Montgomery County Fair
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2008 Venice Film Festival
Extreme Makeover: Home edition
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 > April
April 2008
Bear down, Chicago Bears: ‘Pride and joy of Illinois’
GOOSE BUMPS AT THE COLONNADES AT SOLDIER FIELD
This goes out to my friend, Angelo Pizzo of Bloomington, Ind., and Chicago Bears fans everywhere.
I loved the Bears draft (especially offensive tackles Chris Williams and Kirk Barton).
I love their Windy City (sippin’ Old Style at the Billy Goat Tavern).
I love their stadium.
It’s not often I get goose bumps walking into a joint.
But Soldier Field in Chicago does that to you.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of standing among the colonnades at Soldier Field.
You feel the history of the NFL and the presence of immortals George Halas, Dick Butkus, Gayle Sayers and Walter Payton.
I feel like a song…
Bear down, Chicago Bears, make every play clear the way to victory Bear down, Chicago Bears, put up a fight with a might so fearlessly We’ll never forget the way you thrilled the nation with your T-formation. Bear down, Chicago Bears, and let them know why you’re wearing the crown. You’re the pride and joy of Illinois, Chicago Bears, bear down.
For the Bears’ draft, go to:
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/team?team=chi&draftyear=2008
For Soldier Field, go to:
http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/nfc/Soldier%20FieldII.htm
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Holding NFL accountable for ‘problem’ players
SHOULD ‘BAD ACTORS’ BE ALLOWED TO INVADE NEW CITIES?
Now that the NFL draft is complete, a whole new crop of players are headed to new cities.
Some of the players have questionable character, shady backgrounds and plenty of “baggage” or “luggage” in the form of brushes with the law.
The question is: Should the league be responsible, liable or — at the very least — held accountable if a problem player terrorizes his new city?
What’s more, should players with arrest records be certified or registered as potential risks to their new cities?
A man on the street, John F. Robinson, broached this interesting subject in an E-mail to me titled, “The NFL and Corporate Responsibility.”
It makes so-o-o much sense — in light of ex-Bengal Chris Henry’s numerous arrests from 2005-2008 — that I feel compelled to share it with NFL fans on “Ludwig At Large.”
Here’s to you, Mr. Robinson:
In his words:
“I would hope that (Bengals president) Mike Brown, (head coach) Marvin Lewis and the NFL understand the concept of “Corporate Responsibility.”
“I consider each NFL team a mini-corporation and every year these teams bring players into their area who in most cases would not ever consider coming to these areas except for the fact that they can find employment with an NFL team. The problem arises when these player have displayed in the past socially risky behavior that poses a threat to the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of the new area where they come into.
“I believe in redemption. However, part of that redemption must be that problem players must be certified by a professional treatment facility for their past problem behavior that they are capable of entering an area without endangering the health, safety and well-being of the law-abiding citizens who are currently living in that area. Thus, no team would be able to draft or otherwise bring a player into their area without first meeting this standard.
“I just hope and pray that no problem player with the apparent loose standards that are now in place by the NFL comes into an area and seriously injures or kills an innocent resident of that area.”
I’d love to hear from readers about how they feel on this subject.
Let the debate begin …
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At least Chad’s jersey is good for SOMETHING!
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
It’s NEVER TOO LATE to share a great story.
Especially when it involves Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson, the notorious “Ocho Cinco.”
Congratulations to the “First Couple” of Cincinnati radio — WGRR’s Chris O’Brien & Janeen Coyle, the “Married With Microphones” morning duo — for their brilliant brainstorm.
In conjunction with Koch’s Sporting Goods, WGRR-FM (103.5) conducted the “85 Trade Off” for charity.
Look at it this way: At least Chad’s jersey is good for SOMETHING!
Check out the story at:
http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=614bc18d-a64e-492a-b4ac-70130c181e2a
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Has Mel Kiper Jr’s motor mouth stopped running?
GREAT HAIR OFFSETS TEDIOUS BLATHER
===LUDWIG AT LARGE would like loyal readers to answer this question: How do you really feel about Mel Kiper Jr.? I find him knowledgeable and entertaining, but the dude absolutely wears me out with his motor mouth. After two days and 20 hours of his DraftSpeak, my brain has turned to strawberry jelly. I’ve had enough … until 2009.===
Bengals Draft Rated C+ By Mel Kiper Jr.
ESPN’s draft guru, Mel Kiper Jr. is out with his annual post-draft scorecard.
Here’s his rundown of the Bengals draft:
Cincinnati Bengals: GRADE: C+
Keith Rivers is solid player with great character. Jerome Simpson is a hard-working receiver and WR Andre Caldwell could be a second or third option right away. While junior DT Pat Sims was a very underrated player out of Auburn, OT Anthony Collins should have stayed at Kansas for another year. Still, he was a decent fourth-round pick. Safety Corey Lynch is a playmaker (he blocked the field-goal attempt in the closing seconds of Appalachian State’s upset win at Michigan last season). Some scouts I spoke with thought Lynch — who went in Round 6 — could go as high as the fourth round. Villanova TE Matt Sherry is not a very good blocker, but he has very good hands and could push for a roster spot. Wide receiver Mario Urrutia didn’t have a great 2007 season and I’m not sure why he came out. Urrutia has talent, but should have gone back to Louisville for his senior season. Angelo Craig flashed pass-rushing abilities at times; at other times, he disappeared.
Email Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
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Coldwater OH-IO goo-goo, gah-gah over Browns
BENGALS DUMP ONE, DUMP ON ANOTHER
The Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, April 28, waived safety Nick Turnbull, a third-year NFL player from Florida International.
Turnbull, with past game experience for the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears, was signed to the Bengals practice squad for the last two games of the 2007 season, and was signed to Cincinnati’s 2008 offseason roster on Dec. 31, 2007.
