'Makeover' viewing party
Bedrooms in 'Makeover' house
Exterior of 'Makeover' house
Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > March
March 2008
Bengals awarded 4 compensatory draft picks
BENGALS NOW HAVE 10 PICKS IN APRIL 26-27 NFL DRAFT
The Cincinnati Bengals were awarded four compensatory draft picks by the NFL on Monday, pushing their total number of picks to 10 in the April 26-27 NFL Draft.
The Bengals get an extra pick in Round 3 (97th overall), an extra pick in Round 6 (207th), and two extra picks in Round 7 (244th and 246th).
Compensatory picks are awarded by the League for net player losses in unrestricted free agency for the previous year.
Following the 2006 season, Cincinnati lost left guard Eric Steinbach (Cleveland), defensive tackle Shaun Smith (Cleveland), wide receiver Kelley Washington (New England), cornerback Tory James (New England), linebacker Marcus Wilkins (Atlanta), free safety Kevin Kaesviharn (New Orleans) and tight end Tony Stewart (Oakland) in free agency.
The Bengals currently have 10 total selections in the 2008 draft. Prior to the compensatory pick announcement, the Bengals had one selection each in Rounds 1 through 6. The Bengals traded their original pick in round 7 to St. Louis for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick prior to the 2007 season.
In addition to player movement, a formula including salary, playing time and postseason honors determines the specific picks awarded.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Reds Opener: Punishing Bud Selig, praising Ruth Lyons
PUNISHING BUD SELIG
===COMING TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2008: THE MYSTERY OF EX-BENGAL FRED WILLIS; AND IT’S NO APRIL FOOL’S JOKE===
Of all the Rites of Spring — the NCAA Tournament’s “Final Four,” the Masters, Kentucky Derby and Indy 500 — I cherish Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds the most.
With the Findlay Market Parade, the pregame festivities and the game itself, it’s a time of celebration in the Queen City, which closes for a “city holiday” as kids and adults play hooky from school and work in observance of baseball’s annual rebirth.
It’s like magic. Too bad Major League Baseball and its puppet for a commissioner, Bud Selig, disagrees.
For decades, the first pitch of every major league season took place in Cincinnati. Then Selig came along and destroyed that sacred tradition by force-feeding us Sunday night garbage on ESPN and season-opening series in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Japan.
It’s shameful.
“The Reds were the team that opened the season, and that should’ve remained the case as the oldest franchise in the game,” said St. Louis native Carl Moritz, an editor for the venerable Sporting News, the 122-year-old “Bible of Sports.”
“They deserve that. Their fans deserve that. It just spoke of the tradition, the passion for the game that Cincinnati’s always had. It was always a return to the roots and tradition of baseball. and to have that stripped away just isn’t right.”
Today, I will cheer Findlay Market Parade Grand Marshal Cesar Geronimo, sing the National Anthem with Kathy Wade, marvel at the fly-over of F-18 jets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 224, cry at the introduction of the Joe Nuxhall, Chief Bender, Bob Howsam and Bob Purkey families and cringe at Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune’s ceremonial first pitch.
And I’ll curse Selig, who is Ebenezer Scrooge masquerading as Mother Teresa.
PRAISING RUTH LYONS
From Rick in the ‘Nati: “I, too, am a ‘second generation’ Ruth Lyons/Bob Braun fan. I can recall the “Rally” song and many other memories. In fact, I have her Christmas LP. For my 12th birthday, my mom took me to the Bob Braun Show, and I was awarded with 4 tickets right behind home plate (the Riverfront equivalent of Diamond seats!), an atlas courtesy of Stacy Storage and Moving, and a $10 bill. HUGE!! Bob Braun spoke to me on camera, and I remember talking about the fact that Pete Rose got his 2,000th hit the night before. Good times! By the way, I am a lifelong fan of “Days of our Lives” in part because mom or grandma always had it on after the 50-50 Club! It’s awesome that you’re now in the “blogosphere” and I’m glad you now have an outlet to riff on a variety of topics. It hurts my brain to have to think of the Bengals all the time. The drama associated with that team is exhausting! Go Reds! Go X! For the love of God, draft an O-Lineman!!!!
—-The Chickster’s response: This is my huge email of the day! Thanks for your support of my O-Lineman theory!
From Keith in the ‘Nati: “We didn’t have Ruth Lyons in Chicago, but my grandmother would watch Mike Douglas every day. Occasionally, she would let me catch an episode of “Dark Shadows” if she deemed me as being good that day. She also had a pot of coffee going all the time. Fun stuff!”
—-The Chickster’s response: Dark Shadows! I loved that show. Spooky. Eerie. Fascinating.
From Teri in the ‘Nati: “Hey, Chick: Loved the 50/50 article. How about Mary Ellen Tanner and Ruby Wright? I also remember my Gram watching the show and telling me how ‘very handsome that Bob Braun is.’ Now I am aging myself (56 in August). What about the microphone that she held that look like a nosegay (flower bouquet)? What was the name of the band? Cliff something or other. It was great looking down memory lane. Thanks for the article!”
—-The Chickster’s response: Mystery solved. It was “Cliff Lash and the 50-50 Club Band.”
From “Aunt Kathy” in the ‘Nati: “I also have many wonderful memories of Grandma and the Reds as do your cousins — my boys. We often talk about the “good old days” and Grandma’s chili, Tang and baking. Tim and Brian will talk on and on about being with Grandma and listening to the Reds games and how she taught them to keep score with what was going on each inning. It is officially spring with Opening Day and the Reds and remembering Grandma Ludwig. How sweet it is!”
—-The Chickster’s response: Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Eve at Grandma’s house are priceless memories! Kathy, I love you!
From Touchdown Tim: “I don’t remember Ruth Lyons because I didn’t grow up here. But sometime in the early to mid 1970s we got cable and Channel 5 in Cincinnati. For some reason I got hooked on Paul Dixon and Bob Braun. So I remember all about the Ruth Lyons Christmas Fund. The thing I remember most about Bob Braun was one year he visited the Bengals’ training camp in Wilmington. They let him put the pads on. I guess they put a few plays in for him. On one, he was a running back and the play was a sweep. They pitched him the ball and he was running around the end and out of no where came Bill Bergey and just crushed him. I will never forget that. Question: Can Marvin right this ship or are we headed back to the 3 and 13 days?”
—-The Chickster’s response: The only thing funnier than Bob Braun’s not-so-smash single “Hard Lovin Annie/ Love Comes And Goes” was his semi-tough football career. And, yes, I firmly believe Marv will get past the .500 hump and make Bengals fans proud again.
From Rebecca in West Carrollton: “I can remember my mother watching the 50-50 Club everyday. She went several times to the show in Cincinnati. When I was 16, I finally got her to take me. I got to go with her several times to see Ruth. We thought she was great. She had very interesting people on her show and she was a big Reds fan. She was always talking about the Reds game and remained behind them win or lose.”
—-The Chickster’s response: I’m deeply touched by your email. You have memories of Ruth Lyons that will last a lifetime.
Permalink | Comments (115) | Post your comment | Categories: General
Bengals could use a history lesson (Carl Pickens)
BENGALS SHOULD USE HISTORY AS A GUIDE
===’LUDWIG AT LARGE’ ALERT: My next blog entry will be Monday at 6 a.m. Readers’ top “Ruth Lyons 50-50 Club” memories===
History should be our best teacher.
We must learn from our mistakes so that we don’t repeat them.
Unfortunately for the Cincinnati Bengals, they keep ignoring the past. They keep giving it the ol’ Heisman-Trophy-stiff-arm. And they keep repeating their mistakes.
I believe they’re going to pay dearly for keeping wide receiver Chad Johnson on their roster instead of trading him.
Exhibit A is Carl Pickens, the talented, but turbulent wide receiver who played for the Bengals from 1992-99.
Pickens was the first restricted free agent in NFL history to sign an offer sheet with another club.
As Yogi Berra would say, “You can look it up.”
Arizona Cardinals head coach Buddy Ryan tendered Pickens with an offer sheet on March 17, 1995 — the Green Bay also wanted him — but the Bengals matched it and kept him.
And Pickens was miserable until he was terminated after the 1999 season. And he made his teammates miserable, too.
Now Chad Johnson is miserable. Even his absence from the locker room during the club’s offseason workout program is causing a distraction.
Like T.J. Houshmandzadeh said so eloquently in the midst of 2007’s misery: “Talent doesn’t win games, obviously. You can look at us and see why. We’re a good example of that. Talent doesn’t win games. Or, maybe we don’t have as much talent as we think we do.”
Precisely. Absolutely. Obviously.
The Bengals arguably do less with more talent than any team in the NFL.
The Bengals’ eight year record with Pickens: 40-88 (5-11, 3-13, 3-13, 7-9, 8-8, 7-9, 3-13, 4-12).
The Bengals’ seven-year record with Chad: 50-62 (6-10, 2-14, 8-8, 8-8, 11-5, 8-8, 7-9).
Bottom line: The Bengals have a .446 winning percentage with Chadly. They can do the same —- if not better —- without him.
And don’t give me this crap about salary-cap ramifications. I don’t care if Chadly’s exit counts $20 million against the cap.
The salary cap is $116 million per club in 2008. There’s plenty of room to absorb his $8 million.
It’s a hit worth taking to save the team from further turmoil.
History says so.
WHOOEE, PIG SOOEY!
I miss Lisa Cornwell!
The former sports & news anchor at Cincinnati’s WCPO-TV (Channel 9) recently moved to Knoxville, Tenn., where she’s working for WBIR-TV (Channel 10).
Even though Lisa and Russell Biven have taken over the morning news slot on Channel-10, Lisa is following the Tennessee Lady Volunteers’ march through the women’s NCAA Tournament.
Lisa, a Fayetteville, Arkansas, native, was a two-time All-State basketball player in high school, a three-time All-American junior golfer, a four-time winner of the Arkansas Women’s State Golf Championship, and in 1992 was named the Arkansas Female Athlete of the Year.
She tells me that even though she’s deep in the heart of Volunteer Country, she’ll always be an Arkansas Razorback.
Lisa knows that if she ever needs a caddie for a golf tournament, I’m her guy.
Together, we’re The Beauty and The Beast.
For Lisa’s picture & bio, point your Web browser to:
http://knoxtrivia.blogspot.com/2008/03/lisa-cornwell-debuts-on-wbir.html
DADDY-O OF THE RADIO
Chick Ludwig’s next radio appearances:
—-Sunday, March 30, at 11 a.m. on WLW-AM (700) in the ‘Nati with Ken Broo (The Broo-Master’s Golden Touch).
—-Monday, March 31, 6-8 p.m. on WONE-AM (980) in Dayton with Mark Schlemmer (“The Skipper” knows baseball inside & out).
CHICK LUDWIG TRIVIA
Chick Ludwig grew up in the Price Hill section of Cincinnati and sang in the St. Williams School boys choir from the fourth-through-eighth grades under the direction of the immortal Dave Allen.
The highlight every year was the “singers ‘n’ servers” bus trip to LeSourdsville Lake Amusement Park.
I was a soprano through the sixth grade, then became an alto.
Other highlights: Singing on The Rosemary Clooney Show; singing in the annual Cincinnati May Festival, singing on a float in The St. Patrick’s Day Parade; and singing as a beggar boy in an opera at the Cincinnati Zoo.
Hard to believe I was a soprano once upon a time, considering nowadays I fancy myself as the reincarnation of the late, great John Facenda, voice of NFL Films.
Find more on Chick Ludwig at:
http://www.orangefrazer.com/cgi-bin/disp.cgi?pg=chickludwig&matchauthor=Chick+Ludwig
LUDWIG AT LARGE ‘GUERRILLA MARKETING’
To all my loyal blog readers, thank you for helping make “Ludwig At Large” one of the most popular blogs at the Dayton Daily News.
Tell a neighbor. Phone a friend. Twist a relative’s arm. Send ‘em my link and have ‘em book mark it as a favorite.
http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/
Until next time, this is “The Chickster” saying: “Make Love, Not War; Give Peace a Chance; and Strawberry Fields Forever.”
Contact Chick Ludwig at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
Permalink | Comments (35) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Ruth Lyons’ 50-50 Club memories on Opening Day
A TRIBUTE TO RUTH LYONS, BOB BRAUN & GRANDMAS EVERYWHERE
===”LUDWIG AT LARGE” WANTS TO HEAR FROM EVERY CINCINNATI REDS FAN WHO REMEMBERS THE RUTH LYONS 50-50 CLUB! EMAIL ME YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES AT cludwig@daytondailynews.com AND I’LL PUBLISH THE BEST OF THE BUNCH ON MY BLOG===
I am in such a good mood that it’s scary. Absolutely scary.
For three reasons:
The Xavier Musketeers, yes, my Xavier Musketeers, beat West Virginia in OT in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 16 on Thursday night, March 27.
My blog, “Ludwig At Large,” is in its infancy —- less than two months old —- yet it has taken off like a kite in a hurricane.
Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds is Monday, March 31.
TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
Ahhh, Opening Day. There’s nothing like it. The only thing I love more than “The Game” is the pregame festivities, highlighted by the annual Findlay Market Parade.
If you’ve never been, go-Go-GO! Anchor yourself at Fountain Square at 11 a.m. Monday and enjoy an awesome trip down memory lane as 165 units of floats, marching bands & decorated automobiles, trucks & flatbed trailers grace the streets of the ‘Nati.
“Big Red Machine” center fielder Cesar Geronimo will serve as the 2008 Grand Marshal, and tributes are planned for the late, great Reds pitcher and broadcaster Joe Nuxhall both in the parade and in pregame ceremonies at Great American Ball Park.
An exhibit on the life & times of the “Ol’ Left Hander” is already on display at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.
“Joe is in everybody’s hearts this Opening Day,” said Neil Luken, coordinator of the annual parade, which kicks off at 11 a.m. and runs from Over-the-Rhine through Downtown, ending just past Fountain Square.
A lot of the floats will be paying tribute to Joe and his family.
A poster featuring Nuxhall as a past Grand Marshal will be sold with proceeds going to the Joe Nuxhall Educational Fund.
RUTH LYONS IS A SAINT
Somebody else is in my heart on each & every Opening Day. The Fab-You-Lous Ruth Lyons.
I know I’m dating myself here —- Yikes! I turn 54 in July! —- but how many of you fine folks out there remember The Ruth Lyons 50-50 Club?
I used to walk from my home at the corner of West Eight Street & Rosemont Avenue in the Price Hill section of Cincinnati to my grandma’s house, and watch Ruth Lyons on WLWT Channel 5.
Ruth, who should be canonized a saint for her charity, “The Ruth Lyons Children’s Fund,” retired in 1967 due to declining health. Bob Braun kept the ball rolling with the “Bob Braun Show,” which he hosted from 1967 to 1984.
The daily 90-minute show was the top-rated live entertainment/information program in the Midwest, and was syndicated throughout the heartland of America. It featured a live band, singers, and special guests including Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Johnny Carson, Paul Lynde, Red Skelton, Phyllis Diller and Dick Clark.
Politicians including Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, John Glenn, and Ted Kennedy were also guests.
‘RALLY ‘ROUND THE REDS’
There was Grandma Ludwig and her grandson, Charles A. “Chick” Ludwig, Jr. —- I was known as Chuckie & Charlie in those days —- hunkered around the TV.
I’d make my exit from the living room to the kitchen when “As The World Turns” came on. Grandma was a devout follower of the soap opera. I was a devout lover of her Bundt cake. I helped myself to the “Tang” in the fridge and endless pot of coffee on the counter.
When I close my eyes to sleep on Sunday night, Opening Day eve, I’ll think of grandma and Ruth Lyons, who used to sing every Reds fan’s favorite song, back in the day on the 50-50 Club:
“C’mon, let’s rally ‘round the Reds, boys, rally ‘round the Reds … we want a Pennant in September!”
To re-live some of those magical moments of our childhood, go to …
http://www.answers.com/topic/bob-braun?cat=entertainment
Until next time, this is “The Chickster” saying: Make Love, Not War; Give Peace a Chance; and Strawberry Fields Forever.
Contact Chick Ludwig at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
Permalink | Comments (317) | Post your comment | Categories: General
Bengals draft buzz: 1st round OT a must
PRIORITY NO. 1: PROTECT CARSON PALMER
You name the area, any area, and the Cincinnati Bengals need help.
Not just at one position, but everywhere …
… everywhere except quarterback, where Carson Palmer and Ryan Fitzpatrick are 1-2 with Jeff Rowe (I call him “Jethro”) and Jordan Palmer battling it out for No. 3.
Folks, I’m here to tell ya that I’m absolutely, positively convinced the Bengals should-must-will draft an offensive tackle with the No. 9 overall pick in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft on April 26.
Why? Because left tackle Levi Jones and right tackle Willie Anderson are hobbling around on bum knees and likely won’t be able to play a 16-game season.
And because Stacy Andrews, anointed with the franchise tag ($7.455 million), refuses to sign a long-term contract and will likely leave in 2009 as an unrestricted free agent.
The team’s No. 1 priority must always be keeping Palmer well-protected. That’s why an athletic OT is the way to go in the first round. Other needs (DT, C, LB, FS, SS, KR) can be addressed later.
REPEAT OF LEVI IN 2002
Remember back in 2002? The Bengals got RIPPED by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Chris Berman for selecting Levi Jones No. 10 overall. They needed a LT desperately, and Jones turned out to be an excellent pick.
It’s time to pull the trigger again.
Of course, conventional wisdom says to select the best defensive tackle available in the first round because the run defense is so weak.
Either LSU’s Glenn Dorsey or USC’s Sedrick Ellis should be there.
I say, “DON’T DO IT”
The top pick should be one of the following: Boise State’s Ryan Clady, Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams, Pitt’s Jeff Otah or Boston College’s Gosder Cherilus.
Readers should feel free to spank me if I’m wrong. But the more I look at it, the better an OT looks!
READERS WANT TO KNOW:
From DemolitionDan: “When is the NFL going to let the Bengals know about Odell Thurman’s 2008 status? Hopefully, it’s before the draft. If not, well, that’s just wrong.”
—-The Chickster’s response: Just like last year, I expect it’ll be THE DAY BENGALS PLAYERS ARRIVE AT TRAINING CAMP IN JULY. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will take it right up to deadline. Any missteps by Thurman and he’ll be out of the league for good.
From BengalBill in Hamilton: “Hey, Chick. I would like to see the Bengals trade their first-round draft for a couple of journeyman players in needed positions. They could apply the millions of signing bonus money they’ll save to the salaries of the new players. What say you?”
—-The Chickster’s response: I love ya, Bill, but there’s no way. The Bengals have already gobbled up journeymen LBs in Darryl Blackstock and Brandon Johnson. Both guys give the club added depth and will boost the special teams cover units. Bottom line: There are no “journeymen” that equate to a No. 9 draft pick.
From DemolitionDan again: “Chick, I just read your recent blog with the Marvin Lewis interview on NFL Network. I must say that for the first time in a LONG time I am impressed with the way Marvin answered questions in an interview. Maybe he is just so drained during the season from answering questions from the media that in the offseason he’s better. I don’t know. The comparison he made to Kobe/injured player was great. Kudos to him for that. And thanks to you for posting that interview because I don’t have cable or satellite, and so I didn’t see it!”
—-The Chickster’s response: I agree. It was great to see Marvin “shoot straight” instead of shooting himself in the foot.
From Deron in Harrison: “I watched a video interview with Chris Henry and you were right there. He sounded different than he did in his first year. Not as awkward and introverted during the interview. Do you get a sense that this kid has turned the corner? Does he sound different to you? On another note, I thought Marvin was as good as he’s ever been in his interview about Chad. I like the stance the team is taking. Somebody has to stand up to these Divas.”
—-The Chickster’s response: Yes, yes, a thousand times yes on Chris Henry. He not only sounds different, but looks different. Loose, relaxed, mature, and a lot more focused. After three years of turmoil that includes four arrests and two suspensions, Henry seems to have his act together. Being away from the game makes you appreciate it so much more. One of the beautiful things about being a Bengals beat writer is that we get to see young players grow up, mature and blossom as athletes and people.
THE CHICKSTER ON THE RADIO
—-Friday, March 28: I’ll be on WGRR (Oldies 103.5 FM) as a guest of the “Chris & Janeen-Married with Microphones” show at 6:50 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. (set your alarm clocks!)
