then it’s off to the broadcast booth to add exciting commentary like TV Randy Cross, or that nameless analyst that sees the depth of football knowledge being “blowed up” and realizes that “You can be with the guy and in his ear 24 hours a day, but at the end of the day you can’t be there the whole time.” Because, we all know, time is nebulous
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: Not yet rated
May 14th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Im a Steeler fan and I can honestly say that Carson Palmer deserves so much better than what he’s gotten thus far in his career. The kid strikes me as a class act, model citizen and a hard working player. A good teammate. Yet, he has to play for this fourth rate organization and he has to deal with two cry baby WRs. Thats a shame.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 3 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
TJ will be there. Chad is just showing his true lack of respect for his team. If you go to http://www.chadjohnson85.com and click on his youth training camp you will see that TJ has taken it over. Chad should be thankful for even playing in the NFL. There is a lot of talent out there that would love the opportunity to play and get paid to it. Chad just needs to grow up. TJ is in his last year of his contract so there might be some behind the contract talks going on. I believe that TJ will be coming back as a Bengal next year. Chad is just needs to sit and maybe find himself a new profession. Wal-Mart is always hiring.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
In a perfect world, Ocho Stinko would not come back and retire and the media would never even print his name again. Honestly ask yourself if you would even care. Palmer’s present and future career could be linked to how this guy acts and that’s a shame.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 4 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
“…unhappy about their contracts”?!?
Let Johnson, Houshmandzadeh, Urlacher and Garcia all boycott the NFL. They don’t like the definition of the word “contract” as it applies to them and every other NFL player. If they wanted a “no cut” contract that paid them guaranteed money throughout the life of their contract, or more money when they decided that they were true “gifts” to the NFL, that’s what they should have instructed their agents to obtain prior to signing their last contract. Instead, they were damned happy to take the money at the time.
Screw them!!!
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I get your comments regarding Chad. He’s been acting the ass part so I can’t challenge your comments or concerns. But what’s with the TJ remarks? He’s never (that I’ve read anywhere) complained about his contract. He’s only got one more year on the existing contract and its been to his advantage that he didn’t get a new one before he made probowl status. As far as him not making the voluntary workouts, he didn’t make them last year either and then went on to lead the league in receptions. I know that you guys are Bengal haters. I can’t really blame you for going there. But we have enough REAL issues without you guys fabricating something out of thin air.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Why is Chad wrong for wanting to be traded? He does not need to explain his reasons. The Bengals can get good/ fair value in return, and he gets to play/ work where he wants to.
He played very well for Cincy, earned his contract, and now that he wants to leave they are using it against him. If he only had one year left on his deal like TJ, they would have had to trade him already, but since he has 4 years left, they feel like they can leverage him to stay, just for the sake of spite.
I would love to see him on TV talking about week 1 wearing his HOF jacket and an ugly tie.
I am a Raven fan, and of course hope they keep up the good work. I am sick of Ocho, and Henry was a real mismatch that constantly pressured our coverage. Good luck getting that type of production from rookies and back ups.
Stubborn Bungles. Free Ocho Stinko.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 1 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
There’s a lesson to be learned here, Chad. It’s called “class.”
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Why does every damn media outlet/fan blog keep making a big deal about T.J. skipping the voluntary stuff? He skips all the voluntary stuff EVERY YEAR people, pay attention.
That’s just the way he prepares. When the mandatory camp starts, he’ll be there. Don’t make some big deal out of it, like he’s holding out or angry with the club. He skipped all the voluntary stuff last year and then led the league in receptions. Yeeesh.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I know Carson is saying what he thinks he is suppose to say (or maybe even what he was told to say), but the lack of leadership here is disappointing. He needs to take a stance. To say he’s not concerned and has zero frustration with half of his offensive weapons missing is not genuine. His other treammates are not going to want to follow him into battle! As the team leader, he has to firmly say he wants them there or he wants the gone!
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 2 / 5 with 10 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
If you can’t have Johnson, then don’t lose T.J., you’ve already lost The Alien. That team needs help quick.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: Not yet rated
May 14th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I think he is sayiny all the right things - tj wiil be there - Chad does not make it, then he can be replaced!!!
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 4 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
It’s May.