Turnbull’s exit came one day after the Bengals drafted Corey Lynch, a free safety from Appalachian State.
It’s too bad the Bengals didn’t sign University of Dayton free safety Kevin Hoyng to a two-year contract as a college free agent.
The Bengals showed interest in Hoyng, but the Cleveland Browns acted first. The Browns decided to give Hoyng a three-day tryout at their upcoming weekend minicamp for drafted rookies and college free agents.
By doing so, the Browns have become the favorite NFL team in the village of Coldwater, Ohio, Hoyng’s hometown.
“I appreciate the opportunity the Browns have given me,” Hoyng said. “I’m going up to Cleveland with the goal of making the Browns roster.”
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Bengals sign 2 college free agent fullbacks
ELDER’S GLATTHAAR IN THE HOUSE; GO YOU PANTHERS, GO!
As a proud graduate of THE Ohio State University (1976) and Cincinnati Elder High School (1972), “Ludwig At Large” is pleased to announce the Cincinnati Bengals have signed a pair of fullbacks from both my alma maters to free agent contracts.
They are Bradley Glatthaar of the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Elder Panthers, and Tyler Whaley of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Both players improve the depth at a position occupied by incumbent starter Jeremi Johnson, who enters his sixth season with the Bengals.
Glatthaar is a 5-foot-11, 242-pounder who looks and plays even bigger. He has a chance to stick because he’s a bruising blocker who served as the Bearcats’ short-yardage specialist, especially at the goal line, scoring 21 career rushing TDs.
At UC’s Pro Day, he unleashed 26 repetitions at 225 pounds in the bench press.
BUCKEYE BRUISER
Whaley is a 6-1, 265 pounder who also saw action at center. He walked on the Buckeyes’ squad out of Ironton High School and was awarded a scholarship prior to the 2007 season.
His bio reads: “He could been a starter at a lower level, but wanted to play for Jim Tressel at Ohio State. He does not know the meaning of quit.”
See Glatthaar’s bio at:
http://gobearcats.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/glatthaar_bradley00.html
See Whaley’s bio at:
http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=87746&SPID=10408&DBOEMID=17300&ATCLID=1059374&Q_SEASON=2007
For an early unofficial list of NFL undrafted college free agent signees, go to:
http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2008/04/2008-undrafted-free-agent-signings.html
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Draft analysis: Bengals earn a B-
TRADE UP TOO EXPENSIVE
If I know Cincinnati Bengals fans — and I think I do — then the anger and depression you went to bed with on Saturday night, April 26, evaporated 24 hours later.
Yeah, you were upset that the team didn’t trade up in the first round to get Sedrick Ellis or Glenn Dorsey.
And you were further irritated to the point of belligerence that the club had the audacity to select a Coastal Carolina Chanticleer wide receiver named Jerome Simpson in Round 2 after grabbing USC linebacker Keith Rivers in Round 1.
Well, rest your weary souls, studs & studettes.
I got some good news for you via email from an NFL coach and personal friend of mine that I received upon reporting to Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday, April 27.
“Rest easy on Simpson. I loved him. Great character, competitor, tough. Has the unique ability to “high point” all throws, excels at attacking the deep ball. Has not been asked to block at all. Big question is acclimation into the Chad Johnson Big Top. Probably reached one round early for him, but I think everyone is going to be happy in 2-3 years.”
So there.
As for why the club didn’t trade up for Ellis or Dorsey, the answer is simple. Too expensive.
The Bengals would’ve had to give up their No. 1 and No. 3a, which turned out to be Rivers and defensive tackle Pat Sims.
Folks, believe me, I’d rather have Rivers and Sims — both great value picks at Nos. 9 and 77 overall — than Ellis. I’ll take an A- (Rivers) and B+ (Sims) instead of an A+ (Ellis) any day.
WHAT HAPPENED IN TWO DAYS?
A new era is getting ushered in. At linebacker. At defensive tackle. At wide receiver.
All thanks to a 10-pick makeover designed to shake up and wake up a roster that had gone stale since 2005.
Rivers is a stud. And I’m starting to warm up to wide receivers Simpson, Andre Caldwell and Mario Urrutia because of their play-making ability.
Folks, the NFL is about speed. And they’ve got it.
I like the Sims’ pick because he’s an active, intense, hard-working DT who will penetrate the backfield.
I don’t like DT Jason Shirley’s DUI arrest — not even a little bit. But from what I can tell, he’s the only dude out of 10 draft picks with a blemish. And even though it’s a HUGE blemish, which nobody can excuse, I’m willing to cut the guy a little slack because he showed remorse, accepted responsibility, held himself accountable and promised to straighten up his act. Yeah, he’s got a lot to prove. But I’m willing to give him a chance. If he screws up again, he’s gone.
Anybody who heard Appalachian State free safety Corey Lynch’s interview couldn’t help but be impressed with the kid. He’s been crowned an Ohio legend for blocking the field goal that beat Michigan. And now he’s coming to Cincinnati.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
I’m still concerned about four areas.
1. Running back. The refusal to draft a tailback means the Bengals are counting on Rudi Johnson to return to form after an injury-plagued 2007. If he can’t regain his durability, a tailback-by-committee approach will be unveiled with Kenny Watson, Chris Perry and upstart DeDe Dorsey all heavily involved. (Pssst! Rudi. You can stop celebrating now that the club didn’t draft at your position).
2. Center. The team didn’t draft a center, which remains the weakest spot on the O-Line with unproven Dan Santucci, Nate Livings and Kyle Cook pushing incumbent Eric Ghiaciuc, who must improve his strength and foot speed.