—-Friday, March 28: I’ll be on WONE-AM (980), live in studio, with Mark Schlemmer from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Until next time, this is “The Chickster” saying: Make Love, Not War; Give Peace a Chance; and Strawberry Fields Forever.
Contact Chick Ludwig at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Will UD’s Kissell retire? Football in WSU’s future?
This is pure speculation, but definitely worth asking:
Now that Wright State athletics director Mike Cusack has retired, how long with Ted Kissell stick around? Is he the next guy to step down?
Kissell holds dual titles as vice president and director of athletics at the University of Dayton.
But rumors are swirling “on the hill” that Kissell could retire either later this year or early next year. If that’s the case, look for Tim Wabler —- associate vice president for athletics —- to take over as AD with Mike Kelly becoming second in command.
Kelly stepped down as UD’s football coach on Jan. 22, 2008, ending a brilliant, 27-year run with an .819 winning percentage (246-54-1). He remains at UD with expanded duties as an associate director of athletics.
Kelly will be the sole inductee in the 2008 University of Dayton Athletic Hall of Fame Class, becoming the 150th member of the Hall when he is inducted on Feb. 16.
BRAD BROWNELL’S FUTURE
Wright State men’s basketball coach Brad Brownell is one of the nation’s hottest young coaches, having guided the Raiders to two straight 20-win seasons.
Two years deep into his six-year contract at WSU, Brownell is being mentioned as a candidate for several job openings, including Indiana, Providence and South Carolina. (Toledo, Detroit Mercy and Western Illinois are also open.)
There’s no doubt in my mind that Brownell will be interviewed during the “Final Four” weekend at San Antonio. But I look for him to stay at WSU.
Jealously, I want him to stay and coach Scott Grote, the former Centerville High School star who becomes eligible to play for the Raiders in 2008-09 after transferring from Duquesne.
WSU officials know that Brownell is a hot item. They want him to stay, too, but they understand he’ll eventually move on.
“I trust Brad to do the right thing,” said Dan Abrahamowicz, WSU’s vice president for student affairs, who oversees intercollegiate athletics. “He’s a talented person and talented people are going to be in demand, and we expect that.”
BROWNELL’S STRENGTH
Brownell resurrected UNC-Wilmington. Now he’s elevating WSU.
“He’s shown he can rebuild,” said Jeff Price, head men’s basketball coach at Sinclair Community College. “He’s also shown he can step in and take a program that already has the components in place, and make it better. He’s done a great job of solidifying programs, and building them up.”
WSU’S NEXT ATHLETICS DIRECTOR …
… has to find a way, MUST FIND A WAY, to build basketball attendance at the Ervin J. Nutter Center.
FOOTBALL AT WRIGHT STATE?!
I’m receiving telephone calls and emails from Wright State fans clamoring for the Raiders football!
The original blueprint for the Nutter Center property called for a football stadium. Several studies on football have been conducted over the years, but faculty and staff keep squelching the idea because of budget and gender equity concerns.
I understand that the cost would be enormous, and more women’s sports would have to be added to offset the number of male participants in football.
But it sure is a delicious idea.
Just imagine what football would do for school spirit and student morale on autumn Saturday afternoons?
I heard a lot of talk at Mike Cusack’s retirement that “the sky’s the limit” for WSU athletics; that the university is committed to student welfare, diversity and gender equity.
Well, if that’s the case, I believe the next AD should have the vision to see NCAA I-AA football on the horizon.
“I’d love to see football at Wright State,” said Joe Hardwick of Washington Twp. “It would be a wonderful thing. That would really make Wright State a nice university.”
Opening game of the 2012 season in 30,000 seat “Raider Stadium”… Eastern Kentucky at Wright State.
LUDWIG AT LARGE ALERT!!!
I’m headed to the Dayton-Ohio State NIT basketball game in Columbus tonight (March 26). My next posting will be Thursday, March 27, at 3 p.m.
I’m signing off, now, with a question: HOW IN THE NAME OF JAMES NAISMITH CAN THE SYRACUSE ORANGEMEN BLOW A 22-POINT LEAD TO UMASS IN THE CARRIER DOME? The Big East stinks. The A-10 rules.
Contact Chick Ludwig at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
Permalink | Comments (146) | Post your comment | Categories: General
Carson Palmer (Q & A) won’t enter Chad fray
CARSON TO CHAD & T.J.: ‘WISH YOU WERE HERE’
Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer met with the media at Paul Brown Stadium for the start of the club’s offseason workout program. He gave a Heisman Trophy-like stiff-arm to questions about Chad Johnson, which is understandable. As the leader of the team, Carson sees the big picture. Chad sees only dollar signs in Dallas. Here’s the entire transcript of our interview with Carson Palmer:
Q. How are you, stud?
A. Good. Good to see you guys. It’s been a while.
Q. Excited to be back?
A. I’m very excited to be back; excited to get going. Every year, this is an exciting time of the year. We’ve got some new faces around, some new coaches, and some new stuff to learn, new names to learn, but a lot of work to do. So it’s exciting.
Q. At the end of the 2007 season, you were as disappointed as ever. Do you still feel the sting of 2007?
A. Oh, definitely. It’s a great motivation just to think back to last year and to realize the areas we all need to improve on. and move forward. You don’t really get that last season’s bad taste out of our mouth really until the first win of this upcoming year.
Q. You’ve got some things to work on. You said you wanted to improve your footwork and completion percentage. Still true?
A. Everything, improve everything. There’s nobody that doesn’t need to improve. Even Eli Manning and the Giants. They’ve got a lot of work to do, too. I’m at the point now where I’m in shape, and there are little things I need to work on here and there, things I need to study. Like I said before, it’s an exciting time of the year because you see how much improvement can be done. Just knowing the confidence I have in myself and we have in our team, we know we can get to where we need to get. It just takes a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication, a lot of things falling in the right place.
Q. Your thoughts on your new tight end, Ben Utecht?
A. I’m excited. Anytime a quarterback gets another target, whether it’s a receiver, an offensive lineman, a running back, it’s exciting. I haven’t had a chance to meet him yet. I’ve talked to Reggie (Kelly) about him. Reggie’s excited to get another guy in to help him out. It’ll be exciting when we get out there on the field and work with him, and see what he can do in any ways he can help us.
Q. Two of your weapons (Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh) aren’t here. How do you feel about that?
A. I wish they were here, But we’re going to work with what we’ve got and the guys that are here. That’s another exciting thing, too. With Marcus Maxwell, he’s a guy we haven’t really seen much. But, shoot, he’s shown some really great things on the field working with the practice squad, and working against our defense. Antonio Chatman … There’s a ton of guys that are going to get a shot that they wouldn’t normally get because T.J and Chad aren’t around. They’ve got a lot to learn. They’ve got a lot of work to do. and I’ve got a lot of work to do catching up with them and getting my timing and rhythm down with them. It’s a great opportunity for those guys, and when Chad and T.J. get here, they’ll get here and they’ll be in shape and ready to roll. But for right now, we’re working with the guys that are here.”
Q. Is this Chris Henry’s bust-out season?
A. I hope so. We’ve been saying that the last couple of years. He’s got all the talent in the world. Everybody’s seen it. He’s just got to get in shape and get ready to play and when his number’s called, he’s got to make the plays.
Q. What’s your reaction to all the stuff with Chad over the last couple of months. Is it a distraction?
A. Not for me. I’ve seen some of the things and really haven’t paid much attention to it. I’ve just been rally getting prepared to get in shape, return and being back out here.
Q. Is there a fear that it (Chad’s antics) could really escalate into something negative as the team gets closer to training camp and the season?
A. To be honest, I’m not really going to get too involved in that. I don’t know. I know the guys that are here are working their butts off and working for a spot. Whoever is going to play X (split end) or the weakside receiver is getting ready to start because you don’t know the difference. You don’t know whether he’s going to be here or not. But I’m not worried. We’ve got a good group of guys, some mature guys, some veteran guys that won’t let any off-the-field distractions get in the way of what’s going on, and all the work that needs to be done right now.
Q. The Bengals signed your brother, Jordan, in the offseason. How’s he doing?
A. Good. He’s been working his butt off. He’s been throwing a ton with a QB coach back in California. He’s in great shape and has a good shot to compete and battle, and see what happens.
Q. Are you going to slap him around here?
A. No. He caught up to me. I was always four years older and I can always beat up on him and pick on him. Now he weighs a little bit more than me and he’s a little bit taller than me, so I’m not going to mess with him too much.
Q. How’s your knee?
A. Great, great. No issues whatsoever.
Q. What’s your offseason been like so far?
A. Lot of things. I traveled a little bit. But for the last two months, I was working out with my trainer (in California) and studying film and looking at all the things I need to change and improve on while I’m back here. But it was nice. It was a good chance to get away and kind of re-energize and get ready for this offseason (workout program).
email Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (12) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Marvin Lewis: Bengals won’t trade Chad
Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis addressed “The Chad Johnson Situation” on NFL Total Access on Monday, March 24, with Rich Eisen and Solomon Wilcots.
And I must applaud both sides for their spirit. The questions were tough, but ol’ Marvin didn’t flinch, saying there’s no way Chad will be traded.
Wilcots, who played safety and cornerback for the Bengals from 1987-90, has been critical of the team in recent weeks, saying the Bengals haven’t done enough in free agency to put themselves in playoff contention in 2008.
Here are the Eisen-Wilcots questions and Lewis’ answers. Give it up to both sides.
Q. Last week, Chad Johnson was a guest on the NFL Network program and once again making it well known that he feels unappreciated in Cincinnati and wants to go somewhere else. It appears from the outside that differences seem irreconcilable — how is it from the inside?
A. There really are no differences because if Chad wants the opportunity to play professional football, this is his opportunity right now to play here in Cincinnati. Despite his feelings and whatever he says when he comes on your show, he doesn’t have a choice in the matter. He signed a contract, which is a very long-term contract. He’s been very well compensated since 2003 under two different contracts since then. So that’s the case right now. He’s got an opportunity to play professional football here or do what he says he’s thought about doing, which is sit out and that’s fine. Our football team will move on and be ready to go, just as we would if someone got injured. You talk to your team all the time about being one play from being injured and without a certain player, and if that the case, we’ll be fine and move on.
Q. We’d heard Chad linked to a number of teams, at least that he’s talked about —- from the Miami Dolphins to the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys.
A. He’s linking himself, because that would be tampering.
Q. But from the Bengals’ perspective, are you willing to part (with Johnson)? Would you listen to other teams if they were interested in Chad?
A. No, we are not going to trade Chad Johnson as I’ve said. We’re not going to trade Chad. I’ve made it clear and our owner (Mike Brown) has made it clear. Like I said earlier, if he’s going to play professional football, he’s going to do it in Cincinnati.
Q. He’s been dancing around the concept that he’s unappreciated there in Cincinnati and that he feels as if he’s been treated like a cancer of the team. Where would he get that idea from?
A. I don’t know. I can’t take the heat on both sides of the coin here, because at some point last year people said I don’t do a very good job and I enable Chad, so I can’t be on one side with him, then on the other side with him. I coach Chad. I love Chad as a player and as a person and want the very best things for Chad.
Q. So coach, what is the issue that you’re facing right now?
A. There really is no issue, Rich. There’s two choices. I think Kobe Bryant went through a little of this in the offseason. The Lakers said you’re going to be a Laker and he said, well let’s play and let’s go to the Playoffs. Kobe has led his team to the Playoffs and I think that’s what Chad has an opportunity to do. To stay on the positive and get things right. If indeed the things that he says and tells people that I hear and read about going to the Playoffs and winning a playoff game, those are right in line with our goals. So he needs to do his part, put the team on his back and go to work.
‘LUDWIG AT LARGE’ READER REACTION
From QuickComet: “The Eagles wouldn’t trade for a turd like this. Trading Chad is a big cap hit to the Bengals. Lots of teams want Reggie Brown of the Eagles, but he still has $8 million left on his cap charge, just like Chad does. That means they aren’t going anywhere.”
From Touchdown Tommy in the ‘Nati: “The Cutman (1530 Homer’s Alan Cutler) was talking about your blog this morning while I was driving into work. Some fans were disagreeing with your opinions about when Chad gave up on the Bengals. Surprisingly, the Cutman was on your side even though it was not his idea. I have to agree with you. I think Chad has to go. In three years he will be washed up and yesterday’s news. The great Bill Walsh was always quick to get rid of problem players. No one wants to play with a jerk.”
From Touchdown Troy in Hillsboro: “Chick, I just saw your interview with Chris Henry. He’s acting like a pro football player. Hopefully, he will continue to grow. Carson is taking the role of leader, it seems. I’m excited for the new season. C.J. needs to quit this stuff about wanting out. It would have been nice to have T.J. and Chad for the workouts. I think T.J. will be fine. It’s C.J. we need to worry about. Please tell BIG BEN (Utecht) I said, ‘Welcome to Cincinnati and The Jungle.’ I hope we keep Daniel Coats. I’d love to see Fanene and Peko side by side. Take care.”
From Philly Fan Jamie: “Hey man. Or should I have said “YO” since I’m a Philly fan? Maybe I should beat the stereotype like the snowballs at Santa you hear every nationally televised game. It’s very frustrating when they roll that lazy piece of reporting out there. Anyway, I couldn’t agree more with a Chad-for-Lito trade. We need a playmaker at WR and you guys could use a top CB when healthy. Both guys won’t be with their teams much longer and what better deal would either team get anyway? If it’s true Chad swung at Lewis and they don’t talk, it’s over. From what we hear in Philly, Reid either finally knows they’re not good enough or it has just occurred to him, and he’s looking. Is it the Bengals or us that don’t do this deal. Any word if the two teams are discussing it? Sorry. I’m just tired of watching Andy Reid throw 45 times a game to number 3 WRs. I am enjoying the Sixers beat the Celtics in Boston, though, as I’m typing this. Ha-ha. Thanks.”
email Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
NFLPA: Chad not ‘tampering’ when he speaks out
NO HARM, NO FOUL FOR CHAD
Despite being under contract to the Cincinnati Bengals through the 2011 NFL season, Chad Johnson doesn’t face a fine or any other sanctions for speaking out about wanting to play for Dallas or Miami or any team because it’s not considered tampering, according to the NFL Players Association.
Carl Francis, communications director for the NFLPA, told me today that Chad is free to speak his mind.
“He can have open discussion about who his favorite teams are and who he’d like to play for one day,” Francis said. “It doesn’t have anything to do with tampering.”
Francis said there’s “no fallout” from Chad asking Bill Parcells — the Miami Dolphins’ executive vice president of football operations — to dial him up.
FIRST OPEN LOCKER ROOM OF 2008
First things first. Head coach Marvin Lewis addressed the team on “The Chad Johnson Situation” as the Bengals kicked off their 13-week offseason workout program on Monday morning, March 24.
Chad has been trumpeting the fact he wants out of Cincinnati. As expected, Chad was a no-show for the start of the workouts.
Lewis’ message: Don’t worry about Chad. Worry about yourselves. Control what you can control. And that’s improving your core strength and flexibility, and bonding with your teammates in your attempt to make the roster.
“There are a lot of different things and variables that occur (with players),” Lewis said. “Whatever occurs, this is professional football. You’ve got to deal with it in your way. They’re all in little different situations. So they have to make sure that this time is utilized in the correct way for them to prosper.”
Lewis said, “Yes, I’ve talked to Chad a few times. I don’t need to weigh in on what my conversations with Chad are. My conversations with Chad this year have been no different than they were a year ago.
“Our football team will be fine, one way or another. We’ll be put together correctly in the way we need to be (in order) to be productive and prosperous.”
ODELL THURMAN UPDATE
Linebacker Odell Thurman has been working out at Paul Brown Stadium in an attempt to be reinstated after a two-year suspension for violating the league’s Substance Abuse Policy.
“He’s been working with the strength staff and doing what he’s supposed to do, and that’s what he needs to do,” Lewis said. “I don’t evaluate how he looks. That’s got nothing to do with … he’s doing what he needs to do.”
IN THE FOLD
Wide receiver Glenn Holt and linebackers Rashad Jeanty and Corey Mays signed one-year contracts as “exclusive rights free agents.”
The Bengals held the exclusive rights of all three players, whose contracts expired after two seasons.
Additionally, the club waived cornerback Brandon Williams.
QUICK HITTERS
—-CARSON PALMER: “I’m very excited to be back; excited to get going. You don’t really get that last season’s bad taste out of our mouth really until the first win of this upcoming year.”
—-OH, HENRY: In speaking at length with wide receiver Chris Henry, I was struck by his demeanor. He seems more mature and committed to being a successful player. With a girlfriend and two children at home, Henry has “settled down.” He knows if he has one more scrape with the law, he’s out of the NFL for good.
—-SAMOAN CONNECTION: It’s official: Jonathan Fanene is a defensive tackle. He’s beefed up to 300 pounds, and he’s ready to be a force in the middle of the defensive line. “If they put me and Domata (Peko) inside, I’m telling you, it’s over.”
Email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Readers react to Chad, NCAA tourney & Favre
Loved these e-mails I received over the weekend regarding Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson, the NCAA Tournament and Brett Favre.
Here they are with my responses.
FROM PHILLY FAN JIM:
Lito Sheppard and a second-round draft pick for Chad??? The Eagles better be smoking some good stuff to do that.
Lito Sheppard straight up would be iffy for that exploding time bomb
Sheppard is one of the top corners in the league when healthy. But he’s been injured the last two years. Those injuries are a broken collarbone and dislocated elbow.
As an Eagles Fan, I would love to have a great wide receiver, but that guy looks like he’s going to explode soon.
Scary stuff you got going on over there.
—-The Chickster’s response: The Eagles are looking to move Lito. Let him come to Cincy and let Philly have T.O.’s clone.
FROM PETE IN MIAMISBURG:
As always, great article Chick!
It’s too bad Chad has thin skin.
Just think if he was in the New York media!
Also, you’re right. It started with “Doc’s” article …. and that’s a shame!
—-The Chickster’s response: You’re right. Chad has thin skin. “Doc” was just doing his job. Chad saw it as a crutch … and an excuse to want out.
FROM AIR FORCE SCOTT:
Hi Chick. Love your coverage of the Bengals and enjoy hearing you on the radio, too.
I do not understand your point in the “Audible Commentary” today.
I’m sure you are poking fun at Mike Brown, but I just don’t get it.
Are you suggesting he should sell the team? Are you suggesting that if he got rid of Chad he might as well clean house? Or are you suggesting that the players mentioned (including David Pollack) are bad for the team synergy? Are you referring to continued ineptness by the franchise in handling players contracts and free agency?
Sorry —- I just didn’t get it.
—-The Chickster’s response: I am simply suggesting that Mike Brown “clean house.” And it starts with trading Chad Johnson.
FROM BRUCE IN LEBANON, OH:
Hi Chick. It’s been a while since I’ve sent you a note, and I’ve been reading your thoughts —- which are great.
I am finding that I do not enjoy March Madness like I used to. These kids are so over-coached, and the games drag on eternally.
On Saturday, the last 5 minutes of the Xavier-Purdue game took 34 minutes! Between TV time-outs and the endless coach’s time-outs, it is a frustrating experience. If it’s true that you learn from mistakes …I don’t know how college players learn anything because 1 mistake & you are sitting.
Great take on “Coach K” and Duke —- OVERRATED!!!
Glad that Brett Favre retired.
I would have loved to watch him play on, but my view on players sticking around changed when I saw Earl Campbell 2 years ago at the Kirk Herbstreit Challenge. Earl was in a wheel chair & looked very old. He can’t be more than in his mid-50s. Let Brett enjoy life.
—-The Chickster’s response: College basketball is the most “over-coached” sport in the land with greasy-haired coaches orchestrating their puppet-players from the sidelines. As I wrote last week: Coach K and John Thompson III are overrated. I’d rather have a root canal, a fork stuck in my eye and my fingernails pulled with pliers than be subject to watching a Georgetown game. Thompson attempts to run the Princeton offense with thoroughbreds. I say let the horses run! Congrats to Davidson for exposing the Hoyas as frauds. One other thing: To see Campbell, the “Tyler Rose,” in a wheel chair is terribly sad. He’s only 53 years old. Earl Christian Campbell’s birthday: 3-29-55.
Email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (26) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
The beginning of the end for Chad
For Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson, the beginning of the end came on Oct. 21, 2007.