There’s no need for Carson to start rocking the boat even more and calling them both out. Once training camp starts however, I’d expect Carson to voice his frustration. Now is not the time.
It’s May.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I think Palmer realizes that trying to lead a team with so many inviduals only concerned about themselves is in exercise in futility. He cant control whether or not they show up so why stress over it. He probably is genuine with his statement about getting on with who shows up.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Why is everyone worried about t.j.? he did the same exact thing last year and managed to have an alright season, his has to do with him working out with trainers that will be focusing on him, him and carson dont live far from each other so they get together over the offseason
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
like he can make roster decisions…
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 4 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I dissagree…. Carson has no reason to be concerned. First, the issue with Chad may or may not resolve itself. Who knows? There is nothing he can do about it, so why worry? As far as TJ is concerned, he didn’t do the volunary meeting last year, and then went on to lead the league in catches. He isn’t complaining as the author indicated. He’s actually in a better position now than if he were to have gotten a contract last year. (Now he’s a Probowler) So what’s the big deal? It seems that there is enough fodder to complain about regarding the Bengals. So why is it necessary to attack areas that haven’t been a real issue? As far as Carson leading the team into battle, he’s earned the right to say whatever he wants to say and players will follow him. He won’t lose any respect from his teammates because you or anyone else think he’s playing it close to the vest.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: Not yet rated
May 14th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
He learned this line from Donovan McNabb.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 1 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
YEAH I AGREE!!! FOR HIM TO SAY THAT HE IS NOT CONCERNED I TAKE IT THAT HE HAS NO BALLS, IS NOT A TRUE LEADER OF THE TEAM LIKE MOST GREAT QB’S, AND REALLY HAS NO DESIRE OR CARE TO BE A WINNING TEAM LET ALONE A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM. SOUNDS LIKE THEY NEED TO TAKE THAT BIG C OFF HIS JERSEY THAT IS SUPOSED TO STAND FOR CAPTAIN AND GIVE IT TO THE WATERBOY WHO PROBABLY HAS MORE DESIRE TO SEE CINCI WIN.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 2.6 / 5 with 5 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Skinsfan, I agree with you. Im a Bengals fan and I that is the only downside to Carson Palmer right now. He does need to say what he is really thinking and challenge those guys to do as they should and show up. Although I hope Chad never shows up again. I really hope he doesnt try to come back now. TJ should come in and be there for the new guys and to work with Carson.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 3 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
This is TJ’s usual MO for the last several years. He doesn’t attend the OTAs and instead works out in California until camp. So, he’s really not a problem at all and he’s even expressed his displeasure with his running mate over Chad’s ridiculous behavior. That said, SkinsFan is right that Carson should call out Chad and he should speak out to Marvin and the inept Mike Brown about ridding the team of such a distraction- whether he sits or arrives disgruntled. It’s over between the Bengals and Johnson and the sooner they move on, the better. Having a whiny holdout badmouthing the club on every available microphone all season or a pouting primadonna who doesn’t want to be there in the locker room is not a wise course of action. Then again, it’s Mike Brown we’re talking about and when has his course ever been the wise one?
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
No he doesnt need to “Take a Stand”. The “TEAM” is not just two players, one who always practices in CA during this time and will absolutely show up and play hard all season (TJ). The other is a joke and wont effect this team negatively. Carson IS being a leader, what does he have to be frustrated with? He just wants to win…with whoever is there, prima donna or not. He is showing this does not effect him or the TEAM in any way…
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 4 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Well, TJ skipped voluntary practices last year as well, and he ended up co-leading the league in receptions. As a leader, I find that he’s taken the perfect stance with the Chad situation: express that it would be better to have him here, but that the work will get done without him. I’m sure that this doesn’t sit well with many fans of teams who have players calling each other out all the time, but what will he accomplish in doing that, other than give Oh-No-Play-No-Mo fuel for his fire? It would make for great media stories, but is a poor choice for a leader.
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
They’re both not worth it. Trade em both, cut your losses, and draft a WR first round next year.
May I suggest Johnson to the Eagles for Sheppard and the 1st round pick to get a WR with?
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 1 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
May 14th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Let Johnson sit and fine the heck out of him. Over paid spoiled brat!
(report as inappropriate)
Rating: 3.65 / 5 with 3 rating(s)