3. Defensive end. The defense lacks an impact edge rusher behind starters Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom. I’m happy that UC’s Angelo Craig was drafted at 7a. But he’s tortoise-slow, and that’s a problem. Third-year pro Frostee Rucker better blossom or the unit could struggle getting more pressure on the passer.
4. Chad Johnson. The Ocho Cinco fiasco needs a peaceful resolution. If not, the distraction Johnson has created with his trade demand and expected holdout could destroy the team.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
2008 DRAFT PICKS
1. Keith Rivers, LB, 6-3, 237, Southern Cal…Fast, physical enforcer, immediate starter.
2. Jerome Simpson, WR, 6-1, 190, Coastal Carolina…A burner who makes circus catches.
3a. Pat Sims, DT, 6-4, 314, Auburn…Rugged run stuffer who will push the pile.
3b. Andre Caldwell, WR, 6-0, 203, Florida…Speedy receiver and physical blocker.
4. Anthony Collins, OT, 6-5, 311, Kansas…Road-grading RT gives O-line depth.
5. Jason Shirley, DT, 6-5, 329, Fresno State…Physical specimen, but a risky pick.
6a. Corey Lynch, FS, 6-0, 206, Appalachian St….Specialty is blocking kicks.
6b. Matt Sherry, TE, 6-4, 255, Villanova…Improving blocker, excellent receiver.
7a. Angelo Craig, DE, 6-4, 257, Cincinnati …Edge rusher who must improve speed.
7b. Mario Urrutia, WR, 6-5, 232, Louisville…Big target, will be a factor in the red zone.
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Draft weekend’s biggest loser? Chad Johnson
CHAD & DREW SHOULD BE EMBARRASSED
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson was — far and away — the biggest loser on NFL Draft Weekend 2008.
The club ignored agent Drew Rosenhaus’ plea to trade Chad (hip! hip! hooray!) and the eighth-year veteran is left with the same options he had last week.
Honor thy contract and play for the Bengals or sit out and face fines of $1,700 per day for missing mandatory minicamp (June 12-14) and $14,000 per day for each day missed at training camp starting in July.
Johnson thought Rosenhaus’ YouTube filibuster would earn him a ticket to Washington, Dallas or Philadelphia. Wrong. What Rosenhaus’ rant really did was make himself and Chad look foolish. Both guys should be embarrassed.
WHO’S TO BLAME? MAN IN THE MIRROR
The six-year, $35.5 million contract extension Chad signed in 2006 sure looked good at the time because he got $10.75 million up front. As soon as the ink from his signature dried on the paper, the contract became obsolete. Chad fails to realize that somebody always, ALWAYS, gets paid more money than you. Even when they’re not as good as you or as talented as you. A guy like Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald.
Chad is unhappy, sad, angry and upset, and he’s looking for somebody to blame.
It’s time he found him.
He’s the man in the mirror.
CBS Sports’ and NFL Network’s Solomon Wilcots gave me his assessment of the situation in a lengthy conversation this weekend:
IN WILCOTS’ WORDS:
“If I’m a business owner, I’ve got a great deal. I’ve got one of the best players at his position at a bargain basement price. Why? Because I paid him up-front, and I’m not letting him walk away with my money. I’m not letting him affect my training camp. The tail will not wag the dog. So I’m the one who’s calling the shots.
“Chad’s got four years left on a six-year deal. Hey, you haven’t even done half the job. If you were building my house, I’m not going to let you pour the foundation and quit. And I’m not setting a precedent for the next guy coming down the pike that I gave the money to up-front and then two years into a six-year deal he starts making demands, bad mouthing my team, bad mouthing my city, just so my feelings get hurt then I let him out? That’s what he wants. It’s an act. It’s a Shakespearean play that we’ve seen before.
“They cannot give in to him because it sets a bad precedent. They take one helluva cap hit. Eight million! Are you kidding me? Drew Rosenhaus did this with T.O. (Terrell Owens), caused a major disturbance and got the kid ran out of town. Did he get his money? Yeah. He did the same thing with Willis McGahee. He caused a huge disturbance in Buffalo, said some bad things about the town. Some owners get their feelings hurt. They said, ‘Get rid of him.’ I know what Mike Brown is doing. Mike is saying, ‘You can talk about it all you want. I know what you’re trying to do. It’s not happening.’
“My suggestion is: Change the culture which fosters the behavior because getting rid of one guy doesn’t solve your problem. You still have the culture. Then you have to ask yourself: ‘Who’s the next one in this long line (to want out)?’ There’s a succession of this kind of behavior from its star player. Now change that before you try to go changing Chad Johnson. We’ve seen this behavior before. All it’s meant to do is get out of town and get on another team.
“If they get rid of Chad, do you think things are going to change? No! Unless you understand the culture that continues to create such a mentality, then you’re not changing anything. All you’re doing is moving around pieces. But the environment that spawns and breeds that same contempt, it’s still there.
“This guy (Chad) is one of the best players they’ve had in franchise history. You’ve got him locked in at four more years. Put some strong personalities in there with him, and deal with him in terms of managing the player. Don’t let the tail wag the dog. and everything will be all right.”
Email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
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No surprise that Levi Jones wants out
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY
All aboard the “I want out of Cincinnati” train.
The newest member? Bengals left offensive tackle Levi Jones.
Adam Schefter of NFL Network has reported that Jones recently asked for a trade. Schefter says Jones’s issues have zip to do with money.
Jones, the Bengals’ first-round draft pick in 2002 (No. 10 overall), signed a six-year, $40 million extension that keeps him in Cincinnati through 2011.
Jones apparently wants out because of disagreements with the coaching staff.
I’m not surprised. Judging from Levi’s quotes over the years, he’s been unhappy for some time … not just with the coaching staff, but the medical staff and the training staff.