Early that day, long before the Bengals defeated the visiting New York Jets, 38-31, sports columnist Paul Daugherty of The Cincinnati Enquirer showed “face up” on driveways and doorsteps throughout the Tri-State.
In “Doc’s” column, he asked two questions.
One: “Would the Bengals be better off with Johnson as he is now — and has always been?”
Two: “Or in the long run, would they be better off without him?”
The questions were excellent, legitimate and fair.
But Chad didn’t see it that way. One word kept repeating over and over in his mind like a broken record: “Betrayal.”
You see, Daugherty authored the book, “CHAD: I Can’t Be Stopped” — published by Orange Frazer Press in Wilmington, Ohio, the same company that published my book, “The Legends, Cincinnati Bengals: The Men, The Deeds, The Consequences.”
Walking out of the locker room that day, Chad told me that he was hurt by the writer he felt closest to. He had let “Doc” into his life, had allowed him to meet his family; had opened himself up and allowed “Doc” to peer into his heart, his soul, his mind.
The timing of the story was critical … the Bengals had just lost four straight games and in one of them —- the 34-13 Monday Night home loss to the New England Patriots —- Chad admittedly ran a wrong route that led to a late-second-quarter interception, which triggered a very heated, very animated and very public display of anger between Johnson and quarterback Carson Palmer that spilled from the field, to the sideline and on the walk into the locker room at halftime.
Tensions were already running high that October Sunday for other reasons, too.
Bengals fans had been vocal in their criticism of Johnson all week long on sports talk shows, saying Johnson’s on-field antics were wearing thin.
Then prior to kickoff, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen sparked controversy when he said on “Sunday NFL Countdown” that sources within the Bengals organization told him that Johnson could be trade bait in the offseason.
After the game, Chad exited the locker room without speaking to the assembled media. In the hallway outside the weight room, Chad conducted his weekly “Chad’s Corner” interview for Channel 19, the local FOX affiliate, then split — but not before speaking to me in a whisper about how hurt he felt by “Doc’s” column.
I am firmly convinced that that night, Chad made up his mind that he wouldn’t be a Cincinnati Bengal come the autumn of 2008.
“Check with me tomorrow,” Chad said. “I’ll give you one of those Barbara Walters’ exclusives.”
And he did. In the parking lot. Next to his car. Underneath some concrete protection from a heavy rain, my tape recorder whirred for nearly 20 minutes.
It was Oct. 22, 2007 … the last time we spoke.
And as he drove away, I wondered if we would ever have another one-on-one again.
I’m still wondering …
The reason I’m bringing this up NOW is because the Bengals start their offseason workout program on Monday, March 24, and for the first time in eight years, Chad plans to skip it.
He’s been screaming all off-season that he wants to be traded. So far, his cry has fallen on deaf ears … or has it?
Surely, Bengals management has to know that an unhappy Chad will poison and fracture the locker room.
How can he come back? How can he look his teammates in the eye and tell them he’s a team player, that he was just joking around about wanting out?
The fact is … he can’t. And the Bengals’ management and coaching staff know it.
I look for Chad to be traded prior to or during the April 26-27 NFL draft.
Here’s a look back at … CHAD JOHNSON’S “BARBARA WALTERS’ EXCLUSIVE” (Originally published on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007) By Chick Ludwig Staff Writer
CINCINNATI — Standing next to his Mercury Marauder in the parking lot at Paul Brown Stadium, Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson didn’t hold back. He poured out his emotion as rain pelted his sleek, black sedan.
Q. ESPN reported you could be traded. How frustrating is it to deal with? A. Frustrating? You think I’m frustrated? Are you watching me play? You can’t play at the same time you’re frustrated. My mind is so clear right now it’s unbelievable. I’m so focused right now it’s unbelievable. Nothing can steer or deter me away from producing and doing what I can to help us win, at all. Nothing. So it’s easy.
Q. What’s your reaction to those who suggest the team might be better off without you? A. I have none. It doesn’t hurt at all. An old team’s trash is another team’s treasure. You’ve got 31 teams in the NFL beside us, and every player, every coach, loves eighty-five. I guarantee that. Every coach and every player would love to have eighty-five on their team because they know what I bring to the table. I bring a different spectrum of playing football to the table.
Q. Where’s all this outside negativism coming from? A. I guarantee you it’s not the fans that sit in our stadium. You know what’s so funny about this? The whole thing is we are mad about a player — not one that gets in trouble, not one that’s in the news for negative stuff. We’re mad at somebody that loves the game, that’s having fun and enjoying himself. When it gets to that point, that’s when I have to put my defense on. Since I’ve been here. I’ve always been about pleasing the people around me, including this city — bringing something to this city they haven’t had in years. YEARS! You’ve never had excitement like this in years. Never had a personality like this. And you’re going to tell me you’re tired of something you’ve never had before? This (stadium) sells out every week.
Q. What if you are trade bait? A. So be it. Believe me. So be it.
Q. Do you want out of Cincinnati? A. No, I’m here. I didn’t say it. Don’t ask me. Go ask (Bengals management). It doesn’t matter where Chad Johnson is. Chad Johnson is going to get it done.
Q. Are you happy here? A. Of course. I’m smiling. As long as I’m smiling, I’m happy.
Q. If the team was 4-2 and not 2-4, would this be an issue? A. Probably not. But I’m an easy target. Perception is not reality. You know what you see on the field is not me off the field. Everything I’ve done has always been positive, It’s always been fun. It’s never been a me-me-me thing. It’s how Chad plays the game. I celebrate. It is a dirty business. And to get the business side of it off my mind, I go out and have fun with it like I’m a little kid. That’s all it is. It’s the NFL. But I’m playing like it’s the back yard. And I’m wrong because I’m not the norm.
Q. Would you be a different receiver for another club, like, say, New England? A. No. Of course not. That’s the reason he (Patriots coach Bill Belichick) loves me. He loves me because I’m me. BECAUSE I’M ME. Because of what I bring to the game.
Q. Head coach Marvin Lewis call you a team player. Well, are you? A. I’ve always been. Some of the things that are being said are just so ridiculous, man. I think it’s because I’m completely out of the norm of what a receiver should be. I’m the only person that plays and talks and does the things he does, but at the same time I’m very, very productive. I cannot perform at a high level and not be Chad. It’s impossible.
Q. Are you going to change? A. No, you know that. You know I am not going to change. You’re not going to stop me from being me, from having fun.
Q. Are you selfish? A. When you have a receiver that doesn’t want the ball. that’s the receiver you don’t want on your team. You have to have a confidence about yourself and your game. You’ve got to feel you can defeat that person in front of you. You’ve got to want it. That’s just how you have to be. But everyone approaches their game differently, and that’s what I’ve come to understand. That’s why I’ve slowed down on the bulletin board material.
Q. Did you quit on a route that led to a Carson Palmer interception in Kansas City? A. No. We didn’t connect on it. That’s all. I’m not going to say it was his fault or mine. I was where I needed to be.
Q. Are you worried that your ‘entertainer’ label detracts from your greatness as a receiver? A. I’d rather you remember Chad the entertainer. I’m doing the same stuff the great ones did, what they’ve done or are still doing. But I’m bringing you another spectrum of the game my way — at the same time producing the way they did. When are people going to see that? I am producing year in and year out, and I’m only going to get BET-TER.
Q. How long can you keep improving? A. Until I’m 40. My passion, my love, my fear of failure is going to keep me driving. It’s going to keep me going. I’m rare because I approach it a different way. You know behind closed doors how many hours of film I’ve studied? They (the fans) don’t get to see that part. I don’t even want them to know that part because that’s common sense. As an NFL player, you’re suppose to work hard.
Q. How do you want to be remembered? A. As one of the greatest to ever play the game. I will be. I will be one of the greatest to ever play the game. My way. Chad’s way.
Contact Chick Ludwig at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
Permalink | Comments (36) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
TE Utecht officially a Bengal
‘BIG BEN’ UTECHT IN THE JUNGLE
It’s official. Tight end Ben Utecht is the newest member of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Friday night’s midnight deadline came and went without the Indianapolis Colts matching the three-year, $9 million offer sheet Utecht signed with the Cincinnati a week ago.
The week-long vigil ended Saturday morning when the Bengals announced Utecht is coming to the ‘Nati.
Utecht will be catching passes from quarterback Carson Palmer in 2008 after three years of hooking up with the Colts’ Peyton Manning.
I’m looking forward to meeting Utecht on Monday, March 24, when the Bengals begin their offseason workout program at Paul Brown Stadium.
SNEAKY COLTS
Oh, those sneaky Colts. Bill Polian and Tony Dungy are Mavericks who never, ever tip their hands. They were content to take their decision on Utecht right up to midnight and right down to the wire. But the Colts couldn’t afford to keep Utecht after dropping $40 million on tight end Dallas Clark, and the Bengals were able to wrestle Utecht away from Indy.
Indy offered Utecht the lowest possible one-year deal for a restricted free agent at $927,000 —- his draft level status, Had the Colts tendered him at $1.4 million, they would have received a second-round draft choice as compensation.
Instead, no compensation is required on the Bengals’ part because Utecht entered the league as a non-drafted college free agent.
It was a shrewd move by the Bengals, who haven’t attempted to wrestle an RFA away from another club in head coach Marvin Lewis’ five previous seasons.
Utecht, a 6-foot-6, 251-pounder from the University of Minnesota, caught 31 passes for 364 yards and one TD in 14 games with 13 starts in 2007.
His career statistics include 77 catches for 861 yards (an 11.2-yard average) and three TDs in 41 games with 30 starts, including a start in the Colts’ 29-17 victory over Chicago in Super Bowl XLI.
HUGE RAMIFICATIONS
Utecht’s signing is important for four reasons.
He gives the Bengals their first 30-catch tight end since Tony McGee (34) in 1997.
He saves the Bengals from spending a draft pick on a tight end when the NFL draft unfolds April 26-27.
He adds another potent weapon to the Bengals’ already strong passing game.
He will be a pillar of the community.
BIG BEN & RUGGED REGGIE
Yes, Utecht and incumbent starter Reggie Kelly are going to get along just fine as tight ends for the Bengals.
They complement one another perfectly … on and off the field.
Reggie is the bruising blocker; Ben is the raucous receiver.
Reggie is the club’s spiritual leader; Ben is a Christian rock recording artist.
Utecht, who is due to release a record of Christian music, will surely be a community service champion.
Utecht sang the national anthem at a Colts-Bills preseason game in 2004, then hooked up with Christian music star Sandi Patty for a duet in front of a 100,000 spectators in downtown Indianapolis.
For an interview with Utecht, go to StripeHype.com
Contact Chick Ludwig at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
A sneak, a pair of no-shows and a charity toss
OH, THOSE SNEAKY COLTS
The Indianapolis Colts are, by far, the sneakiest team in the NFL.
Bill Polian and Tony Dungy are Mavericks who never, ever tip their hands.
The Colts’ brain trust appears to be content taking their decision on tight end Ben Utecht right down to the wire.
Indy has until midnight tonight —- Friday, March 21 —- to match the three-year, $9 million offer sheet Utecht signed with the Bengals a week ago.
If the deadline passes without a Colts’ move, then Utecht is a Bengal catching passes from Carson Palmer.
If the Colts’ match, then Utecht will once again be grabbing passes from the Colts’ Peyton Manning.
All I can say, folks, is please stayed tuned to “Ludwig At Large” for the latest in the Utecht saga.
Oh, and one other thing: If the Colts match, it’ll be a crushing blow to the orange-and-black striped crusaders.
SPORTING NEWS’ SPEED READ
“Ocho Cinco wants to be a Cowboy” and “Houshmadzadeh to skip workouts.” Have a nice spring, Bengals fans.
OFFSEASON WORKOUTS
The Bengals’ offseason workout program kicks off Monday, March 24, and this much is certain:
Pro Bowl wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh will be no-shows.
Neither is a surprise.
T.J. worked with a speed coach in California last offseason, came to training camp in the best shape of his life and had a Pro Bowl season.
Johnson wants to be traded, so he’s staying away.
BENGALS HOOPS FOR CHARITY
The Bengals invade James S. Trent Arena at Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, for a “Hoops For Charity” basketball game against a team of local celebrities.
All proceeds from the game benefit the Kettering Education Foundation’s grant programs and scholarship initiatives.
Unable to find a qualified Public Address Announcer, the event organizers decided to scrape the bottom of the barrel and ask the last man standing — yours truly, The Chickster — if he could take the mike.
I proudly, humbly and respectfully said, “I do. I will. I shall. I must.”
The late John Facenda, “The Voice of God” for NFL Films, would be proud.
Local celebrities scheduled to play are University of Dayton immortals Christie, Grevey and Young, along with James Keys, Chris Emmons, Tyler Alexander, Dan VonHandorf, Lance Fletcher, Mike Millard and Bryan Nelson.
The Bengals who are TENTATIVELY scheduled to play —- the emphasis is on TENTATIVELY —- are free safety Marvin White, guard Nate Livings, tight end Daniel Coats, wide receiver Chris Henry, strong safety Herana-Daze Jones and linebacker Odell Thurman, along with retired running back Eric Ball.
Email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Bengals (plus The Chickster) invade Trent Arena
NFL FILMS’ ‘VOICE OF GOD’ WOULD BE PROUD
Do you like the Cincinnati Bengals?
Do you remember Ed Young, Norm Grevey and Dan Christie?
Would you like to meet Dayton Daily News Bengals beat writer Chick Ludwig?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then you’ll want to be at James S. Trent Arena at Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, for a “Bengals Hoops For Charity” basketball game featuring the Bengals against a team of local celebrities.
All proceeds from the game benefit the Kettering Education Foundation’s grant programs and scholarship initiatives.
Unable to find a qualified Public Address Announcer, the event organizers decided to scrape the bottom of the barrel and ask the last man standing — yours truly, The Chickster — if he could take the mike.
I proudly, humbly and respectfully said, “I do. I will. I shall. I must.”
The late John Facenda, “The Voice of God” for NFL Films, would be proud.
Local celebrities scheduled to play are University of Dayton immortals Christie, Grevey and Young, along with James Keys, Chris Emmons, Tyler Alexander, Dan VonHandorf, Lance Fletcher, Mike Millard and Bryan Nelson.
The Bengals who are TENTATIVELY scheduled to play —- the emphasis is on TENTATIVELY —- are free safety Marvin White, guard Nate Livings, tight end Daniel Coats, wide receiver Chris Henry, strong safety Herana-Daze Jones and linebacker Odell Thurman, along with retired running back Eric Ball.
The game was originally scheduled for Feb. 24, but postponed because of inclement weather.
Matt L. Wahrhaftig, executive director of Kettering Education Foundation, tells me that all current tickets will be honored.
Tickets remain on sale through TicketMaster at (937) 228-2323.
See you at Trent Arena on Saturday, March 22, at 3 p.m.
Have the kids bring some extra notebook paper because I will be signing autographs.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Bengals sign 1 more ex-Arizona LB (Johnson, of course!)
FOUR PLAYERS NAMED ‘JOHNSON’ ON CURRENT ROSTER
The Bengals continued their quest to beef up the linebacker corps by signing Arizona Cardinals free agent Brandon Johnson to a one-year contract on Thursday, March 20.
Johnson’s arrival comes six days after Cincinnati signed another ex-Cardinal linebacker, Darryl Blackstock, to a one-year deal. The Bengals lost Landon Johnson to the Carolina Panthers on Friday, March 7, so they had to, just had to, get another played named “Johnson.”
By signing the trio of Blackstock, Johnson and Roy Manning, the linebacker unit gets better depth and the special teams coverage units improve immensely.
Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 224-pounder from Louisville, was listed on the Cardinals’ depth chart as the No. 2 weakside linebacker behind starter Karlos Dansby in 2007.
Johnson is a third-year NFL veteran who was Arizona’s fifth-round draft pick in 2006. He played in only nine games in two seasons with the Cardinals, logging eight special teams tackles, including six in 2007 when he saw action in six games.
Johnson’s Arizona contract expired after the 2007 season and he became a free agent on Feb. 29 when the Cardinals chose not to tender him with a contract offer.
Johnson played, but didn’t record a tackle, in Arizona’s 35-27 victory over Cincinnati at Paul Brown Stadium on Nov. 18, 2007.
The number of current players named “Johnson” remains at four —- Chad, Jeremi, Brandon and Rudi.
Contact Chick Ludwig at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Ludwig unleashed! My entire NCAA bracket
Before I unveil my entire 63-game winners in the NCAA Tournament, I’ve got 10 things to say:
- When Cleveland State and Valparaiso took the court in the NIT and CBI on Wednesday night, March 19, they carried more than a basketball in their hands. They carried the weight of the Horizon League on their shoulders.
Cleveland State put up a pretty good fight before falling down at Dayton, 66-57. Chalk one up for the Atlantic 10 Conference.
But Valpo made up for it, rising up to beat Washington of the Pac-10, 72-71, in Seattle.
The Horizon League? VINDICATED!
North Carolina will win the NCAA Tournament because the Heels have great depth and balance. They also have “Psycho T” —- Tyler Hansbrough. A quicker and more physical, intense, rugged big man doesn’t exist.
I love Marquette for two reasons: Great guard play and monster rebounding.
I don’t like Purdue because it lacks an inside game. I’m still waiting for one of the timid Boilermakers to take a charge against Ohio State. NOT!
Tennessee, Memphis, Vanderbilt and Belmont. It’s been a great year in The Volunteer State.
If you’re sold on UCLA, folks, you’re making a BIG mistake. The Bruins won’t have the cheatin’ Pac-10 refs to give ‘em a boost.
I’d give ANYTHING to see Belmont get hot and upset Duke.
John Thompson III is overrated, but the Hoyas are tough.
Give ‘em H-E-Double Golf Stick, Hugs!
Shhhh! Go Kent State.
AND, NOW FOR YOUR VIEWING ENJOYMENT (DRUM ROLL, PLEASE) …
MY NCAA BRACKET.
Feel free to giggle, chuckle, snicker, sneer and laugh. It’s OK. I can take it.
ROUND 1
MIDWEST
Kansas
Kent State
Clemson
Vanderbilt
Southern Cal
Wisconsin
Davidson
Georgetown
EAST
North Carolina
Arkansas
George Mason
Washington St.
Saint Joseph’s
Louisville
South Alabama
Tennessee
SOUTH
Memphis
Oregon
Michigan St
Pittsburgh
Marquette
Stanford
Miami (Fla.)
Texas
WEST
UCLA
Texas A&M
Drake
Connecticut
Baylor
Xavier
West Virginia
Duke
MY SWEET 16
Kansas
Vanderbilt
Wisconsin
Georgetown
North Carolina
Washington St
Louisville
Tennessee
Memphis
Michigan St.
Marquette
Texas
UCLA
Connecticut
Xavier
West Virginia
MY ELITE EIGHT
Kansas
Georgetown
North Carolina
Tennessee
Memphis
Marquette
Connecticut
West Virginia MY FINAL FOUR
Georgetown
North Carolina
Marquette
Connecticut
CHAMPIONSHIP
North Carolina 72, Marquette 67
Contact Chick Ludwig at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: College hoops
‘Trade Chad’ talk hits fever pitch
Chad Johnson wasn’t about to keep his pie-hole shut for very long.
Not after Cleveland’s Shaun “the Hamburglar” Smith ripped him, and certainly not after Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald signed a four-year, $40 million contract, making Johnson’s deal — he’s due to earn $18.5 million over the next four years — seem like chump change.
As predicted here on “Ludwig At Large” a week ago, the toy cannon known as Chad Johnson went “Boom!” — again.
I knew and you knew the five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver would eventually stir up the “I-want-out-of-Cincinnati” talk some more.
That’s just Chad. He’ll interrupt The Super Bowl, “March Madness,” The Masters, The Kentucky Derby, Opening Day of the Major League Baseball season and every other Rite of Spring just for a little pub.
The pub comes courtesy of his double-barrel interviews on NFL Network and ESPN, and naturally magnified at ProFootballTalk.com, which bills itself as “The Best Pro Football Scoop on the Internet.”
Here’s Michael David Smith’s posting:
“Johnson said on ESPN First Take that he had ‘a very frustrating year’ in 2007, and he didn’t sound enthusiastic about playing for the Bengals in 2008.
“Asked if he wants to play for the Bengals, Johnson said, ‘I want to continue my career where ever I have an opportunity at winning a playoff game and getting to a Super Bowl. That’s where I want to be.’ When asked if he could do that with the Bengals, he said, ‘I’m not sure … I’m undecided.’