The difference between Jones and wide receiver Chad Johnson is that Chad has demanded a trade, while Jones has asked for a trade.
The Bengals are unwilling to accommodate either player.
I don’t expect to see Jones during any of the team’s voluntary offseason workouts. But I do anticipate he’ll show for the June mandatory minicamp and July training camp.
For Schefter’s story, go to:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d807fcaea&template=with-video&confirm=true
DRAFT DAY ONE
I have no argument with the Bengals’ selection of Keith Rivers with the No. 9 overall pick of the 2008 NFL draft.
But I do have a problem with the Bengals taking Coastal Carolina wide receiver Jerome Simpson in the second round with the No. 46 overall pick.
Simpson may be a great kid and a talented receiver, but he played in the Big South Conference against weak competition. He’s never seen the kind of cornerbacks in college that he’ll face in the NFL.
This was a major reach and a major blunder for a team that desperately needs a defensive tackle. The Bengals should’ve grabbed Notre Dame’s Trevor Laws, who was available.
Looks like the Bengals fell in love with another “workout warrior” with dazzling “measurables.”
I’ve got a feeling Simpson is James Hundon, wrapped in Maurice Mann, tucked inside Bennie Brazell.
FRUSTRATED FAN
Teresa Gulley needed to vent. She sent me this email, which is typical of frustrated fans:
“Every year this team makes its fans harder and harder to support them. This is another stupid draft. They could have traded up to get (Sedrick) Ellis. And in the second round, they pick a wid out from Podunk U. I think the inmates are running the asylum .”
Email cludwig@daytondailynews.com
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Bengals select USC linebacker Keith Rivers
KEITH RIVERS IS THE MAN
With the ninth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Southern California three-way linebacker Keith Rivers just after 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.
The 6-foot-2, 241-pounder knows all three positions, but is expected to make an immediate impact at middle linebacker.
Unable to trust injury-prone Ahmad Brooks and Odell Thurman, who is coming off a two-year suspension, the Bengals bolstered the defense by plucking Rivers, who is a solid run-stuffer and is able to cover a lot of ground in the passing game.
Rivers is expected to start in the middle with Rashad Jeanty on the strong side and Dhani Jones on the weak side.
Rivers’ public relations machine sent this memo to members of the Cincinnati Bengals’ media prior to the 2008 NFL Draft.
SC Investments Consulting seemed pretty confident the Southern California linebacker was headed to the ‘Nati. How true it turned out to be.
“The young man Cincinnati may be drafting — Keith Rivers — is sharing his draft day experience with the fans at Yardbarker.com. He will be posting video, photos and written blogs from his private party in Lake Mary, Fla. He’ll be responding to fans comments throughout the day as well.
“It will be instant introduction for fans after he is selected. Wanted to give you a heads up in case the Bengals select him.”
Fans can check out Rivers at:
http://yardbarker.com/users/KeithRivers
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Where the Rivers flows
FROM SoCal TO CINCY?
Keith Rivers’ public relations machine sent this memo to members of the Cincinnati Bengals’ media prior to the 2008 NFL Draft.
SC Investments Consulting seemed pretty confident the Southern California linebacker was headed to the ‘Nati.
“The young man Cincinnati may be drafting — Keith Rivers — is sharing his draft day experience with the fans at Yardbarker.com. He will be posting video, photos and written blogs from his private party in Lake Mary, Fla. He’ll be responding to fans comments throughout the day as well.
“It will be instant introduction for fans after he is selected. Wanted to give you a heads up in case the Bengals select him.”
Fans can check out Rivers at:
http://yardbarker.com/users/KeithRivers
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Prediction: Brohm will be BETTER than Ryan
BROHM OVER RYAN
Go ahead and mark it down.
Hold me to my word.
I predict that Louisville’s Brian Brohm will be a better NFL quarterback than Boston College’s Matt Ryan.
OK, so Brohm lacks the Carson Palmer-like rocket arm. But he still makes all the throws with good zip and accuracy, and the combination of his football, delivery and release are flawless. He’s built for the NFL just like Peyton Manning.
Ryan has a slightly stronger arm and great intangibles, but I don’t like his accuracy. To me, he’s too erratic, which mirrors his NFL comparison — Drew Brees.
A strong breeze will knock Ryan over. He’s skinny. Imagine what some hits from NFL linemen and linebackers will do. Ryan may break in half.
I’m willing to walk the plank on this one.
I love Brohm. I’m only lukewarm on Ryan.
One last thing on Ryan. His agent is Tom Condon. Ryan WILL hold out, and it will hurt him during his rookie season.
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Ethically, it’s time to take a stand
THE TIME IS NOW
The NFL Draft is the only time of year (other than game days) when the Cincinnati Bengals feed the media.
Literally.
We have access to a nice spread of food in the team’s cafeteria just down the hall from the Bengals’ home locker room.
This year, I’m taking a pass. A bye. A holiday.
As the author of Ludwig At Large, I’ve decided that since I’m not going to drink the team’s Kool-Aid, I can’t eat its food on draft weekend.
Amen.
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Bengals’ first-round draft picks (Entering 2008)
ENTERING 2008 NFL DRAFT
CINCINNATI BENGALS
FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICKS
(Breakdown By Position)
• CENTERS (3) — *Bob Johnson (1968), Blair Bush (1978-b), Dave Rimington (1983).
• QUARTERBACKS (5) — Greg Cook (1969), Jack Thompson (1979-a), David Klingler (1992-a), Akili Smith (1999), *Carson Palmer (2003).
• RUNNING BACKS (4) — Archie Griffin (1976-b), Charles Alexander (1979-b), Ki-Jana Carter (1995), Chris Perry (2004).