“The discussion then turned to former teammate Shaun Smith’s confirmation that Johnson had taken a swing at Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis during halftime of a playoff game. Johnson confirmed there was an altercation between himself and Lewis, as well as wide receivers coach Hue Jackson (now with Baltimore), but he denied throwing a punch.
“Said Johnson: ‘It was an incident that did happen. Of course, there were no punches thrown. Coach Lewis had to restrain me. Hue Jackson had to restrain me.’
“If Johnson’s primary goal is ‘winning a playoff game.’ the next time he gets to the playoffs, he might want to spend his halftime going over adjustments with his coaches, not being restrained by them.”
To all loyal “Ludwig At Large” readers, I want your reaction.
From Daniel: “I’m watching the NFL Network interview right now with him. I’m SICK of him. Get him out of town. Puh-lease!!!! His Hollywood attitude is the biggest cancer on the team. He’s self-centered and would be better suited in a jacket and tie with Deion on the set during the ‘08 season.”
From Mark: “Tell the Bengals to send Chad to the Eagles for cornerback Lito Shepherd. Or, better yet, send T.J.!”
Here are 9 responses to Chadly’s antics on ProFootballTalk.com:
1. From Mad555: “E-A-G-L-E-S COME TO PAPA YOU CRAZY NUT JOB.”
2. From Stoogie: “It’s too bad the Turd Watch only counts points to those who run afoul of the law and doesn’t count points to (expletive) like Chad Johnson. If this doesn’t count as someone tossing a great big stink deuce into the Bengals’ locker room, what does? I hope the Bengals keep him just to spite the turd.”
3. From BCfunk: “Tell me again why the ‘Bungles’ don’t trade 85? Housh is a No. 1 wideout in this league and Henry is a damn good No. 2. I don’t get it. Trade him for a No. 1 pick in this year’s draft and be done with it.”
4. From Coopdeville: “Chad said, ‘I want to continue my career whereever I have an opportunity at winning a playoff game and getting to a Super Bowl. That’s where I want to be.’ So, why did you want Parcells to give you a call?”
5. From dlmcc0202: “This guy is a cancer and a prima dona. I have a feeling no team will go very far in the playoffs with him causing problems in the locker room.”
6. From Whodey122975: “I love the guy but agree that he needs to shut up and put up. He could have won two or three games for us this year by catching and not dropping balls. and he wants to be in the Hall of Fame!!!
7. From beerbelliedkillinforce: “This guy has elite talent no question! With so many teams in need of WR help these days, holding onto Chad is completely insane! The Bungles need so much help, Lito Shepherd and a No. 2 (draft pick) would be a perfect fit for both teams. Deal a locker room problem in C.J., get better on defense with Lito and add a very solid pick in the meantime. Not only the Eagles, but why are teams sitting on their hands with a guy like C.J.? Vikings, Bears, Jets, Falcons, Jaguars and Titans are six teams off the top of my head who should be taking a run at the Bungles for C.J.! No more quality UFAs remain, so go make something happen!”
8. From The Jimmy: “Man, I hope the Bengals keep this guy. They’ll stay one less team in the division to worry about. Chronic ‘me first’ malcontent.”
9. From BillyIdol: “First of all, anyone who thinks Mike Brown will get rid of this guy and take an $8M cap hit this year is kidding themselves. He’s a Bengal or he sits. Whether that’s a smart move or not, who knows? But it is reality. Period. Secondly, why would Cincy trade him for Lito when they just drafted two first rounders and have Deltha at nickel? The problem is the whole defensive front. I don’t much like Shepherd’s chances holding the point of attack.”
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (32) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Chad wants ‘change of scenery; I need it’
I’ve described Chad Johnson as narcissistic, but in a cuddly sort of way. I can’t say that any longer.
I don’t know how to describe him now, except to say he’s a great receiver who wants the ball, who’s self-centered, a showman, and a guy who helped put Cincinnati on the map.
He wants everyone to love him, but that’s impossible. He also wants out of his contract, which has four years remaining, ($3 million, $4.5 million, $5 million and $6 million). And he desperately wants out of the ‘Nati. The only way that will happen is via trade.
I’m asking loyal “Ludwig At Large” readers: How do you feel about Chadly? You can’t answer me until you read on.
Here are some excerpts from Chad Johnson’s in-studio interview on Tuesday night’s (March 18) NFL Total Access with host Rich Eisen and analysts Jamie Dukes and Rod Woodson.
Check out the full interview at:
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d8074ae3a
Q. Do you want out of Cincinnati?
A. We don’t have to talk about that because I’ve said my piece about it. Nothing is going to change. It’s time to move on.
Q. Does that mean time to take more time to take some time off or time to move on, move on?
A. Time to move on for everybody.
Q. You’re not requesting a new contract? But would it be nice to have it?
A. I don’t want any money … wait, stop, think about this 85. Think before you speak. It’s always about the money. This is a business. You play this game for a reason, that’s the money. We fill those stands for the owners because it brings in money. Coaches want to win because they get new deals. Players play at a high level because you get more money. You guys want to be the best at what you do because you want money. Right now, in this situation, I don’t want any money from where I am. That’s not what I asked for. I said what I wanted to.
Q. But what if you still have to be there?
A. If I still have to be there, you’re still going to get Chad Johnson. I’ve said what I need to say. If the shoe was on the other foot, it would be bye-bye Chad.
Q. What do you hope is the state of the Chad in September of 2008?
A. The state of the Chad is, I don’t know, what the man upstairs wants it to be.
Q. What would make the Chad happy?
A. Change. A change of scenery. I need it. I need a fresh start. A breath of fresh air. I need it regardless of what people think of me. I need it. I’m tired of what people are saying about me. I’m tired of trying to make everyone like Chad. I have to do what’s right for Chad.
Q. Tell me about your relationship with Marv. How is it? Is it strained?
A. It’s never been strained. I’m a lovable person. I don’t care who it is or what it’s about. If you don’t like me, there’s something wrong with you. I’m going to speak my mind, especially now, because I’m at a point where I can’t be worried about what people think and what people say, I have to do what’s best for Chad.
Q. What about your teammates?
A. I love them to death. They went through everything with me those 16 weeks, and the seven before. They know why. I don’t need to say anything. The other 53 players know. The eight on the practice squad know. I don’t need to say anything to them.
Johnson, in closing: “I’m so serious, if I don’t stand up for Chad now, I’m done. I’m not playing, and I’m going to tear up, but you’re not going to make fun of me. They say the grass is greener on the other side. I have my water hose and my seeds, and I will make it green.”
Permalink | Comments (13) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
WGRR’s Chris & Janeen ‘survive’ Hawaii!
They went kayaking and snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay on the sunny south Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.
They indulged in the decadent food and entertainment at the fabulous Luau Kalamaku at Kauai.
They hung by a thread on one of those “Zip Line” deals over a volcano; cruised around the south coast of Molokai; shopped ‘til they dropped in Nawiliwili (Maui); took the “Circle of Fire” helicopter ride over the Kilauea volcano in Hilo; and finished it all off with a visit to Hanauma Bay in Oahu, which is, well, sort of breathtaking.
Cincinnati’s First Couple — WGRR’s Chris O’Brien & Janeen Coyle, the dynamic “Married with Microphones” duo — arrived home Sunday, March 16, after 10 delicious days in Hawaii as king and queen of the WGRR Listener Cruise aboard the “Pride Of Aloha” ship.
Talk about perfect timing. Oh, yeah, and perfect weather. Chris & Janeen enjoyed both.
“It was great!” Janeen told me by telephone from Cincy on Tuesday, March 18. “It was 82, 83 degrees every day.”
Which made everybody back home insanely jealous because they happened to miss our belligerent BLIZZARD!!!
“Yes, we missed the big snow storm,” Janeen added. “That’s all everybody talked about on the ship.”
Chris & Janeen detail the trip of a lifetime in their daily blog with some snazzy prose and photos.
“While it’s nice to get away,” Chris wrote, “it’s great to be back home and on WGRR with you.”
Janeen loved every minute of the dream vaca ‘cept for one thing … the jet lag, of course.
Keith and JD did a terrific job holding down the fort on “Oldies 103.5 FM.”
But every faithful listener to the morning show (5-9 a.m.) is glad Chris & Janeen arrived home safely.
Welcome home, kids.
It’s great to have you back.
More than great, it’s (W)GRReat!”
With love, “The Chickster”
Check out Chris & Janeen’s blog at …
http://www.wgrr.com/AirStaff/ChrisJaneen/ChrisJaneensBlog/tabid/86/Default.aspx
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: General
Matt Muncy, Bengals hoops, WNBA & more
The city of Miamisburg, Ohio, is buzzing for two reasons:
Matt Muncy and Kevin Hoyng.
Muncy, a linebacker from Miamisburg High School and Ohio University, was recently signed to the Tennessee Titans’ offseason roster. He’ll be one of 80 players headed to training camp this summer under the direction of head coach Jeff Fisher.
Hoyng, the former University of Dayton quarterback turned free safety, is a long-term substitute teacher at Miamisburg’s Wantz Middle School, hoping to be drafted April 26-27 or signed by an NFL squad as a college free agent.
Muncy spent the entire 2007 training camp and preseason with the Cincinnati Bengals before they waived him on Sept. 1.
He wasn’t just training camp fodder. He had an excellent summer and preseason. He’s tough, smart and instinctive. The Bengals felt he just didn’t have enough speed in coverage on special teams, so they cut him loose. Muncy had midseason workouts with Tennessee and Green Bay Packers, and eventually landed with the Titans.
His next best option was signing with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.
Check out a photo of Muncy at
http://www.nfl.com/players/mattmuncy/profile?id=MUN164514
BENGALS HOOPS FOR CHARITY
The Cincinnati Bengals will invade James S. Trent Arena at Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, for a charity basketball game against a team of local celebrities.
All proceeds from the game will benefit the Kettering Education Foundation’s grant programs and scholarship initiatives.
Yours truly, “The Chickster,” will serve as the guest public address announcer.
Local celebrities scheduled to play are Dan Christie, Norm Grevy, Ed Young, James Keys, Chris Emmons, Tyler Alexander, Dan VonHandorf, Lance Fletcher, Mike Millard and Bryan Nelson.
The Bengals who are TENTATIVELY scheduled to play — the emphasis is on TENTATIVELY — are free safety Marvin White, guard Nate Livings, tight end Daniel Coats, wide receiver Chris Henry, strong safety Herana-Daze Jones and linebacker Odell Thurman, along with retired running back Eric Ball.
The game was originally scheduled for Feb. 24, but postponed because of inclement weather.
Matt L. Wahrhaftig, executive director of Kettering Education Foundation, tells me that all current tickets will be honored.
Tickets remain on sale through TicketMaster at (937) 228-2323.
CONGRATULATIONS …
… To Tamika Williams-Raymond (Chaminade-Julienne/Connecticut) and Alison Bales (Beavercreek/Duke), who get inducted into the Dayton Lady Hoopstars Hall of Fame tonight (March 18) at the Greek Orthodox Church, 500 Belmont Park North, across from the Dayton Art Institute.
Dinner’s at 6 p.m. with induction ceremonies at 8 p.m.
Also being inducted are Hoopstars founder Alan King and Hoopstars president Jack McCormick.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for families.
Contact Brian McGloin at (937) 371-6859, or visit www.daytonladyhoopstars.org for more information.
For a cool photo of Bales, who plays for the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, go to:
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/photos/lovely-ladies-of-the-wnba/355944/
ANGRY ‘SPEAK UP’ CALLER
This just in: “I’m tired of Chick Ludwig praising Wright State basketball while degrading the University of Dayton Flyers. The Horizon League is nowhere near the level of competition seen in the Atlantic 10 Conference.”
The Chickster’s response: “I like both schools’ basketball programs, and I believe they should play one another on a home-and-home basis in a rebirth of the “Gem City Jam.” Somebody has to stand up for the Raiders, and the Horizon League, and I’m that guy.
The forest green Vikings of Cleveland State University, proud members of the Horizon League, will have their say, too, when they face the Flyers at University of Dayton Arena in the first round of the NIT on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com or call (937) 225-2253.
Permalink | | Categories: General
10 Questions with NFL hopeful Kevin Hoyng
10 QUESTIONS WITH KEVIN HOYNG
Favorite NFL team: Indianapolis Colts (“Because of Peyton Manning.”) Favorite NFL player: Peyton Manning (“In a close call over Brett Favre.”) Favorite stadium other than Welcome Stadium: Ohio Stadium (“The Horseshoe, no doubt about it. I’ve been to many games there.”) Favorite meal: Filet mignon, cooked medium, with mashed or baked potato, salad with French dressing (I’m a steak & potatoes kind of guy.”) Favorite restaurant: McSober’s, Coldwater, Ohio (“There’s nothing like McSober’s chicken wings.”) Favorite actor: Vince Vaughn (“I also like Matthew McConaughey.”) Favorite movie: “The Godfather.” Favorite music & artist: Country/Kenny Chesney (“I listen to all, but I’d have to go country first.”) Favorite late-night snack: “Ham sandwich with swiss cheese on wheat bread, maybe some pickle on there with mustard.”) Favorite hobby: Golf (“Definitely golf. I’ve been playing golf for a long time. I usually play, when I’m back at home, at the Mercer County Elks.”)
10 Questions with NFL hopeful Kevin Hoyng
10 QUESTIONS WITH KEVIN HOYNG
1. Favorite NFL team: Indianapolis Colts (“Because of Peyton Manning.”)
2. Favorite NFL player: Peyton Manning (“In a close call over Brett Favre.”)
3. Favorite stadium other than Welcome Stadium: Ohio Stadium (“The Horseshoe, no doubt about it. I’ve been to many games there.”)
4. Favorite meal: Filet mignon, cooked medium, with mashed or baked potato, salad with French dressing (I’m a steak & potatoes kind of guy.”)
5. Favorite restaurant: McSober’s, Coldwater, Ohio (“There’s nothing like McSober’s chicken wings.”)
6. Favorite actor: Vince Vaughn (“I also like Matthew McConaughey.”)
7. Favorite movie: “The Godfather.”
8. Favorite music & artist: Country/Kenny Chesney (“I listen to all, but I’d have to go country first.”)
9. Favorite late-night snack: “Ham sandwich with swiss cheese on wheat bread, maybe some pickle on there with mustard.”)
10. Favorite Hobby: Golf (“Definitely golf. I’ve been playing golf for a long time. I usually play, when I’m back at home, at the Mercer County Elks.”)
THE most overrated & underrated college coaches
The Chickster’s Top 10 Most Overrated College Basketball Coaches
- Mike Krzyzewski, Duke (Should’ve won more than 2 NCAA titles with all the talent he had; can’t win the big one now).
- Gary Williams, Maryland (Ohio taxpayers are still paying off his telephone bill from all the calls he made while at Ohio State).
- Pat Knight, Texas Tech (Couldn’t coach his way out of a cornflake box; got the job with zero head coaching experience).
- Steve Alford, New Mexico (Snazzy dresser; has great hair; but couldn’t win consistently at Iowa, and is struggling to elevate the Lobos).
- Tommy Amaker, Harvard (From the head coach at Michigan to the head coach at Harvard, his career is going into the dumper).
- Tom Penders, Houston (Tufts, Columbia, Fordham, Rhode Island, Texas, GW and Houston; this guy is as bad as Larry Brown).
- Mike Davis, UAB (After a rocky tenure at Indiana, he got outta Dodge and returned home, where he can coach in obscurity).
- Brian Gregory, Dayton (Came in with the reputation for being a great recruiter, but hasn’t been able to conquer rival Xavier).
- John Pelphrey, Arkansas (The Razorbacks fired a good coach in Stan Heath in favor of a young, unproven ex-UK Wildcat).
- John Thompson III, Georgetown (The 2007 NABC Coach of the Year should unleash his thoroughbreds instead of putting fans to sleep).
The Chickster’s Top 10 Most Underrated College Basketball Coaches
- Jim Christian, Kent State (Best coach in the nation you’ve never heard of; Golden Flashes have won 20 games 10 straight seasons).
- Oliver Purnell, Clemson (Turned around one of the worst programs in the land; the up-tempo Tigers now have plenty of bite).
- Homer Drew, Valparaiso (People skills are tremendous; so is his motivational ability; Valpo’s presence has elevated the Horizon League).
- Brad Stevens, Butler (Looks like a student manager on the sidelines, but is smart, savvy and extremely cool in the heat of battle).
- Jim Larranaga, George Mason (Still enthusiastic after all these years; he knows how to keep his team loose under pressure).
- Anthony Grant, VCU (The next coach of the Dayton Flyers learned his craft at the foot of the master in Dayton, Don Donoher).
- Brad Brownell, Wright State (Does more with less than any coach in the nation; has a team-oriented system in place that works).
- Matt Painter, Purdue (A Muncie native, Painter played for Gene Keady at Purdue; now he has Mackey Arena rockin’; “Boiler Up!”).
- Tony Bennett, Washington State (Played for his papa, Dick, at UW-Green Bay, and instilled that Phoenix toughness in the Cougars).
- Ron “Fang” Mitchell, Coppin State (Has been around for what seems like forever, and keeps cranking out competitive clubs).
DEFENDING ‘COACH K’
From Jim Reynolds, Beavercreek, Ohio: “Your ‘hope’ in this morning’s paper regarding Coach K is probably one of the most ill-informed (I almost said “dumbest”) comments I’ve read by a sports reporter in my 72 years on this earth. No doubt this year’s team is lacking in several areas, and they live or die with the three-pointers, but they won 27 games including a win over top ranked UNC. Does the coach not get some credit for this? Coach K will most likely win over 1,000 games before he’s through. Not even ‘the legendary’ Bobby Knight won that many. Cut Coach K a little slack. One season does not a legend make.”
LUDWIG, SCHLEMMER LIVE & UNLEASHED!
I can hear Dick Enberg shout, “Oh, My!” Because the Chickster will join host Mark Schlemmer live, in studio, on Dayton’s WONE-AM (980) radio tonight (March 17) from 6-8 p.m. Turn on, tune in and let us inform, entertain and persuade you … “and we’ll have a real good time, yes sir. We’ll have a real good time!”
RIGHT STATE, WRONG TEAM
Guess who’s coming to dinner at University of Dayton Arena on Wednesday night for a matchup with the Flyers in the first round of the NIT?
The Cleveland State Vikings of the Horizon League … not the Wright State Raiders.
I knew, just knew, that Wright State’s home loss to Cleveland State was the killer game in the regular season. It cost WSU the No. 2 seed in the HL tournament and an automatic berth in the tourney semifinals.
What baffles me is the fact that Wright State athletics director Mike Cusack has East Coast/New York City ties, yet the NIT continues to dismiss the Raiders.
If the suits in Manhattan are going to continue to dump on WSU, at the very least they should toss ‘em some toilet paper.
A ‘CHICKSTER’ SHOUT OUT …
—-To Doug Franklin, President & CEO, Cox Ohio Publishing. He’s headed to West Palm Beach, Fla., where new challenges await. All the best, Doug!
—-To Frank Lickliter II, who pocketed a cool $84,100 for his T-17 finish (69-71-68-70—278 (-2) at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. The Wright State Hall of Famer from Franklin climbed to 85th on the PGA Tour money list at $225,733. Now THAT’S more like it!
—-To all the studs I met on a recent night at Xavier University’s Cintas Center: Hep Cronin, UC head hoops coach Mick Cronin’s dad who enters his 27th year as an Atlanta Braves scout; Bob “Hambone” Grote, Wright State hoops and baseball All-America and father of WSU’s Scott Grote; Lee Day, baseball coach at Lebanon High School and fine prep basketball ref; Zach Wells, who does an outstanding job as a sportscaster for FOX19 in the ‘Nati; and the immortal Kevin “Corporal” Boyle, my Ohio State Evans Scholar “brother,” who continues to live large at Losantiville Country Club.
—-To “Touchdown Troy” Richards in Hillsboro, a passionate Bengals fan whose grandmother died last week, Troy may be confined to a wheelchair, but his spirit and enthusiasm motivates me. See ya at training camp, my good friend.
—-To all my “homies” at the Rapid Run Carry Out on Cincy’s west side. I only wish they’d sell me a winning Lottery ticket one of these days.
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: College hoops
Bengals in winter: ‘I have a dream’ speech
I have a dream for the 2008 Cincinnati Bengals.
Antwan Odom rushing from the left outside.
Robert Geathers rushing from the right outside.
Odell Thurman wreaking havoc in the middle.
And Ahmad Brooks roaming the line of scrimmage on third down, timing the snap, knifing through an opening and sacking the quarterback.
In other words, folks, the defense resembling a stone wall, not a spaghetti strainer.
It’s automatic: When you hire a new defensive coordinator (Mike Zimmer) and new linebackers coach (Jeff FitzGerald) like the Bengals did this offseason, you reward them with more talent to work with.
So the Bengals went out and grabbed Antwan Odom, signed linebacker Darryl Blackstock and re-signed linebacker Roy Manning.
Then they did the unthinkable, the unimaginable, the incredible, the unbelievable … they signed tight end Ben Utecht to a three-year, $9 million offer sheet, which the Indianapolis Colts have a week to match.
Know this: Cincinnati WOULD NOT HAVE SIGNED UTECHT if they didn’t think they could get him. Teams research other teams’ needs, salary cap figures, etc. The Colts are tight under the cap, so it’s highly unlikely they’ll match Utecht’s offer, sheet especially after they just dropped $40 million on Dallas Clark.
Blackstock and Manning aren’t stop-the-presses signings. They’re guys who will add depth to the unit and contribute on special teams.
Odom is the alleged difference maker. I say “alleged” because I see better than I hear. But my gut feeling is that Odom will be much more productive than Justin Smith, whose only crime was being the No. 4 overall pick of the 2001 NFL draft. NO WAY did he deserve being that high a pick.
One of my good friends in this business, the Sporting News’ Dennis Dillon, wrote a piece titled, “Bengals to Zimmer: Pimp our defense”
It’s a great read on Zimmer (AKA “Mr. Goodwrench.” Check it out at:
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=355878
GETTING DRAFTY IN HERE
Back in 2002, the Bengals were ripped to shreds by Mel Kiper Jr. & Co. for drafting left offensive tackle Levi Jones No. 10 overall.
Turned out to be a very, very good selection for the Men in Stripes.
Could they do it again?
Conventional wisdom says, “Pick a defensive tackle” with the No. 9 overall selection.
LSU’s Glenn Dorsey or USC’s Sedrick Ellis should be there.
But don’t rule out an offensive tackle such as Boise State’s Ryan Clady, Vandy’s Chris Williams, Pitt’s Jeff Otah or Boston College’s Gosder Cherilus.
Why? Because right tackle Willie Anderson and left tackle Levi Jones are hobbling around the campfire at Wounded Knee.
The Bengals’ NO. 1 priority SHOULD always be, and WILL always be, keeping quarterback Carson Palmer well-protected.
I’ll say it right here right now: Head coach Marvin Lewis MUST hold true to his offseason promise of beefing up the offensive and defensive lines.
AWESOME EMAIL I
From Brian Lindemann: “What happens if Stacy Andrews doesn’t sign the one-year tender as the club’s franchise player ($7.455 million) and sits out the year? Can he be tagged again next year?”
The Chickster’s answer: According to the NFL, the time period for a franchise player signing goes from Feb. 29 (opening day of free agency) until the Tuesday after the 10th week of the season (November 11). A club can withdraw its franchise designation and the player then automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent. The club cannot name a new franchise player that year. It can name a new franchise player the next year.
In Stacy’s case, Bengals fan don’t need to worry. One way or another, Andrews (AKA “Big Country”) will be in a Bengals uniform this fall. He should sign a long-term deal. If he doesn’t, he’ll sign the one-year tender. Here’s why: HE WANTS TO GET PAID!!! Sitting out 10 weeks would cost Andrews a whopping $4.38 million! No way he’s gonna forfeit that kind of cash.
AWESOME EMAIL II
From Pete Brucken in New Carlisle: “Hi Chick. You mentioned, ‘Every day is Armageddon on the Bengals beat.’ Can you elaborate on that, please? Also, what does your gut tell you about David Pollack? By the way, I hear you occasionally on Lance McAllister’s radio show, I could listen to you talk about the Bengals all day. Your insights and knowledge are fascinating.”
The Chickster’s answer: Pete, I appreciate the compliments. Please know that Marvin Lewis and Ken Zampese would disagree with you. First off, my gut tells me nothing about Pollack. He WANTS to come back and play. But he would be better served to walk away from the game he loves. Anyway, I like to say it’s “Armageddon” on the Bengals’ beat every day because something new, interesting and chaotic happens. And it’s usually late in the afternoon. SERIOUSLY, EVERY TIME I ATTEMPT TO WALK OUT THE DOOR FOR A FAMILY FUNCTION OR A TRIP TO UD ARENA OR THE NUTTER CENTER FOR A BASKETBALL GAME OR AN IN-STUDIO VISIT TO A RADIO STATION, THE TELEPHONE RINGS—-hey, it’s the Bengals!—-and all hell breaks loose. My dad was a Cincinnati firefighter for 25 years. He drove the back end, and then the front end, of the ladder wagon. I feel like a firefighter, too. When the phone rings, I jump outta bed, slide down the pole, grab a hose and put out a Bengal blaze. I also feel like Sly Stallone in the movie “Cobra.” Bridgette Nielsen asks Sly: “What do you do to relax.” Sly’s response: “Look for TROUBLE.”
AWESOME EMAIL III
From Dave Marnell, UD Class of ‘84: “Hello again, Chick. I have been running an Internet search almost every day in order to keep up on Kevin Hoyng’s NFL quest. The best information is always your reports! I was glad to see that Kevin did well at his pro day, and for the Bengals and Giants scouts! I was unable to hear his interview on 980 AM as I live in Detroit and they do not seem to have an Internet broadcast. Bummer! If you had to take your best guess at this point, whose camp do you think Kevin will attend? Please keep up the excellent work. I look forward to each and every report! Best regards, Dave.”
The Chickster’s answer: My best guess is that Kevin will wind up with the Bengals because they’ve shown the most interest. But don’t rule out Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Houston or Detroit. Jim Lippincott, the Bengals’ director of football operations, has a very good relationship with the University of Dayton. His son, David Lippincott, is a 2000 graduate of UD, currently serving as assistant defensive line coach for the Richmond Spiders. While at UD, Lippincott served as an undergraduate defensive assistant for Flyers coach Mike Kelly. As for Tampa Bay, Bucs head coach Jon Gruden is a former UD quarterback—-just like Hoyng. Unlike Hoyng, who holds all of UD’s career passing records, Gruden seldom saw the field. He was a self-proclaimed “fourth-string, mop-up, ham and egger.” Look for “Chucky” to give “The Coldwater Kid” a shot if the Bengals don’t. Gruden & Hoyng would go together like peanut butter & jelly, mustard & hot dogs, peas & carrots, hands & gloves, apple pie & vanilla ice cream.
AWESOME EMAIL IV
From Frank and Linda Mueller and their puppies Bogey & Coco: “Hello from sunny and I might add WARM Fort Myers, Fla. This is a little off topic, but how about replacing David Pollack’s photo on the Web page. It seems like it’s been up there forever.”
The Chickster’s answer: “I’ll ask our Web Team about the Pollack photo. As for warm & fuzzy Fort Myers, I’m jealous as h-e-double-golf-stick!!!
AWESOME EMAIL V
From Beth Mader in Green Bay, Wis.: “Chick, I’ve been checking out your blog regularly and loved the debate you stirred up with the whole Brett Favre/Cal Ripken Jr. thing. Of course, being in Green Bay, you know whose side I’m on! I’m glad to hear the Bengals are getting some visible Christian players again such as Ben Utecht. Hopefully, they’ll have the same impact Reggie White had in GB. Since I’m a fan of Christian music, I had to correct the info about Sandi Patty. She’s more of an “adult contemporary-ish” Christian artist. If you asked any high school kid or 20-something who listens to Christian radio who she is, they wouldn’t know. Her demographic is probably women in their 40s and older. She was REALLY popular in the ’80s before there was much variety in Christian music. Not to dismiss her talent at all … she has a GREAT voice. I’d recommend her version of “Via Dolorosa” (GREAT Easter message). “More Than Wonderful,” “How Majestic Is Your Name,” and “We Shall Behold Him” are great, too. Her most recent album appears on the Billboard Top Christian & Gospel Albums chart, peaking at No. 51.
For what the 30-and-under set considers contemporary Christian music, look here:
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chartdisplay.jsp? g=Albums&f=Top+Christian+Albums http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chartdisplay.jsp? g=Singles&f=Hot+Christian+Adult+Contemporary
The Chickster’s answer: Thank you, Beth, for setting me straight on the Christian music scene. Hoping to see you on GB’s frozen tundra when the Bengals visit Lambeau Field in 2009.
Until next time, this is “The Chickster” saying: Make Love, Not War; Give Peace a Chance; and Strawberry Fields Forever.
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Bengals
Ben Utecht, Reggie Kelly a perfect fit at tight end
Ben Utecht and Reggie Kelly are going to get along fine, just fine, as tight ends for the Cincinnati Bengals.
They’ll complement one another perfectly … on and off the field.
Reggie is the bruising blocker; Ben is the raucous receiver.
Reggie is the club’s spiritual leader; Ben is a Christian rock recording artist.
Say what?
Yes…The Bengals’ version of “BIG BEN” is about to release a record of Christian music. Translation: He’ll be a community service champion.
Utecht sang the national anthem at a Colts-Bills preseason game in 2004, then hooked up with Sandi Patty for a duet in front of a crowd of a hundred thou in downtown Indianapolis. Patti is known as “The Voice” of contemporary Christian music.
Once Utecht officially joins the Bengals, “The Traveling Jesus Trophy” will be back in business.
From Jon Kitna to Ben Utecht. Nothing wrong with that.
Coming to a nightclub near you:
Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo at the guitar. Bengals tight end Ben Utecht on vocals.
Rockin’ our sports world.
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Bengals
Bengals sign Colts TE Utecht to 3-year offer sheet
The Bengals appear to be very serious about winning. So serious that they signed Indianapolis Colts restricted free agent tight end Ben Utecht to a three-year offer sheet. The announcement came late Friday afternoon, March 14.
The Colts have the option of retaining Utecht if they match Cincinnati’s offer within seven days.
However, with the Colts making Dallas Clark the richest tight end in the league with a six-year contract last month, it’s doubtful they’ll cough up the cash to keep two high-priced tight ends.
Should the Colts decline to match, Utecht will join Cincinnati. A signing by the Bengals will not require the Bengals to compensate Indianapolis with a future draft choice, because Utecht entered the NFL as a college free agent and was not tendered by the Colts beyond draft-status level.
Utecht (pronounced “OO-tek”) is a 6-foot-6, 251-pound fourth-year veteran from the University of Minnesota. He’s played in 41 games with 30 starts for Indianapolis over the past three seasons (2005-07).
He also has played six postseason games with five starts, including a start in the Colts’ victory over Chicago in Super Bowl XLI following the 2006 season. He has 71 catches for 800 yards (an 11.3-yard average) in regular season play, with three TDs. He has six catches for 61 yards in postseason play.
Utecht played in 14 games with 13 starts during the 2007 regular season, with 31 catches for 364 yards and one TD.
He joined the Colts in 2004, but was on the Physically Unable to Perform list and did not earn an accrued year toward NFL free agency.
Utecht would give the Bengals the pass-receiving tight end the club desperately needs to complement wide receivers Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chris Henry.
The signing would also save the Bengals from spending a draft pick on a tight end. The Bengals haven’t drafted a tight end since selecting Matt Schobel in the third round out of TCU in 2002. Schobel bolted to Philadelphia in free agency after the 2005 season.
The Bengals have a solid starting tight end in Reggie Kelly, but he’s known primarily for his blocking skills. Utecht will give quarterback Carson Palmer an explosive addition to an already potent passing game, making it even more dangerous.
Daniel Coats and Nate Lawrie split time as backup tight ends in 2007.
Permalink | Comments (13) | Categories: Bengals
Hoyng’s agent: ‘Scouts were impressed’
Kevin Hoyng had every reason to be tired.
Representatives from the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants had just put him through an intense, grueling, half-hour indoor workout at the University of Dayton on Friday morning, March 14.
This was an individual workout, so Hoyng hustled from station to station with zero breaks.
“Kevin acted like he belonged, again,” said Ron Todd, Hoyng’s agent, three days after Hoyng participated at Bowling Green’s Pro Day. “He’s a competitor. He looked crisp. He’s a great athlete with good hips. He gave it his all. He laid everything on the line.
“He was doing the drills by himself,” Todd added. “When you go to the Combine or you have a workout with a bunch of guys, you get more rest. He had no rest in between.”
Hoyng, a former quarterback who holds all the Flyers’ career passing records, is attempting to make the NFL as a free safety.
He worked out in front of Jim Lippincott, the Bengals director of football operations; Louie Cioffi, the Bengals assistant defensive backs coach; and New York Giants scout Steve Devine, who was recently fitted for a Super Bowl championship ring.
“It went well,” Todd said. “The scouts were impressed. They said, ‘He has it. He deserves to be in a camp.’ They’re buying into his upside. He’s only been working out for a month now. So in a month’s time, he’s changed from being a quarterback to playing a whole different position. Before, he was going forward. Now he has to learn to go backward. His potential is so great.
“A guy who played at Ohio State or Notre Dame, we know how much better they’re going to get. But with Kevin, you don’t know how much better he’s going to get. His upside is so UP. They’re buying into his upside, his potential, his ‘what if?’ What if he lifted weights for a whole year? How’s he going to be?”
This much is clear: Hoyng will have to gain weight—-from 194 to 205—-and keep all his speed.
“That will take time,” Todd said. “With him being a quarterback, he had to stay light. When you first start doing your workouts, you train like you’re a sprinter. Now he’ll start training like a football player. He’ll be able to add some weight. His frame is big enough to add more weight to it.
“He’ll eat five to six meals a day instead of cutting it down. He’s training for football now.
“The scouts know —- coming from his background at Coldwater High School and playing for a very highly-respected coach in Mike Kelly at UD —- he’s a certain type of kid, a kid who’s very good and is only going to get better.”
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: NFL
As promised, ‘The Chickster’s’ quarterly awards
And now, presenting my Top 10 list of QUARTERLY AWARDS …
Drum roll, please …
1. Best compliment: “Yours is the only blog I’ve got bookmarked. When I go to DaytonDailyNews.com and read ‘The Chickster’s’ prose, I dim the lights, pour myself some chardonnay and cuddle up by the fire.” — Tim Carley, public relations liaison, PlayersRep Sports Management.
2. Best rip job: “Chick, you’re the ‘Knucklehead of the Week.’ I heard your speech at the Dayton Agonis Club (Nov. 26, 2007). Si (Burick) and Rit (Collett) would be spinning in their graves if they had heard your self-centered speech.” — Bert Schmitz, Vandalia.
3. Best one-liner: “They must be Michigan fans. Michigan fans have small bladders.” — Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel at a speech to law enforcement officers in Columbus, after he spotted two guys slip out the back door for a trip to the men’s room.
4. Best advice: “Dad, don’t blog too often. Readers won’t be able to keep up with you.” — Self explanatory.
5. Best regret: That I missed “Reverend Raven and his Chain Smoking Altar Boys” blues band —- especially the hot harmonica and stinging guitar —- at the Slippery Noodle Inn during my stay in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine. All work & no play … well, you know how it goes.
6. Best line from a book I’ve recently read: “He’s got the chill, but he won’t stay still.” — The House of Dies Drear.
7. Best Ohio high school nickname: Glenville Tarblooders, Cleveland.
8. Best non-Ohio high school nickname: Raleigh-Egypt Pharaohs, Memphis, Tenn.
9. Best story: Former University of Dayton quarterback Kevin Hoyng’s quest to make the NFL as a free safety.
10. Best Bengals assistant safeties coach: Me, “The Chickster,” of course. Head coach Marvin Lewis offered. I accepted.
(Note to “Ludwig At Large” readers: Please send nominations for any category listed above (‘cept No. 10) to cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com)
Permalink | | Categories: General
Tale of 2 tackles (Stacy & Willie), and parting shots
Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Stacy Andrews needs to step forward and have a big 2008 season for the O-line to succeed.
Just as importantly, Andrews needs to sign a long-term contract BEFORE THE APRIL 26-27 NFL DRAFT in order to give the team some cap relief.
As the club’s franchise-tagged player, Andrew is owed a one-year salary of $7.455 million. That’s a paralyzing cap hit to a team still hunting for delicious leftovers at defensive tackle — Larry Tripplett comes to mind — in free agency.
Last season, it was defensive end Justin Smith smothering the club’s offseason plans in the form of an $8.6 million boulder. Now it’s Andrews’ $7.455 million anchor weighing down the Bengals.
“I’m disappointed we haven’t gotten anything done long-term with Stacy,” head coach Marvin Lewis told Bengals beat writers during an informal “State of the Bengals” laid-back, sit-down at the recent NFL Combine in Indianapolis. “This has been an ongoing thing for a couple of years now. In these situations, it’s up to both parties to come together. For whatever reason, we haven’t been able to get this one to come to an end.”
Andrews’ agent, Richard Moran, has his reasons for holding off. He sees his client as a front-line, top-drawer performer at a spot — right tackle — that has emerged as a “skill position.” Naturally, Moran wants to see Andrews get compensated for his ability to step in for Willie Anderson not only last season, but out into the future.
Here’s Andrews’ dilemma: If he signs the one-year tender, he doesn’t start drawing his monster salary until the Monday AFTER the season opener.
If he agrees to a long-term deal in the near future, Andrews will get a hefty signing bonus IMMEDIATELY to go with his cap-friendly base.
The last thing the Bengals want is to go through the same situation again next season with Andrews. Signing Andrews now gives him financial security and helps the team because his 2008 cap number will be far below that $7.455 stranglehold.
If he signs the one-year tender and either gets injured or performs poorly this fall, his value in 2009 plummets.
Andrews and Moran face this decision: Either go to the pay window NOW or roll the dice for LATER and hope that a bigger payday comes next year when he becomes an unrestricted free agent again.
“We’ve been more than fair with him,” Lewis said. “I really feel good about that. A couple years ago when we were facing this with Levi (Jones) and Willie, these guys got signed. It’s up to the player, too, at times to say, ‘OK this is what I want to do. This is where things are.’ It’s not much difference to push forward and get the thing finished because it should be done that way.
“It’s really a maturation that a football team needs to have at times. You can always sit around and possibly make a dollar more somewhere else. But that’s the case you don’t want to go through. So I’m disappointed in that process.”
Bengals fans need to know that, yes, Andrews will be a starter in 2008. Either at right tackle or left guard. I envision right tackle, where he started 11 times in 2007.
“What I’m excited about is we continue to retain Stacy’s services,” Lewis said. “Stacy has done everything we’ve asked of him on the football field and off the football field. We maintain a guy who continues to play at a high level every chance he gets.
“We’ve got to give him every opportunity to start and play,” Lewis added. “We’ve committed ourselves to him to be a starting player. But we’re not going to give him a job. He’s done a pretty good job of earning his spot or else we wouldn’t have put him in the situation that he’s in.”
What does all this mean for Big Willie Anderson? The man I call “Mother Gibraltar” — because he’s as big as the Rock of Gibraltar and he has the leadership of 1979 Nobel Peace Prize winner Mother Teresa — deserves to stay in Cincy as a $3.15 million backup in ‘08.
The Bengals need Big Willie in the locker room to show young players the way and keep the veteran Hollywood egos in check.
Just as Mother Teresa was the “Saint of the Gutters,” Big Willie is a “Saint of the Bengals.”
PARTING SHOTS
Xavier’s 74-65 victory over Dayton in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament was really no surprise. Armed with three wins over the Flyers this season, XU’s program serves as a benchmark—-the kind of program UD is striving to be.
Here’s hoping the NIT committee has a sense of humor and matches the Flyers against the Wright State Raiders in “The Greatest Game Never Played.”
I shudder to think about UD’s chances in the A-10 next season without the services of senior sensation Brian Roberts. Some UD fans think the unthinkable, that the Flyers will actually be better in 2008-09 without Roberts because the team won’t have to rely on him as much.
That’s wishful thinking.
Marcus Johnson performed superbly this season, but he made his living off Brian Roberts’ double-teams. Everybody else did, too.
The Flyers’ show must go on, but BRob is as irreplaceable as they come.