• WIDE RECEIVERS (6) — *Isaac Curtis (1973), Billy Brooks (1976-a), David Verser (1981), *Eddie Brown (1985-a), Tim McGee (1986-b), Peter Warrick (2000).
• TIGHT END (1) — Mike Cobb (1977-c).
• OFFENSIVE TACKLES (5) — Vernon Holland (1971), *Anthony Munoz (1980), Brian Blados (1984-c), *Willie Anderson (1996), Levi Jones (2002).
• DEFENSIVE ENDS (7) — Sherman White (1972), Ross Browner (1978-a), Glen Collins (1982), Pete Koch (1984-b), Jason Buck (1987), John Copeland (1993), Justin Smith (2001).
• DEFENSIVE TACKLES (5) — *Mike Reid (1970), Bill Kollar (1974), Eddie Edwards (1977-a), Wilson Whitley (1977-b), Dan “Big Daddy” Wilkinson (1994).
• LINEBACKERS (10) — Glenn Cameron (1975), Ricky Hunley (1984-a), Emanuel King (1985-b), Joe Kelly (1986-a), James Francis (1990), Alfred Williams (1991), Reinard Wilson (1997), Takeo Spikes (1998-a), Brian Simmons (1998-b), David Pollack (2005).
• CORNERBACKS (3) — #Rickey Dixon (1988), Johnathan Joseph (2006), Leon Hall (2007).
• SAFETY (1) — Darryl Williams (1992-b). Totals: 50 overall (24 offense, 26 defense).
Note I: *—denotes Pro Bowl players (7).
Note 2: #—played safety in the NFL.
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Goodell ruins NFL draft before it even starts
I NEED AN INFLATABLE BED
===LUDWIG AT LARGE ALERT: 63 players will be drafted today, Saturday, April 26, and 192 players will be drafted on Sunday, April 27. If each team takes its allotted 5 minutes between picks on Sunday, DAY 2 OF THE DRAFT WILL LAST 16 HOURS!!! Thanks, commish, for ruining the draft before it even starts===
Would anybody have a spare inflatable bed they could loan me?
You know, one of those air-mattress deals that inflate from briefcase size into a queen-sized bed?
I sure could use one to help with my coverage of the 2008 NFL Draft.
MIGHT AS WELL SLEEP AT PBS
Today, Saturday, April 26, is going to be a long day and a late night, and Sunday, April 27, is going to be an even longer day and later night.
With an inflatable bed, I could sleep in the press room at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati tonight.
By the time I get done writing, it’ll only be a matter of 7-8 hours when I have to report for work again on Sunday. I live 54 miles door-to-door from PBS. Heck. I might as well sleep at the dawg-gone facility.
Who do we have to thank for this honor?
2008 DRAFT FORMAT STINKS
None other than the genius that is NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who ruined the 2008 NFL draft before it even started by changing the format.
Goodell’s philosophy: If it ain’t broke, BREAK IT! (He must’ve read Rick Pitino’s book, too.)
The NFL Draft used to start at noon on Saturday (with three rounds) and 11 a.m. on Sunday (with four rounds).
Teams USED TO HAVE 15 minutes to choose their first-round picks.
But nooo! Not now!
TWO LONG DAYS & NIGHTS
Starting this year, teams are limited to 10 minutes between picks in the first round and seven minutes between picks in the second round. In Rounds 3-7 on Sunday, teams have five minutes between selections.
My St. Williams, Elder High School and Ohio State University math tells me that If each team takes its allotted 5 minutes between picks on Sunday, DAY 2 OF THE DRAFT WILL LAST 16 HOURS!!!
“With the later start on Saturday with the two rounds, it’ll probably be quite a late day on Saturday, and then a longer day on Sunday,” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said.
Dude! You got that right!
Of all the years teams need 15 minutes between first-round picks, because of all the anticipated trades, THIS IS THAT YEAR!!!
DRAFTNIKS WILL BURN OUT
I’m convinced that in a previous life, Roger Goodell was captain of the Titanic. He’s in charge of a mighty league, and he’s certain it won’t sink. Trouble is, he’s on a collision course with an iceberg and there’s not enough rescue boats to save all the passengers.
Seems to me that Goodell’s only goal is to accommodate his precious, beleaguered NFL Network. He has absolutely no empathy for NFL fans, NFL coaches & personnel departments, and us —- the print and electronic media. We are the lowest priority on his totem pole.
Bet ya any money that the staunchest NFL draftnik will be completely burned out by the time this draft ends.
I hope the draft lasts until midnight Sunday just to make Goodell look foolish.
CINCINNATI BENGALS FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICKS (Since 2000)
2000 — WR Peter Warrick (No. 4): Played 5 seasons; terminated on Aug. 30, 2005.
2001 — DE Justin Smith (No. 4): Played 7 years; signed by 49ers on March 1, 2008.
2002 — OT Levi Jones (No. 10): Signed 6-year, $40 million extension through 2011.
2003 — QB Carson Palmer (No. 1): Signed deal worth $118.75 million through 2014.
2004 — TB Chris Perry (No. 26): Endured injury-marred career; signed through 2009.
2005 — LB David Pollack (No. 17): Neck injury in ‘06 ended career; played 16 games.
2006 — CB Johnathan Joseph (24): With 23 starts in 31 games, he’s club’s top LCB.
2007 — CB Leon Hall (No. 18): Started 10 games; tied club rookie record with 5 INTs.
BENGALS PRO BOWLERS
DRAFTED BY CINCINNATI
NOTE: Cincinnati has drafted 31 players who reached the Pro Bowl as members of the Bengals. Only seven were first-round picks.
Player-Selections-Years (Draft class/round picked)
OT Anthony Munoz-11 (1980/1st)
CB Lemar Parrish-6 (1970/7th)
WR Chad Johnson-5 (2001/2nd)
OT Willie Anderson-4 (1996/1st)
QB Ken Anderson-4 (1971/3rd)
WR Isaac Curtis-4 (1973/1st)
TE Bob Trumpy-4 (1968/12th)
S Tommy Casanova-3 (1972/2nd)
WR Cris Collinsworth-3 (1981/2nd)
TB Corey Dillon-3 (1997/2nd)
QB Boomer Esiason-3 (1984/2nd)
S David Fulcher-3 (1986/3rd)
TE Rodney Holman-3 (1982/3rd)
OG Max Montoya-3 (1979/7th)
QB Carson Palmer-2-2005-06 (2003/1st)
DT Tim Krumrie-2 (1983/10th)
WR Carl Pickens-2 (1992/2nd)
DT Mike Reid-2 (1970/1st)
TB Paul Robinson-2 (1968/3rd)
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh-1 (2001/7th)
TB Rudi Johnson-1 (2001/4th)
LB Bill Bergey-1 (1969/2nd)
WR Eddie Brown-1 (1985/1st)
TB Harold Green-1 (1990/2nd)
C Bob Johnson-1 (1968/1st)
FB Pete Johnson-1 (1977/2nd)
LB Jim LeClair-1 (1972/3rd)
KR Tremain Mack-1 (1997/4th)
P Pat McInally-1 (1975/5th)
TE Dan Ross-1 (1979/2nd)
CB Eric Thomas-1 (1987/2nd)
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Rosenhaus implores Bengals: ‘Please trade Chad’
ROSENHAUS: ‘WHY NOT TAKE THE 2 FIRST-ROUND PICKS AND RUN?’
Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson, implored the Bengals to trade the disgruntled superstar.
“Bengals, if you’re listening to me, please trade Chad,” Rosenhaus said. “It’s obvious that the relationship is not working. It’s not going to be effective going forward. From what I hear in the reports in the media, you have the potential of getting two first-round picks for Chad. Why not take the king’s ransom and run with it?”
To watch the entire interview, point your Web browser to:
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis threw down the gauntlet this week, calling out Chad and daring him to sit out the 2008 season.
Chad fired back in an interview on ESPN.
“I will not lose this battle,” Johnson said. “I’m not playing. I won’t let them take advantage of the fact I love playing. I’ll make a movie with (George) Clooney.”
Johnson continued to vent.
“We are not doing the things we need to win,” he said. “We are not doing the things Indy and New England are doing, and I’m just one person and my voice will only go so far. It’s nothing but that. I want out because of we don’t do the things we need to do to win. I will sit out. I will call Clooney — he’s a Bengals fan. I’ll do a movie with him. I will not lose this battle.”
For a sampling of Chad Johnson quotes
Contact Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
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Kirk Herbstreit and me
WISHING MIKE BROWN WOULD PULL A BOB CASTELLINI
I love Kirk Herbstreit like a brother.
I’ve watched him blossom … not only as a football player at Centerville High School and THE Ohio State University, but as the best damn college football analyst in the land.
Entering his senior year as a quarterback for the Centerville Elks, Herbstreit was chosen as the cover boy for the Dayton Daily News’ preseason football tab.
I remember, like it was yesterday, picking up Herbstreit in the football locker rook at Centerville Stadium and driving him to Cincinnati Bengals training camp at Wilmington College for a photo shoot with then-Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason.
Herbstreit and Esiason stood together on a practice field at Wilmington College after lunch. I caught passes from both players as Bill Shepherd, the DDN’s most grizzled veteran photographer, snapped away.
WHY NOT MARYLAND?
Still looking for the ideal shot, “Shep” recommended the two stand closer together. I suggested that Herbstreit lean against Boomer with Herbstreit placing his elbow on Boomer’s shoulder.
Bingo. That was THE MONEY SHOT. The cover photo for our football spread.
Esiason asked Herbstreit where he was going to play in college. Herbstreit said he wasn’t sure.
“Why don’t you come to Maryland?” Esiason said.
Good ol’ Boomer. He was more than just a great quarterback. He was a recruiter. But he couldn’t lure Herbie to the Terps.
Kirk chose Ohio State. He was head coach John Cooper’s first recruit.
I remember the day he decided on the Buckeyes all too well.
It was late on a Friday afternoon. I had wrapped up my work for the day — or so I thought — and was just about to leave my desk in the third floor newsroom of our offices at Fourth and Ludlow streets in downtown Dayton.
MAN OF HIS WORD
That’s when my phone rang.
It was Kirk Herbstreit.
“Chick, I told you when I made up my mind that you’d be the first one I’d call,” Herbstreit said. “I’m going to Ohio State.”
I sat my butt back down and wrote the story, happy as heck that Kirk was headed to Ohio State, my alma mater, to play for the Buckeyes.
Herbstreit was a man of his word.
He still is.
He tells it “like it is.”
So here I am, standing and applauding Kirk’s brutal honesty regarding the Cincinnati Bengals.
‘I DON’T FEEL PITY’
To quote from a story written by my colleague, Mark Gokavi, Herbstreit unloaded on the 41-year-old franchise that has made only one playoff appearance in 17 years.
“There’s talk about (USC defensive tackle) Sedrick Ellis coming in as a Cincinnati Bengal,” Herbstreit said. “I don’t know if he fits Cincinnati because he’s got great character. He’s an effort guy. He gives you 100 percent every snap. He’s tremendous.
“I don’t know if he fits in Cincinnati because he’s too good a character. And yet, is he going to fall into the great abyss of the Cincinnati Bengals or is he going to be able to overcome that?”