Frank Lickliter II is off to a solid start with a 1-under 69 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Fla.
Hopefully, Frank won’t fold like last week at the PODS when he finished T-69 (68-73-75-80) and earned $10,653.
The object is to improve each round, not get worse.
Kevin Hoyng and his agent, Ron Todd, will be live in studio at WONE-AM (980) on Friday, March 14, at 7 p.m. “The Chickster” will also be there for all the fun with sports-talk-show host Mark Schlemmer as we discuss Hoyng’s NFL chances.
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Bengals
5 things that fire me up
I’m fired up today for 5 reasons.
I’m a guest instructor in a Radio/TV class at Miamisburg High School.
Dayton-Xavier at noon from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
Frank Lickliter II tees off at 2:17 p.m. in Arnie’s Invitational at Bay Hill.
Championship Week continues.
Every day is Armageddon on the Bengals beat.
COMING FRIDAY, MARCH 14.
I will present my Top 10 list of QUARTERLY AWARDS on “Ludwig At Large.”
So PUH-leeze check back!
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: General
Chad’s blues; draft talk; Giants join Hoyng workout
CHAD’S GOOD DEAL GONE BAD
If you thought Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson was upset before, what about now?
Now that Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald has signed a four-year, $40 million contract.
While Fitzgerald breaks the bank with $10 million per year for four years, Johnson is boxed in by a contract that went from good to bad in a hurry.
“Chad’s got to be crying,” one NFL insider told me.
Why? Because he’s between a rock and a hard place … for the next four years.
The $35.5 million extension Johnson signed in April 2006, which included a fat $10.75 million signing bonus, looked great at the time. But it doesn’t look so good anymore compared to Fitzgerald’s monster deal.
Johnson is due to earn $3 million in 2008, $4.5 million in 2009, $5 million in 2010 and $6 million in 2011. That’s $18.5 million.
In that same span, Fitzgerald will make $40 million — $22.5 million more than Chad.
Chad cannot be happy. But he has only two people to blame: himself and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Instead of waiting for Chad to reach free agency in 2009, they leaped on the Bengals’ six-year extension in 2006.
The following are Rosenhaus’ quotes I wrote in the Dayton Daily News back on April 20, 2006. I laugh every time I read them:
“It’s a great day for Chad and the Bengals for him to be able to finish his career as a Bengal. It was a very smooth process. We’ve been working on it for a year. It’s a great victory for everybody involved.
“I can’t really think of any deal like this. I give a lot of credit to the Bengals for reworking a contract that had four years left, and you’ve got to take your hat off to Chad. He’s a great player, on and off the field, to merit this type of unique situation. It shows you what a phenomenal player he is.”
The Bengals are shrewd negotiators. They dangled the carrot on the string, and Rosenhaus-Johnson swallowed it hook, line and sinker.
DRAFT HOT STOVE TALK
NFL.com’s Vic Carucci just posted his latest mock draft and he has the Bengals selecting USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis at No. 9.
If Ellis is there, the pick is a no-brainer.
If Ellis is not available, the Bengals should grab USC linebacker Keith Rivers in the first round, and then Notre Dame defensive tackle Trevor Laws in the second round.
As one NFL scout told me at the Combine: “Trevor Laws is the kind of guy that if you poke him in the left eye, he’ll say, ‘Please poke me in the right eye.’ He’s one tough customer.”
Carucci’s top 10:
- DE Chris Long (Dolphins); 2. OT Jake Long (Rams); 3. DT Glenn Dorsey (Falcons); 4. TB Darren McFadden (Raiders); 5. OT Ryan Clady (Chiefs), 6. DE Vernon Gholston (Jets); 7. CB Leodis McKelvin (Patriots, from San Francisco); 8. QB Matt Ryan (Ravens); 9. DT Sedrick Ellis (Bengals); 10. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Saints).
Check out Carucci’s mock draft at:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80721d2b&template=with-video&confirm=true&campaign=ec0005
KEVIN HOYNG UPDATE
I tip my cap to State Farm agent John Devine, who alerted me this morning that his brother — New York Giants scout Steve Devine — will be on hand along with the Bengals for Kevin Hoyng’s workout at the University of Dayton on Friday morning, March 14.
Out of courtesy, Steve Devine called the Bengals and asked if he could be included. Permission was granted.
I met Steve Devine, a former Ohio State and Bowling Green assistant, only once. It was the day he came to Dayton Dunbar High School and signed linebacker Michael McCray for the Buckeyes.
Here’s an email from a huge Hoyng fan:
“Hello, Chick. Your coverage of Kevin’s NFL quest has been absolutely outstanding! Frankly, this is one of the most exciting things to happen relative to UD football in years! Please keep up the excellent work! Best Regards, Dave Marnell, UD ‘84.
HOYNG ON WONE-AM (980) RADIO
Hoyng and his agent, Ron Todd, are scheduled to be interviewed by Mark Schlemmer on WONE-AM (980) radio between 6 and 8 p.m. on Friday.
Stay tuned to “Chick Ludwig At Large” for more details.
Until next time, this is “The Chickster” saying: Make Love, Not War; Give Peace a Chance; and Strawberry Fields Forever.
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (7) | Categories: Bengals
Hoyng’s Pro Day at BG: ‘I felt like I belonged’
The coolest part of Kevin Hoyng’s Pro Day workout on Tuesday, March 11, at Bowling Green State University?
He got to throw the football.
Yep. Right in front of scouts from the Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns.
Hoyng, the former University of Dayton quarterback who is attempting to make an NFL team as a free safety, did everything he was asked, and more.
“They had a tight end there and I told them I could throw the ball to him,” Hoyng said. “They said, ‘All right.’ They knew I played quarterback, too.
“I hadn’t thrown it around in a while, so that was kind of different. But it felt good. It’s always good to get back out there and throw the football again.”
Awake at dawn at the Days Inn in Bowling Green, Hoyng beat his agent, Ron Todd, to the continental breakfast bar.
Then the duo headed over to campus, arriving at 7 a.m. A half hour later, the fun began.
Unfortunately, Hoyng’s father, Tim; Coldwater High School videographer Mike Spriggs; and Todd got turned away at the door. The workout was closed to everyone except NFL personnel and Bowling Green’s coaches.
Hoyng was measured at 6 feet, 194 pounds. He filled out a questionnaire and took the Wonderlic intelligence test. He got tested in the vertical leap, broad jump and bench press in the weight room. Then it was off to the field house for the 40-yard dash, three-cone drill, 20- and 60-yard shuttles and other position-specific drills.
Hoyng believes he had a solid workout, but the opinions of the NFL scouts are the only ones that matter, and they’re as secretive as the CIA and FBI.
“I felt like I belonged,” Hoyng said. “I thought it went well and that I did good in my drills. But you don’t really know. They don’t tell you anything. One of the players from Bowling Green told me, ‘You look smooth out there,’ but I didn’t know what to make of it.
“It’s just different. You work hard to get to this point and impress scouts, and you don’t even know what your 40-yard times were. It can be frustrating, but you can’t get too worried about it. I did my best. That’s all you can ask for. If (NFL scouts) like you, then they like you. If they don’t, then at least you gave it a shot.”
Todd came away impressed with the demeanor and professionalism of his client.
“You can tell Kevin’s in good shape because he was not winded,” Todd said. “Some guys came out of there tired. Kevin wasn’t. He’s in good spirits.
“The one thing I told Kevin was, ‘You will never know what the NFL scouts are thinking. They don’t tell you anything. They don’t say anything to you. You don’t know what to expect.
“We’ve just got to get ready for the next work out, which is Friday (March 14) for the Bengals.”
email cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
Madieu’s dream; fans vent; memories of ‘Big Ed’
MADIEU’S ‘DREAM COME TRUE’
Before he boards a jet bound for Minneapolis, where he’ll play in 2008 for the Minnesota Vikings, free safety Madieu Williams has some business to attend to in the ‘Nati.
On Saturday, March 29, the former Bengals star will build a playground at “Owl’s Nest Park” in one day. Owl’s Nest Park is located at 1989 Madison Road, opposite Elmhurst Avenue, in the heart of O’Bryonville, a 10-15 minute walk from Hyde Park Square.
“It was a very sad day when Madieu signed with the Vikings, and we realized that he was going to have to leave a city that he grew to love,” said Jennifer Vitt, spokesperson for the Madieu Williams Foundation. “With that being said, he still wants to give back to the community that gave him his first chance.
“Ever since Madieu joined the Bengals, this has been his dream, and he is so happy that it’s finally come true,” Vitt added. “In order to make this playground build happen in one day, he needs the help of the community. Madieu needs volunteers. He would love to see everyone out there, and be able to thank all of you in person for the support you’ve given his foundation over the years.”
The kick-off for the playground build will be at 8:30 a.m. and the closing ceremony will be at 2:30 p.m. If you would like more information, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact Jennifer Vitt at 314-291-1880 or jennifervitt@aol.com.
ANGRY BENGALS FANS VENT
From Mark on the signing of LB Darryl Blackstock:
“The Browns are signing starters and impact players. The Bengals are signing backups and leftovers.”
From Daniel on losing LB Landon Johnson to Carolina:
“What is this!? Why didn’t the Bengals want to sign him? My goodness. This is a disgrace. The guy played with a busted arm last year and has been the most consistent, durable defensive player. Not to mention the best tackler and a great team guy who is not selfish.”
From Sam, who is upset with ‘85’:
“If the rumors of Chad punching Marvin are true, his ‘pimp ass’ should have already been gone. No wonder Marvin has no control of his team. How could management let that slide?”
From Paul:
“I may be out in ‘left field’ on this one, but the team and the franchise changed after the playoff loss to Pittsburgh. Where there was accountability and discipline in 2003, 2004 and 2005, I don’t see that anymore, and I fear the team is returning to pre-Marvin behaviors.
“In 2003-2005, Marvin would challenge Chad on his touchdown dances. Now, it is no longer an issue from Marvin. The accountability is gone.
“Keep blogging, Chick. I look forward to reading and hearing your “pearls of wisdom and insight. Peace.”
REQUIEM FOR ‘BIG ED’
First, there was Greg Gahris. Then Gary Owensby. Now Big Ed.
Three friends and passionate sportsmen who died much too young.
I say, “Big Ed,” because he never, Ever, EVER wanted anybody to know his real name or be called by his real name … Harry Ballard.
I promise that’s my last reference to his real name.
I met “Big Ed” at Tank’s Bar & Grill at 2033 Wayne Avenue in Dayton WAY BACK when it was “Ludwig’s Tavern.”
Big Ed was spinning records and we rocked to the Oldies.
He loved sports, especially the Cincinnati Reds, and — unfortunately — the Dallas Cowboys. And, of course, he loved music.
If there’s a Rock ‘n’ Roll heaven, Big Ed is twirlin’ the vinyl LPs and Greg Gahris and Gary “G.O.” Owensby are seated at Table One, tappin’ their toes and screaming, “Shout now! Jump up and shout now! Everybody shout now! Come on and shout now! … “
Rest easy, my good friends.
I SINCERELY APPRECIATE …
Stanley Burrell’s 3-minute, 8-second rant about no Xavier Musketeers being named to the All-Atlantic 10 Conference first team.
XU’s snub reminds me of the 1975 World Champion Cincinnati Reds. Only one pitcher on the best team in baseball got Cy Young votes. He was Don Gullett, who finished fifth in the balloting.
No doubt the Muskies will use this as motivation. It’s like a lighted match getting tossed onto spilled gasoline. If the livid Mr. Burrell wants to play the “no respect” card, I say, “Go for it, stud Stanley!”
STILL WAITING …
To hear from JetsFanFatty. I hear his chest is all puffed up with purpose about his beloved New York Jets. My question to Fatty is this:
Will you be crying in your beer when the Bengals ground the Jets at the Meadowlands this fall?
C’mon Fatty, gimme a holler, show me some backbone and defend your club. As they say in West Lafayette, Ind. … “BOILER UP!”
‘WHITE ARMAGEDDON’
My sports writing colleagues & competitors on the Cincinnati Bengals beat referred to last weekend’s blizzard as “White Armageddon.”
Yeah, yeah, yeah, but to Buffalo Bills fans, it was nuthin’ … heck, it was almost balmy in Dayton compared to what the Niagara region is used to.
So in honor of Buffalo native Ms. Patricia Budenz, who works at Patterson/Kennedy Elementary School on Wyoming Street in Dayton, I offer this up to her and all her friends at the Anchor Bar in The Buff:
“Throw your head back and shout! ” “C’mon now, the Bills are makin’ it happen now.” “Let’s go Buffalo! Let’s go Buffalo!” “The Bills make me wanna SHOUT!”
CHICK LUDWIG TRIVIA
At family get-togethers in the ‘Nati, I like to stand in the kitchen of my mom’s house and quote from “Ben-Hur.”
I am the Roman officer Quintus Arrius (Jack Hawkins) speaking to Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) below deck on a slave ship:
Ben-Hur has just been identified as condemned galley slave number Forty-One. Arrius discovers Forty-One’s character after whipping his back.
“You have the spirit to fight back but the good sense to control it. Your eyes are full of hate, Forty-One. That’s good. Hate keeps a man alive. It gives him strength … You are all condemned men. We keep you alive to serve this ship. So row well and live.”
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Bengals
Madieu’s dream; fans vent; memories of ‘Big Ed’
MADIEU’S ‘DREAM COME TRUE’
Before he boards a jet bound for Minneapolis, where he’ll play in 2008 for the Minnesota Vikings, free safety Madieu Williams has some business to attend to in the ‘Nati.
On Saturday, March 29, the former Bengals star will build a playground at “Owl’s Nest Park” in one day. Owl’s Nest Park is located at 1989 Madison Road, opposite Elmhurst Avenue, in the heart of O’Bryonville, a 10-15 minute walk from Hyde Park Square.
“It was a very sad day when Madieu signed with the Vikings, and we realized that he was going to have to leave a city that he grew to love,” said Jennifer Vitt, spokesperson for the Madieu Williams Foundation. “With that being said, he still wants to give back to the community that gave him his first chance.
“Ever since Madieu joined the Bengals, this has been his dream, and he is so happy that it’s finally come true,” Vitt added. “In order to make this playground build happen in one day, he needs the help of the community. Madieu needs volunteers. He would love to see everyone out there, and be able to thank all of you in person for the support you’ve given his foundation over the years.”
The kick-off for the playground build will be at 8:30 a.m. and the closing ceremony will be at 2:30 p.m. If you would like more information, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact Jennifer Vitt at 314-291-1880 or jennifervitt@aol.com.
ANGRY BENGALS FANS VENT
From Mark on the signing of LB Darryl Blackstock:
“The Browns are signing starters and impact players. The Bengals are signing backups and leftovers.”
From Daniel on losing LB Landon Johnson to Carolina:
“What is this!? Why didn’t the Bengals want to sign him? My goodness. This is a disgrace. The guy played with a busted arm last year and has been the most consistent, durable defensive player. Not to mention the best tackler and a great team guy who is not selfish.”
From Sam, who is upset with ‘85’:
“If the rumors of Chad punching Marvin are true, his ‘pimp ass’ should have already been gone. No wonder Marvin has no control of his team. How could management let that slide?”
From Paul:
“I may be out in ‘left field’ on this one, but the team and the franchise changed after the playoff loss to Pittsburgh. Where there was accountability and discipline in 2003, 2004 and 2005, I don’t see that anymore, and I fear the team is returning to pre-Marvin behaviors.
“In 2003-2005, Marvin would challenge Chad on his touchdown dances. Now, it is no longer an issue from Marvin. The accountability is gone.
“Keep blogging, Chick. I look forward to reading and hearing your “pearls of wisdom and insight. Peace.”
REQUIEM FOR ‘BIG ED’
First, there was Greg Gahris. Then Gary Owensby. Now Big Ed.
Three friends and passionate sportsmen who died much too young.
I say, “Big Ed,” because he never, Ever, EVER wanted anybody to know his real name or be called by his real name…Harry Ballard.
I promise that’s my last reference to his real name.
I met “Big Ed” at Tank’s Bar & Grill at 2033 Wayne Avenue in Dayton WAY BACK when it was “Ludwig’s Tavern.”
Big Ed was spinning records and we rocked to the Oldies.
He loved sports, especially the Cincinnati Reds, and—-unfortunately—-the Dallas Cowboys. And, of course, he loved music.
If there’s a Rock ‘n’ Roll heaven, Big Ed is twirlin’ the vinyl LPs and Greg Gahris and Gary “G.O.” Owensby are seated at Table One, tappin’ their toes and screaming, “Shout now! Jump up and shout now! Everybody shout now! Come on and shout now! … “
Rest easy, my good friends.
I SINCERELY APPRECIATE …
Stanley Burrell’s 3-minute, 8-second rant about no Xavier Musketeers being named to the All-Atlantic 10 Conference first team.
XU’s snub reminds me of the 1975 World Champion Cincinnati Reds. Only one pitcher on the best team in baseball got Cy Young votes. He was Don Gullett, who finished fifth in the balloting.
No doubt the Muskies will use this as motivation. It’s like a lighted match getting tossed onto spilled gasoline. If the livid Mr. Burrell wants to play the “no respect” card, I say, “Go for it, stud Stanley!”
STILL WAITING …
To hear from JetsFanFatty. I hear his chest is all puffed up with purpose about his beloved New York Jets. My question to Fatty is this:
Will you be crying in your beer when the Bengals ground the Jets at the Meadowlands this fall?
C’mon Fatty, gimme a holler, show me some backbone and defend your club. As they say in West Lafayette, Ind….”BOILER UP!”
‘WHITE ARMAGEDDON’
My sports writing colleagues & competitors on the Cincinnati Bengals beat referred to last weekend’s blizzard as “White Armageddon.”
Yeah, yeah, yeah, but to Buffalo Bills fans, it was nuthin’ … heck, it was almost balmy in Dayton compared to what the Niagara region is used to.
So in honor of Buffalo native Ms. Patricia Budenz, who works at Patterson/Kennedy Elementary School on Wyoming Street in Dayton, I offer this up to her and all her friends at the Anchor Bar in The Buff:
“Throw your head back and shout! ” “C’mon now, the Bills are makin’ it happen now.” “Let’s go Buffalo! Let’s go Buffalo!” “The Bills make me wanna SHOUT!”
CHICK LUDWIG TRIVIA
At family get-togethers in the ‘Nati, I like to stand in the kitchen of my mom’s house and quote from “Ben-Hur.”
I am the Roman officer Quintus Arrius (Jack Hawkins) speaking to Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) below deck on a slave ship:
Ben-Hur has just been identified as condemned galley slave number Forty-One. Arrius discovers Forty-One’s character after whipping his back.
“You have the spirit to fight back but the good sense to control it. Your eyes are full of hate, Forty-One. That’s good. Hate keeps a man alive. It gives him strength…You are all condemned men. We keep you alive to serve this ship. So row well and live.”
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Bengals
Bengals ink LB; Marvin’s son to ISU; Hoyng update
ON THE BANKS OF THE WABASH:
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and his wife, Peggy, are the proud parents of a college-bound football player.
Their son, Marcus Lewis, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound linebacker at Indian Hill High School, has signed a national letter of intent to continue his football career at Indiana State University in Terre Haute.
Marcus is among 31 student-athletes to sign in first-year head coach Trent Miles’ inaugural recruiting class for the Sycamores.
BENGALS LAND FREE-AGENT LINEBACKER
The Bengals’ search for defensive depth yielded Arizona Cardinals free agent outside linebacker Darryl Blackstock, who agreed to a one-year contract on Monday, March 10.
Blackstock, a 6-foot-3, 244-pound fourth-year veteran, was a 2005 third-round draft pick from the University of Virginia and college teammate of Bengals middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks.
Arizona chose not to tender Blackstock with the minimum $927,000 qualifying offer as a restricted free agent, so he was free to sign with any team. He chose Cincinnati over Cleveland.
Blackstock’s three-year totals for Arizona included 44 tackles and four sacks in 46 games with two starts. He’s expected to back up starting outside linebackers Dhani Jones and Rashad Jeanty, and strengthen the special teams coverage units.
THE COLDWATER KID
Tuesday, March 11, is a huge day for former University of Dayton quarterback Kevin Hoyng. He participates in Bowling Green State University’s Pro Day in front of NFL scouts, starting at 7:30 a.m. Hoyng’s new position is free safety. Instead of quarterbacking the offense, he’s hoping to patrol the secondary as quarterback of the defense.