Herbstreit also blasted away on the club’s handling of the Chad Johnson fiasco.
“It’s an embarrassment to this point,” Herbstreit said. “I’ve been a Bengals fan my entire life, and I really feel at this point — I’m a big Marvin Lewis supporter and fan — but I think he and the staff have created the situation that they’re in with Chad Johnson.
“I don’t feel pity. I don’t feel sorry for them. They kind of had rules for the team and then rules for Chad. This is where you are. Everybody has to be treated the same. In my opinion, this team is back to where we were four or five years ago.”
Just once, ONCE, don’t you wish Bengals president Mike Brown would echo the quote from Reds owner Bob Castellini, who fired general manager Wayne Krivsky and replaced him with Walt Jocketty on Wednesday, April 23.
“We’ve just come to a point where we’re not going to lose anymore,” Castellini said.
Anybody who has been around Mike Brown knows that kind of statement is not his style.
But it sure would be nice to hear.
Just once.
Contact Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
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1999 draft rewind: Darkest day in Bengals history
AKILI SMITH PICKED NO. 3 OVERALL
===The following story ran in the April 18, 1999 editions of the Dayton Daily News. “Ludwig At Large” thought Bengals fans would like to re-live the darkest day in club history===
By Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer
CINCINNATI — Akili Smith came to the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, April 18, 1999, dressed fittingly for the occasion — black suit and orange tie.
Nothing was going to stop his marriage with the Bengals. Not even New Orleans’ blockbuster trade offer of nine draft picks to move up from the 12th slot to the Bengals’ No. 3 position.
Bengals president Mike Brown spurned the Saints and grabbed the Oregon quarterback with the third overall pick of the NFL draft. He then chose West Virginia cornerback Charles Fisher in the second round (33rd overall) and Fresno State safety Cory Hall in the third round (67th overall).
Informed that Cincinnati turned down all six Saints’ picks in 1999, their No. 1s in 2000 and 2001 and their second-rounder in 2002, Smith was surprised.
“Wow! Man!” he said. “Evidently, these guys are really high on me. I’m thankful that they are and that they picked me. They turned down a lot of picks for the future of the Bengals to get me. It becomes a burden on me to respond to something like that.
“My gut feeling told me Cincinnati. I’m proud to be a Bengal. Now it’s time to get out there and really try to get (wide receiver) Carl Pickens signed and be ready to roll. If he’s watching (ESPN), ‘We need you, baby.’
“I want to start. I want to be an on-the-job learner and not a learner from the sidelines. It depends on how quickly I learn the offense. I need to get there and get that big playbook going and sit down with (offensive coordinator) Ken Anderson every single day and just talk football.”
Brown said he’ll release QB Neil O’Donnell this week. That will free up about $3 million in salary cap room needed to sign Smith, who told agent Leigh Steinberg he doesn’t want to hold out. Smith said he’ll plead with Brown to get a deal done.
His contract won’t be as much as Tim Couch’s 7-year, $48-million pact with Cleveland that includes a $12.5 million bonus. But Smith will become a rich man. Last year’s top three picks — Peyton Manning, Ryan Leaf and Andre Wadsworth — got bonuses of $11.6, $11.2 and $10.5 million.
“I know it’s going to be expensive,” Brown said. “It comes with the territory. We are going to have to step up and we will.”
It’ll be worth it if Smith’s success continues. He passed for 3,763 yards with 32 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in 1998, and was named Pac-10 co-offensive player of year with UCLA’s Cade McNown.
Smith, 23, spent 2 1/2 years as an outfielder/first baseman in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, then turned his attention to football. He played two years at Grossmont Junior College in California before moving to Oregon.
His talent, maturity and confidence offers hope for a franchise with the NFL’s worst record (39-89) since 1991.
“We have gone a long time here trying to solve our quarterback problem,” Brown said. “I am convinced that’s our principle problem. We now have an opportunity to solidify that position up to the standard that it’s got to be if we’re going to have a winning team.”
Brown called the Saints’ offer “as good an offer as any ever put in front of us. It was hard to turn down, but it speaks even more to the fact that we think Akili will be a good, long-term player for us. We’re counting on him not just for the immediate future, but for many years to come.”
Smith, who was courted by the Browns, was told by Steinberg on Saturday morning that Couch had reached agreement with Cleveland.
“They were using us as a bargaining chip,” Smith said. “I was leveraged all the way. All along, I really believe they knew they were taking Couch. I don’t think it was fair for them to do that, but they did. It’s just part of big business. That’s a motivation factor for me now.”
Smith looks forward to facing Couch.
“It’ll be a rivalry that’s going to go on for a long time with me and him being in the same division and battling for the No. 1 pick all the way through,” Smith said. “As a true competitor, you want to be number one. I went number three, but I’m number one for the Bengals. I need to live up to that.”
Contact Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
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‘Embarrassing to be a Bengals fan’
READERS RANT ABOUT STATE OF THE TEAM
Judging by the E-mails I receive, Cincinnati Bengals fans are passionate about the 41-year-old franchise that has reached two Super Bowls in the 1980s, but has enjoyed only ONE winning season and ONE playoff appearance in 17 years.
From Sam in Kentucky: “It’s becoming more and more obvious that Marvin Lewis does not have the ability to lead the Bengals. Marvin needs to get a backbone. This team is a mess! This franchise is doomed until Mike Brown quits making football decisions and Marvin is gone. It’s embarrassing to be a Bengals fan.”
From Allen in Hamilton: “Hope the Bengals are going to wake up and smell the coffee with defensive choices all day on Saturday! (OK, maybe a wide receiver and perhaps an offensive lineman at some point, BUT, c’mon, the defense needs serious help!!) Did you see the one mock draft (via Yahoo sports) that had the Bengals selecting RB Mendenhall from Illinois in the first round? Oh my gosh! If they do that, I will need a new television because I will put my foot through the one I am watching!! I’m tempted to waive Rudi Johnson and go with Perry, Irons, Watson and Dorsey at the running backs … but I’m told neither Perry nor Irons might be healthy enough to play this year. Ouch!
From Joe in Beavercreek: “This is my Bengals tale of Whoa! I was listening to the radio on the way to my lunch-time jog and I heard Calvin Cowpie (actually, he’s Colin Cowherd) of ESPN ranting about the cheap, second-rate Cincinnati Bengals turning down the wonderful trade from the Redskins. Despite the many times I would agree with that assessment since Mike Brown took control, I beg to differ on this occasion. This might be a case of the Bengals not being able to afford it. The total bill would likely blow the cap — and then the roster — to bits. There already is Stacey’s big one-year deal, normal escalators for existing contracts and 10 draft picks — including one top-10. Then they’d have to take on the enormous cap hit for Chad’s departure and another first round pick. I don’t believe there is that much money available without cutting some veterans who you otherwise like to keep. It might take them about two seasons to recover from the ensuing roster shake-up and, in the meantime, some key players — Carson, to name one — get two years older and two years more frustrated for going 6-10. Have a good (but busy) weekend and keep the news rolling.”
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In defense of Mike Brown (Chad WON’T retire)
CHAD CANNOT, WILL NOT, RETIRE
In a league that prides itself on “parity,” a league that rewards the worst teams with the top draft picks, the Cincinnati Bengals have defied all odds, all logic, all sensibility by making only one playoff appearance in 17 seasons.
So nothing, absolutely nothing, they do surprises me.
Like rejecting the Washington Redskins trade offer for Chad Johnson.
But in defense of Bengals president Mike Brown, I applaud the fact he’s not letting the tail wag the dog in this Chad Johnson saga.
Like Terrell Owens in San Francisco and Philadelphia, and Willis McGahee in Buffalo, Chadly thought he could earn a ticket out of town by criticizing the team, coaches, management, etc., and hurting the owner’s feelings.
It’s not happenin’. Brown gave Johnson a six-year, $35.5 million extension in 2006, and all Brown wants in return is for Chad to live up to his contract agreement, perform to the best of his ability, and help the team win.
WR CORPS WOULD BE ‘CORPSE’
Trading Johnson to a different team not only hurts the Bengals under the salary cap with an $8 million hit, but it destroys the club’s wide receiver corps in 2008.
With Chris Henry already gone, the club can’t afford to lose Johnson, too. That would leave only one impact receiver — T.J. Houshmandzadeh — in the fold. And that would spell doom. Surely, they would draft one or two replacements. But history shows rookie wide receivers struggle in the NFL (Chad suffered a broken collarbone and was limited to 329 receiving yards his 2001 rookie season).
The Bengals expect to be in the playoff hunt this fall. They can’t get to the postseason with a whole new receiver unit. It wouldn’t be a corps. It would be a corpse.
Bottom line: Brown asked Chadly to build his house. Brown isn’t going to let Chadly pour the foundation, then quit. Chadly is only two years into his six-year deal. Four years (2008-11) remain. Heck, the job ain’t even HALF done!
BENGALS WOULD RETAIN CHAD’S RIGHTS
Players only have the power, the upper hand, when they reach free agency. Poor Chadly is still under contract. Either he plays for the Bengals in 2008 — and he will because he wants to get paid — or he retires.
Retirement isn’t an option, either, for Johnson because he’d give up $18.5 million in base salaries and be forced to PAY BACK the prorated portion of his signing bonus, covering the remaining four years he didn’t play.
Oh, yeah, one other thing.
Even in retirement, the Bengals would retain his rights.
Exhibit A: Barry Sanders and the Detroit Lions.
Contact Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
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Rejecting Chad trade really no surprise
BAD MEMORIES OF ‘99 DRAFT
As a humble guest on Cincinnati’s WCKY-AM radio (1530 Homer The Sports Animal) on Thursday morning, April 23, I was asked by host Alan Cutler — also known as “The Cut Man” — if I was surprised the Cincinnati Bengals turned down a trade offer by the Washington Redskins for Chad Johnson.
The Redskins had offered the Bengals a first-round draft pick this year and a third-rounder in 2009 that could turn into a first rounder if Johnson reached certain performance levels.
Surprised by the trade snub? No, no, a thousand times, no.
Remember, folks: The Bengals are a franchise that TURNED DOWN New Orleans’ blockbuster trade offer of nine draft picks in 1999 so the Saints could move up from the 12th slot to the Bengals’ No. 3 position.
It was April 17, 1999 — the darkest day in Bengals’ history.
Bengals president Mike Brown spurned the Saints and grabbed Oregon quarterback Akili Smith with the third overall pick that year after Cleveland picked Tim Couch No. 1 and Philadelphia tapped Donovan McNabb No. 2.
Cincinnati turned down ALL six Saints’ picks in 1999, their No. 1s in 2000 and 2001 and their second-rounder in 2002.
That’s how badly, how desperately, the Bengals wanted a franchise QB.
The result?
Smith was terminated on June 2, 2003, after four ugly seasons.
He played 22 games with 17 starts from 1999 through 2002, completing 215 passes in 461 attempts (46.6%) for 2,212 yards, 5 TDs and 13 interceptions and a passer rating of 52.8.
Had the Bengals accepted New Orleans’ offer, they could’ve packed some picks and moved back up in the first round to get either Daunte Culpepper, Champ Bailey. Torry Holt or Chris McAlister.
But they were so ill-prepared to handle such wheeling and dealing. They stood still … and paid the price.</