After a typical work-day Monday as a long-term substitute science teacher at Wantz Middle School in Miamisburg, Hoyng headed to his apartment in Troy, where he was picked up by his Dayton-based agent, Ron Todd, for the drive up I-75. Hoyng’s War Room: Days Inn, Bowling Green.
Hoyng is due to arrive on campus Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. His dad, Tim, will help him with his stretching exercises, and then NFL scouts will send him through a battery of drills. Coldwater High School’s video cameraman will be there to film the action, then Todd will send DVDs of the workout to all 32 NFL clubs, plus numerous scouting services.
Hoyng is scheduled to work out on Friday at the University of Dayton for the Cincinnati Bengals, who be represented by Jim Lippincott, director of football operations, and Sigismondo “Louie” Cioffi, assistant defensive backs coach.
HARD TO IMAGINE
It was 10 years ago when the Bengals selected Takeo Spikes (No. 13) and Brian Simmons (No. 17) in the first round of the 1998 NFL draft.
Seems like only yesterday.
How fast does time fly?
Akili Smith would be entering his 10th NFL season this fall. The No. 3 overall pick in ‘99, Smith lasted only four lousy seasons (1999-2002).
DID YOU KNOW?
Bengals beat writer Chick Ludwig was 14 years old when the Bengals were born in 1968.
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Bengals
Bengals’ quick hitters (mark your calendars!)
The Bengals’ 2008 offseason conditioning program kicks off Monday, March 24.
With a new defensive coordinator (Mike Zimmer) and linebackers coach (Jeff FitzGerald), the pressure’s on the defense to build strength, flexibility and camaraderie.
Poor tackling triggered the unit’s No. 27 ranking in 2007. Fundamentals will be stressed. Wanted: Team-oriented players with a passion to improve. Translation: Don’t expect wide receiver Chad Johnson to arrive anytime soon.
QUICK HITTERS
—-The addition of RE Antwan Odom (5 years, $29.5 million) more than makes up for the loss of Justin Smith because Odom is a much more flexible and athletic pass rusher.
Odom, who is coming off an 8-sack season for the Titans, has outstanding range and closing speed. He’s quick off the snap and gets good leverage because he’s able to get under the pad level of opponents.
His improved strength allows him to hold up better against double-team blocks at the point of attack. He’ll work to enhance his hand movement and foot speed in the offseason program so that he can become a more explosive weapon.
His No. 1 motivation is to increase his production without the help of former teammates Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth.
Odom is a terrific signing because he’s still improving. His best years are ahead of him. With left end Robert Geathers on Odom’s opposite side, the Bengals are in much better position to generate more sacks in 2008.
—-Look for Stacy Andrews to land in the starting lineup on a permanent basis. As the franchise player, he’s owed $7.455 million, making him too expensive to sit.
Andrews is a road-grading run blocker and solid pass protector. His strength is his versatility because he’s started at RT and LG. With LT Levi Jones and RT Willie Anderson battling back from knee injuries, Andrews gives the club flexibility and promise that QB Carson Palmer will be well-protected.
—-Re-signing WLB Dhani Jones triggered Landon Johnson’s departure to Carolina. The Bengals’ LB corps includes SLB Rashad Jeanty and MLB Ahmad Brooks, but Johnson’s exit hurts the unit’s depth. Johnson, who started 53 games, never got the respect he deserved in Cincinnati. He finally landed in a place where he was wanted.
—-Gotta love burly backup MLB Anthony Schlegel. He’s a throwback, a hard-working grinder who gives maximum effort with limited skills. He’s short-armed and squatty, but extremely tough. He survives on willpower and tenacity, and gets all Ds on his report card: Desire, dedication and determination.
Although he started five games in place of the injured Brooks (groin) in 2007, Schlegel is earmarked for special teams coverage duties in 2008.
He is strictly a downhill run-stopper. Schlegel does a good job of reading and reacting, but he’s limited in coverage because of his lack of size and range. He’s perfect for special teams because he’s willing to sacrifice his body at the point of attack.
AUDIBLE COMMENTARY
I feel like taking a few hacks with my belligerent black bat. So board up the windows. Hide the women and children. Because I believe:
—-The Dayton Flyers will smash Saint Louis in the opening round of the Atlantic 10 tournament, fall to Xavier and be listed among the 20-win teams left out of the NCAA Tournament.
—-UD and Wright State (both could end up with identical 21-10 records) should be matched up in the first round of the NIT.
—-Basketball fans need helmets at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., to protect their noggins from errant London Warren passes.
—-Duquesne transfer Scott Grote will make an immediate and positive impact for the Wright State Raiders in 2008-09. Hopefully, he wears uniform No. 30 like his old man.
—-Doris Burke is by far the best sideline reporter AND color analyst in college basketball, better than any guy.
—-Brett Favre’s streak of 275 consecutive starts is much more impressive than Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2,632. It ain’t even close. Baseball players hurt their poor lil’ pinkies. Football players get their bones crushed.
—-Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd’s and Delino Deshields’ Urban Baseball League venture will be a huge success. The UBL’s goal is to re-establish the Negro Leagues, inspire youth and promote business in the African-American community.
—-My vintage Memphis Chicks jersey from Ebbets Field Flannels is absolutely awesome.
—-Bob Stricker is the greatest neighbor in the world for plowing the Miamisburg War Room driveway on Saturday so I could attend the UD-Saint Joseph’s game.
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | | Categories: Bengals
‘Hamburglar’ calls out Bengals (consider the source)
Wherever Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Shaun “The Hamburglar” Smith goes, controversy follows.
It’s fairly safe to say Smith and Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis won’t be dining together anytime soon. And there likely won’t be any exchange of holiday greeting cards.
Smith, the ex-Bengal turned Cleveland Brown, blasted his former team last week at a Central Maryland Browns Backers meeting.
He unveiled details of the infamous locker-room fiasco at halftime of the Bengals’ 31-17 playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 8, 2006, a game in which Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer’s left knee was wrecked on a hit from Kimo von Oelhoffen.
“He (Chad Johnson) swung at Marvin, and hit Marvin,” Smith said. “Look at his left eye in the press conference after the game. I was there in the training room. He shattered the training room glass. Then he tried to swing on (wide receivers coach) Hue Jackson as well.”
As far as news goes, it’s an oldie, but a goodie.
Smith didn’t stop there. He went on and on, claiming Bengals owner and president Mike Brown was the one who refused to match the offer sheet Smith signed with Cleveland during the 2007 offseason.
“Marvin doesn’t have control of personnel,” Smith said. “He didn’t have control of keeping me.
“It’s hard when you let certain people continue to get away with certain things,” Smith added, “and then it becomes a repeated pattern and the next guy feels he can do that, and the next guy.”
Hmmm. Sounds like a dig on Lewis & Johnson to me.
Bengals fans have to take what “The Hamburglar” says with a grain of salt. After the Bengals’ 19-14 victory over Cleveland on Dec. 23, 2007, an angry Smith blamed Bengals kicker Shayne Graham for Cincinnati’s failure to reach the playoffs in 2006.
Graham missed a late field goal in the ‘06 season finale against Pittsburgh and the Bengals lost in OT, 23-17.
“I blame (Graham) for the reason we lost last year and didn’t make the playoffs,” Smith said. “That’s why I have so much — how do you say it? — hatred toward him. It is what it is. I’m on to bigger and better things.”
Was Smith serious?
“Yeah,” he said. “I blame him. All he had to do was get the snap and kick the ball (against Pittsburgh in the 2006 regular-season finale) and we’d have been in the playoffs. I said the usual stuff I always say. I try to get guys ticked off during the game.”
Fast forward to Saturday, March 8, 2008.
SIRIUS NFL Radio host Alex Marvez spoke with Hue Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens QB coach, about Smith’s comments.
Marvez: “Shaun Smith was asked about a situation that happened a couple of years ago at halftime of that playoff game, Cincinnati-Pittsburgh. It is sort of interesting this is all getting re-lived now. Since people seem to be talking about this, what light can you shed on everything that has gone on with that situation? Was he accurate in the stuff that he said?”
Hue Jackson: “No, he’s not accurate. I’ve heard about it, obviously, someone called me to mention it to me. And if Shaun did say that I’m a little surprised because, first, Shaun doesn’t work in Cincinnati anymore. Shaun works for Cleveland and I don’t know how that would come back up again when it has been dead now for a couple of years. To shed light on it I’ll say the same thing I said before. Chad Johnson never hit Marvin Lewis. Chad Johnson never hit me. Chad Johnson never put anybody in a headlock. Chad Johnson was very emotional at halftime of that game.
“The true story to all that was Chad had an IV in his arm and me and him were talking about plans for the second half and he got emotional because he said, ‘Hey, coach, without Carson (Palmer) I’m not going to be able to get the ball.’ And that’s what it was and I told him, ‘Well, then you need to tell (offensive coordinator) Coach Bratkowski that.’ And he ripped the IV out of his arm and it’s like anything else, you see blood coming out of a person’s arm, people think the worst. And he went from there to go into the locker room to let Coach Lewis know that, ‘Hey, look, I want the ball.’ And that was it. And when he opened the door he stumbled out of the training room so he was flailing and people think that he was swinging on people. Chad wasn’t swinging on anybody. Chad would not hit Marvin Lewis and Chad sure would not hit me. So that is not what happened and I’m very disappointed that now, even after two years, we have to discuss this again. But that is exactly what happened.”
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (15) | Categories: Bengals
Ripken? Schmipken; I’ll take Favre every time
I’ll take Nicklaus over Palmer, Magic over Michael, Russell over Chamberlain, Rose over Cobb, Brooks Robinson over Mike Schmidt, Ken Anderson over Terry Bradshaw, Calvin Murphy over Isiah Thomas, Baron Davis over Steve Nash, The Rolling Stones over the Beatles …
… And I’ll take Brett Favre’s streak of 275 consecutive starts for the Green Bay Packers OVER Cal Ripken Jr.’s streak of 2,632 straight starts for the Baltimore Orioles every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Folks, it ain’t even close. There shouldn’t even be a debate, but what the heck. I’ll go ahead and toss it up there.
Baseball players pick daisies in the noon day sunshine. Football players trek on frozen tundras.
Baseball players deal cards in the clubhouse when it rains. Football players strap on their shoulder pads & go to battle.
Most baseball plays fail to get a hit at least 7 of 10 times at the plate and make HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS. Most football players put their lives on the line on every play and make HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS.
Baseball players hurt their poor lil’ pinkies. Football players get their bones crushed.
Like I said…It ain’t even close.
I eagerly await some responses from my loyal blog readers.
Let me pause, now, and give it up to WONE’s Mark Schlemmer. The dude knows baseball inside and out.
On his “On The Mark” blog, he lends a helping hand to Cincinnati Reds General Manager Wayne Krivsky by hammering out the Reds’ pitching rotation.
“Hey, Wayne, let me help you,” Schlemmer writers. “STARTERS: Harang, Arroyo, Fogg, Cueto and Belisle. BULLPEN: Affeldt, Coffey, Burton, Weathers, Cordero, Mercker. That’s 11.”
Thank you, Mark, for helping Wayne solve his pitching problems.
Check out “On The Mark” at:
http://www.wone.com/pages/onair_onthemark.html
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: General
A-10 tourney hot stove prediction
If it weren’t for my neighbors, Steve Kemp and Jerry Mays, I would’ve never made it out of the Miamisburg War Room to the University of Dayton Arena on Saturday for the UD-Saint Joseph’s game.
Steve allowed me to use his snow blower on Friday night, then Jerry —- unannounced —- plowed my driveway on Saturday morning.
All I can say is, “Thank you, studs. You’re the best neighbors a sports-writing maniac could have!”
My car spun out at the intersection of Orchard Hill and King Richard, but I negotiated Alex Road, clawed my way to I-75 and burrowed into Gate A at UD Arena.
Upon arrival at the UD Arena press room in my snow suit —- I changed into a coat & tie —- I looked at myself in the mirror and saw Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif) staring back at me. I felt like I had just sailed over the Siberian ice in the very sleigh from Dr. Zhivago. I only wish Julie Christie had been at my side.
That said, I need to know the opinion of my loyal blog readers.
I believe the No. 8-seeded Dayton Flyers will beat No. 9-seeded Saint Louis in the opening round of the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament at noon on Wednesday, March 12, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
I also believe the Flyers will then fall to No. 1-seeded Xavier in the quarterfinals at noon on Thursday, March 13.
You know what that means?
Dayton and Wright State will BOTH be 21-10.
Here’s hoping the NIT selection committee has a sense of humor and will pair the Flyers and Raiders against one another in a first-round matchup.
If not, I believe UD will host a first-round NIT game against a MAC school, while WSU hopefully gets a berth in the new 16-team CBI (College Basketball Invitational) event.
Enjoyed these recent comments via email:
FROM ROBERT TACK:
“Chick, you can’t be serious. WSU and its 74th ranked RPI aren’t worthy of UD’s time. Please, Stop it!”
FROM SCOTT WARD:
“Chick, I like your UD-WSU scenario. But I would rather see it at the Nutter Center.”
GIMME YOUR THOUGHTS…PRETTY PLEASE?!
HERE’S THE A-10 TOURNEY SCHEDULE:
2008 Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Championship
Boardwalk Hall - Atlantic City, N.J.
Wednesday, March 12
Game 1 - #8 Dayton vs. #9 Saint Louis, 12:00
Game 2 - #5 Saint Joseph’s vs. #12 Fordham, 2:30
Game 3 - #7 La Salle vs. #10 Duquesne, 6:30
Game 4 - #6 Charlotte vs. #11Rhode Island 9:00
Thursday, March 13
Game 5 - #1 Xavier vs. #8/#9 winner,12:00
Game 6 - #4 Richmond vs. #5/#12 winner, 2:30
Game 7 - #2 Temple (18-12) vs. #7/#10 winner, 6:30
Game 8 - #3 Massachusetts vs. #6/#11 winner, 9:00
Friday, March 14
Game 9 - Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 6:30
Game 10 - Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, 9:00
Saturday, March 15
Finals - 6:00 (ESPN)
call Chick Ludwig at 937-225-2253 or email cludwig@daytondailynews
Permalink | Comments (17) | Categories: College hoops
UD Flyers crush Saint Joseph’s, 79-67
The Dayton Flyers secured the victory they wanted and needed on Saturday afternoon, sending the seniors out in style in the club’s final game of the 2007-08 regular season.
The Flyers rained nine “3s” on Saint Joseph’s and defeated the Hawks, 79-67, at UD Arena in a game played despite a blizzard that hammered the Miami Valley.
UD Arena officials said the turnstile reading was 5,477 spectators, but the lower arena —- which seats 7,000 —- was completely filled and fans spilled into the upper arena.
The triumph gave UD a 20-win season and the momentum of three straight victories heading into the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament, which starts on Wednesday in Atlantic City.
Five Flyers scored in double figures with Marcus Johnson leading the way with 17, Brian Roberts 15, Jimmy Binnie 12, Andres Sandoval 12 and Charles Little 11. Sandoval fouled out with 3:17 to go, and exited to a standing ovation. Roberts was pulled with 6.9 seconds to go and received a standing ovation, too.
The Flyers built a 17-point halftime lead and kept stiff-arming the Hawks’ comeback attempt in the second half. The Hawks clawed within seven points (50-43) with 10:20 to go, but Sandoval responded with five straight points —- a right-side trey and driving layup off a feed from Mickey Perry.
UD improved to 20-9 (8-8), while Saint Joseph’s fell to 18-11 (9-7).
UD exploded for seven 3-point field goals in the first half and roared to a 41-24 halftime lead with Roberts (12 points) and Binnie (11 points) leading the way.
The Hawks drew first blood on a right-side “3” by Darrin Govens, and the lead grew to 7-2 on a pair of baskets by Ahmad Nivins. But the Flyers battled back to tie it up at 8 on a Roberts’ trey at the first TV time-out.
Pat Calathes’ 3-pointer sent Saint Joseph’s ahead, 11-9, but Binnie scored five straight points on a driving layup straight down the lane and a 3-pointer to give UD a 14-11 advantage.
Fueled by a fired-up crowd, the Flyers kept building the lead. Roberts nailed two more treys, Charles Little elevated for a tip-dunk and Binnie drilled a 3 to push UD ahead 31-16 at 5:48.
Flyers seniors Andres Sandoval, Jimmy Binnie and Brian Roberts were honored in an emotional pre-game ceremony on Blackburn Court.
At halftime, UD’s 1968 NIT Championship team was honored as the trio of Don May, Dan Obravac and then-head coach Don Donoher received standing ovations.
UD entered the game with a 19-9 overall record and locked in an eighth place tie in the A-10 standings with Rhode Island and St. Louis at 7-8.
With five clubs separated by one game, Saturday’s UD-Saint Joseph’s affair was critical for seedings in the A-10 tournament, which tips off Wednesday in Atlantic City, N.J.
Permalink | Comments (14) | Categories: College hoops
Lunardi next A-10 commissioner? UD’s chances
Is ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi in line to become the next Atlantic 10 Conference commissioner?
If not, he’ll definitely have a say in who the new commissioner will be.
Lunardi told Dayton Agonis Club members on Friday, March 7, that he was due to meet with University of Dayton president Daniel Curran regarding the A-10 commissioner’s post.
Linda Bruno announced her resignation as A-10 commissioner, effective June 30, 2008.
Although the Dayton Flyers aren’t included in Lunardi’s 65-team NCAA field, he called UD’s high RPI “very good.”
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology
Lunardi also said he was called to Indianapolis by the NCAA Tournament Committee for a “mock” 65-team bracket filing, and said the experience was interesting and rewarding.
Lunardi said the A-10 will get two, maybe three, teams in the NCAA tourney field. Why so few?
“Only Xavier is going about it the right way, scheduling properly and playing properly,” Lunardi told the Agonis Club.
Lunardi’s “last four out” of the tournament are Florida. Syracuse. Saint Joseph’s and Western Kentucky.
Lunardi invented Bracketology and has been projecting the NCAA Tournament field for ESPN.com since its inception. He is a native Philadelphian and a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University, where he spends the rest of the year as assistant vice president for marketing communications, and also serves as the radio analyst for SJU men’s basketball.
Lunardi has missed only 10 teams in his final tourney projections over the past eight seasons. He has also never over-seeded his beloved Hawks, once writing “I’d put my own mother in the NIT if she played a lousy schedule.” You can see Joe throughout the season on ESPNEWS, College GameNight, and other studio shows.
Lunardi recently said:
“The next two weeks, I could do interviews, sports talk, chats and TV segments 24/7 if I didn’t have a job or need sleep. Thank goodness I only do them, like, 18/6.”
For more on Lunardi, check out
http://hamptonroads.com/node/70611
THIS EMAIL FROM TOM, A UD SEASON TICKET HOLDER:
“I don’t think Dayton’s going anywhere. I think the jury’s out on Brian Gregory because of his ability to coach. The thing that bothers me about Gregory is that he can’t build on a lead or protect a lead. He doesn’t set the pace of the game. He plays the other team’s game.”
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | | Categories: College hoops
WSU misfires at line, falls to Valpo, 72-67
They’re called free throws for a reason.
They’re free … or at least they’re supposed to be free.
But they weren’t free for Wright State on Friday night. Nothing was. Absolutely nothing.
The Raiders choked at the foul line and lost to Valparaiso, 72-67, in the quarterfinals of the Horizon League men’s basketball tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
WSU converted just 7 of 16 free throws, missing the front end of several one-and-one situations down the strength, and succumbed to the Crusaders for the third time this season. The Raiders yielded at least 70 points in their trio of losses to the Indiana school coached by Homer Drew.
Raider freshman Troy Tabler stopped the bleeding with a pair of free throws with 16 seconds remaining, drawing WSU within 68-67.
But Valpo’s Jarryd Loyd was all money. He buried four straight free throws — two with 12.2 seconds to go and two more with less than a second remaining — to seal the victory.
The No. 3-seeded Raiders lost 4 of their last 5 games and ended the regular season with a 21-10 record.
All that’s left for WSU is to wait, hope and pray for a postseason berth in either the NIT or the new 16-team CBI tournament.
If not, then the college basketball careers of WSU seniors Jordan Pleiman and Scottie Wilson are over.
The College Basketball Invitational will be staged this month by The Gazelle Group, which is based in Princeton, N.J., and runs the 2K Sports College Hoop Classic that benefits Coaches vs. Cancer and the O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic.
The Raiders were awful at the foul line and played poor perimeter defense down the stretch. Twice late in the game, immediately after Valpo time-outs, the Crusaders nailed 3-point field goals … yes, both times.
Valpo did a good job of keeping its composure, staying cool, calm and collected at the line. Meanwhile, the Raiders crumbled by failing to convert what’s supposed to be the easiest shot in the game.
To the Raiders’ credit, they went 6-0 in one-point games this season, but all the close encounters had to take an emotional toll on the team.
It certainly appeared the Raiders ran out of gas with their late-season collapse, which cost them a No. 2 HL seed that would’ve given ‘em a free pass to the tournament semifinals. They were forced to take the long road. Along the way, they got ambushed by the Crusaders, a feisty team and a crafty coach.
Email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: College hoops
Landon Johnson cashes in with Carolina
As birthday presents go, linebacker Landon Johnson couldn’t beat it.
Johnson became the newest member of the Carolina Panthers on Friday, March 7, when he agreed to a three-year, $10 million contract.
An unrestricted free agent from the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson considered numerous offers, and decided the Panthers were his best fit.
Carolina is in desperate need of linebacker help because of Dan Morgan’s departure. Morgan was signed by the New Orleans Saints after getting released by the Panthers.
Johnson, who turns 27 on March 13, visited Carolina on Thursday and the two sides hammered out the contract particulars today.
“He needed to go where he was wanted,” Johnson’s Cleveland-based agent, Andy Simms, told me Friday afternoon via cell phone from Columbus.
“You don’t know what the market’s going to be,” Simms added. “Landon could have made more money in other years. But the linebacker market was down. But it’s still a nice three-year year deal. It’ll give him a chance to get in there and do something. At this point, it was the right move for him.”
Johnson’s strength is his versatility. A third-round draft pick out of Purdue in 2004, Johnson has 53 starts in 64 career games. He’s started games at all three linebacker positions, but most of his experience is at middle and weak-side linebacker.
Johnson’s career stats in four seasons with the Bengals: 507 tackles (314 solos), 3.5 sacks, 17 passes defensed, 6 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 interception and 1 touchdown on a fumble return.
He also has 27 special teams tackles.
Johnson is a prince in football cleats, a good guy who never got into trouble off the field, yet never got the respect he deserved in Cincinnati. He played through a series of shoulder injuries that would have sidelined most players, but not Landon.
Johnson, who makes his offseason home in Lubbock, Texas, isn’t a bright-lights, big-city guy. He didn’t need the East Coast or the West Coast. He needed Charlotte, N.C., and it needed him.
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Landon Johnson visits Carolina, could sign today
Bengals unrestricted free agent linebacker Landon Johnson visited the Carolina Panthers on Thursday and the two sides are talking numbers today.
It’s only a matter of time before he comes an ex-Bengal, and I fully expect him to be a Carolina Panther before 6 p.m. today.
The Panthers are in desperate need of linebacker help because of Dan Morgan’s departure. Morgan was signed by the New Orleans Saints after getting released by Carolina.
Johnson’s strength is his versatility. A third-round draft pick out of Purdue in 2004, Johnson has 53 starts in 64 career games. He’s started games at all three linebacker positions, but most of his experience is at middle and weak-side linebacker.
Johnson’s career stats in four seasons with the Bengals: 507 tackles (314 solos), 3.5 sacks, 17 passes defensed, 6 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 interception and 1 touchdown on a fumble return.
He also has 27 special teams tackles.
Johnson is a prince in football cleats, a good guy who never got into trouble off the field, yet never got the respect he deserved in Cincinnati. He played through a series of shoulder injuries that would have sidelined most players, but not Landon.
My advice to Landon: Go with the team that loves you. If it’s Carolina, so be it. He’s earned the right to be an unrestricted free agent, and he deserves a soft landing with a fat contract.
Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: Bengals
Readers weigh in on UD-WSU-NIT
Really enjoyed these reactions to my “Audible” commentary in Thursday’s DDN. I proposed a Wright State-Dayton first-round matchup in the NIT.
FROM BRAD:
Great article.
WSU might not make the NIT, but has a shot at the CBI.
Dayton is still considered on the NCAA bubble by most experts. 3 more wins and they are probably in. 4 and they are a lock.
DDN’s desire for a Gem City Jam is fine. If WSU can keep their RPI below 100 for more than 2 years they might warrant a home and away in the near future, but look at the facts - UD’s scheduling strategy works. RPI still looming at 35. WSU is 74 in a league with 1 team with an rpi better than 74.
WSU has done a nice job in an average conference against mostly below average opponents. I like their coach, but what Dayton has done in the HIGHEST ranked non-BCS conference despite key injuries and sickness is amazing.
Take care.
FROM LARRY:
Hey Chick!
I agree! I’d love to see UD and WSU match up in the NIT, particularly since my daughter went to Xavier and we don’t care if UD makes the NCAA.
Hope all is well.
FROM KARI ANNA:
Don’t quit your day job.
Stick to the Bengals. You obviously know nothing about college basketball. You are such a Wright State homer (and I even graduated from WSU).
Permalink | Comments (25) | Categories: College hoops
Final Score: Withrow 76, Wayne 60
Yancey Gates, who is headed to the University of Cincinnati on a basketball grant-in-aid, dunked six times and led the Withrow Tigers past the Wayne Warriors in the nightcap of the Division I boys regional semifinals at Xavier University’s Cintas Center.
Withrow’s victory sets up a rematch with Cincinnati St. Xavier for the regional title on Saturday at 11 a.m.
St. X defeated Withrow for the 2007 regional title, 49-48, on this same floor a year ago, and the Bombers eventually lost to Moeller in the state championship game.
Withrow’s Chris “Big House” Grimes was a rebounding machine for the Tigers.
Wayne put three players in double figures. DJ Lenoir had 15 points, Markus Crider added 11 and Travis Trice 10.
Permalink | |
3rd quarter: Withrow 48, Wayne 31
Wayne opened the third quarter with a turnover—-an overthrow on an alley-oop dunk attempt, and it basically went downhill from there.
The highlight of the quarter was a 2-minute, 30-second span in which Withrow’s Yancey Gates dunked three times.
DJ Lenoir and Travis Trice hit 3-point shots to keep the Warriors within striking distance, but they’d have to make up a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Permalink | | Categories: Preps
Halftime: Withrow 24, Wayne 14
The second quarter started with a bang for Wayne.
An alley-oop lob pass floated toward the rim, and Markus Crider snared it and threw it down for a slam dunk that tied the score at 8-all.
But the next three-plus minutes belonged to Withrow.
Yancey Gates started and finished an 8-0 run. In between, massive Chris Grimes accounted for two baskets at the Tigers opened a 16-8 lead.
Wayne’s fortunes turned when Troy Gilmer drove the lane for a hoop, then Travis Trice II buried a “3” from 24 feet beyond the key to pull the Warriors within 16-13.
Withrow’s Troy Long answered with back-to-back, long-range treys from the right side, then the Tigers’ Anthony Bell tipped in a teammate’s miss at the halftime buzzer for a 10-point halftime lead.
Warriors fans had to feel for Matt Kilburn, a rugged kid who wears goggles for Wayne. Facing two free throws with 9.2 seconds to go, he tossed a first-pitch air ball, but nailed the next one.
This game unfolded in stark contrast to the opener at Cintas on Wednesday night. The St. Xavier Bombers led Princeton, 34-29, at intermission on their way to a 70-56 win.
Permalink | |
1st quarter: Withrow 8, Wayne 6
Both teams looked nervous early and that led to some sloppy play from both teams.
Withrow drew first blood when monstrous Yancey Gates got fouled by Lamar Mallory on a dunk attempt at 7:24.
Yates made the first free throw and missed the second, but the Tigers got the rebound, kept the ball alive and Gates scored on a follow-up for a 3-0 lead.
Gates’ flying dunk at 3:33 started a 5-0 spurt for an 8-3 Tigers’ advantage.
But Wayne pulled within 8-6 on Charles Winkfield’s 3-point bomb in the right corner. The Warriors first points of the game came on an old-fashioned three-point play.
Treon Leslie scored on a baseline drive, got fouled and made the free throw at the 6:15 mark.
Let’s get onto the second quarter from the Cintas Center
Permalink | | Categories: Preps
Wayne Warriors are ready; St. X beats Princeton
Just wanted to alert Miami Valley’s prep basketball fans that I’ll be blogging at the Wayne-Cincinnati Withrow Division I boys regional semifinal game at Xavier University’s Cintas Center.
The Cincinnati St. Xavier Bombers captured the 6 p.m. opener with a 70-56 victory over the Princeton Vikings.
The Bombers and Vikings argued evenly for 25 minutes with the score tied at 45 one minute into the fourth quarter.
Then St. Xavier said, “Enough is enough.”
Senior guard Brad Loesing snapped the tie with a reverse layup at 6:42, then drained a “3” from left of the key at 5:15 to give the Bombers a 52-45 lead they wouldn’t lose.
St. Xavier senior Walt Gibler poured in a game-high 25 points while Loesing added 16 and Danny Whelan 14.
Gibler and Loesing are headed to Loyola of Chicago and Wofford, respectively, next season.
Princeton’s Orlando Williams, the son of former University of Cincinnati player Orlando Williams, led the Vikings with 24 points.
St. Xavier (22-2) advances to the Division I regional final against the Wayne-Withrow winner on Saturday at 11 a.m. right here at the gorgeous Cintas Center at the heart of XU’s campus.
Permalink | | Categories: Preps
With Larson, Jones in fold, what’s next?
Now that linebacker Dhani Jones and punter Kyle Larson are in the Bengals’ fold for 2008 and beyond, what happens next?
Oh, the Bengals will continue to parade unrestricted free agent (UFA) defenders into Paul Brown Stadium, but I can’t see them signing anybody anytime soon.
The Bengals confirmed a visit from Cleveland Browns UFA defensive tackle Ethan Kelley, but he’s a leftover, getting picked over on the scrap heap, and he isn’t in high demand.
Bengals fans need to mark their calendars for April 26-27. The NFL draft will determine the direction the Bengals go on defensive in general and the defensive line in particular.
Priority No. 1: A defensive tackle.
The Bengals should target Southern Cal’s Sedrick Ellis or LSU’s Glenn Dorsey. Dorsey, once considered the likely No. 1 overall pick of the draft, should slip … but not as far as No. 9 to the Bengals. Ellis is the guy who should be there.
If he isn’t, the Bengals should grab Southern Cal linebacker Keith Rivers. Ellis or Rivers? Either one would be good because the Bengals are a team starving for defensive playmakers, especially on the front line. Ellis, who generated 58 tackles and 8.5 sacks for the Trojans in 2007, would solve a lot of problems. He’s a run-stuffing pass-rusher who would clog the middle and push the pile.
Signing Larson to a five-year contract and Jones to a three-year deal are good moves because they are part of the team’s solution, not the problem.
Larson, a fifth-year veteran, has averaged 42.8 yards on 279 punts for his career, with a 36.3-yard net. He’s pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line on nearly one-third of his punts (81), and has allowed only 29 touchbacks. In 2005 at Jacksonville, he launched a team-record 75-yard punt.
In 2007, Larson averaged 41.3 yards and 35.2 net, and he had 21 inside-20s against just three touchbacks.
“I set goals at the start of every season, and I want to just keep getting better every year,” Larson said. “Cincinnati has been so good to me and my wife, I feel very fortunate to be staying here and getting the chance to keep playing in front of our fans.”
Jones is a ninth-year veteran who spent four years with the New York Giants and three with the Philadelphia Eagles before landing in Cincinnati in 2007 after getting released by New Orleans.
Jones was the club’s most pleasant surprise in ‘07. He played in all 14 games following his Sept. 19 signing, made nine starts at outside linebacker and ranked second on the team in tackles (111). He also forced two fumbles and swatted five passes. He was the only Bengal to log 10 solo tackles in a game last year, and he did that twice.
Jones also had seven special teams tackles and was the special teams captain.
“Dhani did a good job, on and off the field, as a leader,” head coach Marvin Lewis said. “He had been a starting player for a long time in the NFL, but he was willing to come in and accept whatever role was given to him. He had a quick (training camp) for a few games, and soon he was one of our core players.”
Larson and Jones are the second and third UFAs to sign with the Bengals in 2008. Defensive end Antwan Odom was the first.
Contact Chick Ludwig at 937-225-2253 or cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Bengals
Odom on Cincy: ‘I love it here’
Antwan Odom wanted to break out of the long shadow cast by the Tennessee Titans’ one-two punch of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth, and impact a new defense.
He came to the right place—-the Cincinnati Bengals.
Instead of jumping on a plane bound for Phoenix on Monday night, he chose to sign a five-year, $29.5 million contract that includes $11.5 million in guaranteed money with the Bengals.
How do you fall in love with a place like Cincinnati in one day?
“You just do,” Odom said after his introductory news conference at Paul Brown Stadium on Tuesday, March 4. “You just feel it. It just feels right. This is a family-oriented organization. Everybody in here is family. That’s how I think.”
Odom is eager to play against his former team because he never got the respect he felt he deserved in Tennessee. The Titans visit Cincinnati for a game in 2008.
“I’ve got a little unfinished business,” he said. “I’m glad to be here. I love it here. Me and my family, this is our home. We’re going to make it our home.”
Odom and his wife, Brooke, have four children—-sons A.J., 4; Baylor, 3; Jo Jo, 2; and daughter Missy, 7 months.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Bengals
5 Questions with Antwan Odom
5 QUESTIONS WITH ANTWAN ODOM
Favorite meal: “My mom’s homemade chicken and noodles.”
Favorite movie: “Scarface.”
Favorite music & artist: “Rap and ‘Young Jeezy.’ “
Favorite late-night snack: “Snickers and Swiss Cake Rolls.”
Favorite Hobbies: “I like to fish and hunt, and watch NASCAR. My favorite driver is (Dale) Earnhardt (Jr.)”
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: Bengals
Bengals sign DE Odom (for real)
The Bengals announced Monday night, March 3, that they’ve signed defensive end Antwan Odom to a five-year contract.
Odom will be introduced to the Bengals media at a 10 a.m. news conference at Paul Brown Stadium on Tuesday.
Odom, who generated a career-high eight sacks for the Tennessee Titans in 2007, became an unrestricted free agent on Feb. 29.
Odom is due to start at left defensive end, opposite right end Robert Geathers, in the Bengals’ 4-3 scheme under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
Meanwhile, Dewayne Robertson may not be coming to Cincinnati, after all.
Hours after ESPN claimed the Bengals and New York Jets had agreed to terms on a trade that would send the defensive tackle to Cincinnati in exchange for fourth- and fifth-round draft picks, FOXSports.com reported Robertson will not be traded to Cincinnati.
“We’ve had discussions with the Bengals as well as other teams with regard to Dewayne,” Robertson’s agent, Hadley Engelhard, told the New York Daily News. “We have not agreed to a contract, not by any stretch.”
Draft expert Todd McShay of Scouts Inc. projects that the Bengals will select Southern Cal defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis with the No. 9 overall pick in the April 26-27 NFL draft.
Despite the Odom signing, the club remains starved for defensive playmakers.
email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (10) | Categories: Bengals
Bengals seek Robertson, plan to work out Hoyng
ESPN is reporting today, Monday, March 3, that the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets have agreed to terms on a trade that will send Jets defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson to Cincinnati in exchange for the Bengals’ fourth- and fifth-round picks (Nos. 114 and 151) in the April 26-27 NFL draft.
The Bengals focused their sights on Robertson after losing out on Detroit defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, who was shipped to Cleveland.
The Robertson-to-Cincinnati trade hinges on two factors: Robertson’s willingness to agree to a new contract and his passing a physical exam. The deal has a chance to be finalized today.
If Robertson signs with the Bengals, the team will have two of the top four picks in the 2003 NFL draft. Cincinnati chose quarterback Carson Palmer No. 1 overall, while Robertson went No. 4 overall to the Jets.
Robertson welcomes an exit from New York because he didn’t fit in the Jets’ 3-4 scheme. At 6-foot-1 and 317 pounds, he’s considered too small to be a pure nose tackle.
He earned more than $26 million with the Jets in five seasons, but his production (14.5 sacks) didn’t match his price tag. But he’s only 26, and still has a chance to blossom as an impact player in the Bengals’ 4-3 scheme.
KEVIN HOYNG UPDATE
The Bengals are scheduled to give University of Dayton star Kevin Hoyng a workout on Friday, March 14, in Dayton.
It comes three days after he participates in Bowling Green State University’s Pro Day workout in front of NFL scouts on Tuesday, March 11.
Despite not playing a down in college as a free safety, the converted quarterback is getting some much-needed and much-deserved attention.
NFLDraftScout.com rates Hoyng as the 46th best free safety out of 134 in the upcoming draft.
According to NFLDraftScout.com, player ratings are based on Scout Sheet data input and current readiness for the NFL.
Email Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Bengals
Bengals bungle again
Sports radio’s talking heads in Cincinnati like to say, “It’s a great day to be a Bengals’ fan,” when the Bengals win.
Well, today, Monday, March 3, 2008, they can say it’s a lousy day to be a Bengals fan following the first weekend of the NFL’s free agency period because the Bengals lost, and lost big.
It came as no surprise when defensive end Justin Smith bolted to the San Francisco 49ers (6 years, $45 million) and free safety Madieu Williams sailed away to the Minnesota Vikings (6 years, $33 million). When a player reaches free agency without a signed contract, you take it for granted that he’s gone. It’s just that simple.
But losing Detroit defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to the Cleveland Browns on Friday night, after a Bengals-Lions trade was announced by every major media outlet in the world, was more than disappointing to Bengals followers.
It was devastating.
And embarrassing.
Judging by the reaction of Bengals fans, they went from the highest high to the lowest low in a matter of hours.
Just when they thought their team had acquired the monster defensive tackle it so desperately needs, the NFL’s front office voided the deal and Rogers was off to Cleveland. To Bengals’ fans, it was as if a knife got plunged into their kidney.
Greg Aiello, the NFL’s senior vice president of public relations, told me that when teams are making trades, “They’ll talk to our office and if there are complications, they’ll ask, ‘Can we do this? Can we do that? Is this OK? Is that OK? They are given the answer and either a trade happens or it doesn’t happen.
“Trades have to be approved by the league office,” Aiello added. “The information is submitted to the league office and signed off on. If there’s something improper or something doesn’t work about it, then the teams are notified. They either work it out or they just say, ‘We’ll go our separate ways.’ “
The Bengals and Lions didn’t work it out. One side or both decided to walk away.
WHAT NOW?
The April 26-27 NFL draft marks the most important two days in Marvin Lewis’ six seasons as head coach. The club must acquire at least two impact players on the defensive line or the 27th-ranked unit will be in even deeper trouble.
Robert Geathers, who can play either end, is an outstanding pass rusher who has generated 14 sacks the past two years. But the line is void of any true difference makers. The rotation of veteran defensive tackles Domata Peko, John Thornton and Michael Myers is serviceable but not special. And the end spot opposite Geathers is a wide-open race featuring Jonathan Fanene, Frostee Rucker and a sure-fire draft pick.
There isn’t an offensive coordinator in this league that’s afraid of Cincy’s D.
TWO HAPPY GUYS
The happiest Bengals, of course, are right defensive tackle John Thornton and wide receiver Chad Johnson.
Thornton, who would’ve been replaced by Rogers, still has a job, while Johnson no longer has to deal with Browns cornerback Leigh Bodden twice a season.
Bodden, who got shipped to Detroit (along with Cleveland’s third-round pick) in exchange for Rogers, won’t get to cover Johnson until the 2009 season when the Lions visit Cincinnati.
UNHAPPY CAMPERS
I enjoyed these emails over the weekend:
“Bengal Bill” said losing Rogers “is the perfect example of why we are known as the ‘Bungals’ across the NFL. Marvin Lewis and Mike Brown are two guys who can look into the TV camera and hug and say everything will be all right, while 70,000 fans have to live with another .500 season.”
“Bengal Brian” wrote: “My biggest dread with this Shaun Rogers thing is that the deal fell through due to some type of naivety resulting from the Bengals seeming to be a few years behind the curve of the rest of the NFL. If it turns out that Rogers really needed a change of scenery and has a career renaissance with the Browns, this will really sting.”
Amen, brothers.
email cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: Bengals
