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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 > 2009 > June > 12 > Entry
Chad: ‘I don’t think I’ve been a distraction’
Everybody had fun with Chad Ochocinco’s facial tattoos — especially Chad because they turned out to be fake and we, the media, fell for the washable ink hook, line and sinker.
I’ll give it up to Chad. When he pulls a prank, it’s usually a good one.
The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver is boxing now — he was headed to a gym in Mount Auburn following practice on Thursday, June 11 — and there are lots of folks who think Chad’s gone off the deep end and is about to ink up his face like Mike Tyson.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/06/11/ochocinco-says-his-facial-tattoos-are-fake/
Folks, that’s not going to happen.
What is going to happen is this:
Chad’s going to have another Pro Bowl season — his sixth — in 2009.
He discovered before and during the April draft that nobody except the Bengals wanted him. He wants to be wanted.
He admitted he didn’t work as hard last offseason as he normally does because he wanted out out Cincinnati. Now that he’s chained to his oar, he’s prepared to make the best of it.
The third reason: Chad is, well, Chad. The dude’s a competitor.
The Chad I saw on Thursday appeared to be the old Chad.
He was intense, focused and excited running routes, catching passes and, of course, speaking his mind.
“He’s coming in with the right attitude and mindset which is to work,” QB Carson Palmer said. “He’s a big part in the process of getting this team back in the playoffs. I’m glad he’s here and in shape and it will pay off down the road. We’ll get it back.”
“It” is that magic.
Know this: Chad has a good memory. Former Bengals center Eric Ghiaciuc — now with the Kansas City Chiefs — called Chad a distraction. Chad kept his poise on Thursday, refusing to call Ghiaciuc a “swinging gate” in front of Palmer. But Chad hasn’t forgotten Ghiaciuc’s words of criticism.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/06/03/former-bengal-talks-about-ochocinco-fueled-distractions/
“People are going to talk and have their perceptions, but really there’s only one person that matters, his last name is Brown and his first name is Mike,” Ochocinco said, referring to the Bengals owner. “So when he comes from upstairs and tells me, ‘Chad you’re a distraction,’ then I’ll stop.
“I really don’t think I’ve been a distraction anyway. The word cancer has come up a lot. I haven’t been a cancer. No one in here (the locker room) has a problem with me. You guys know that. I’m a likeable person, I’m a loveable person. I might go across the edge every now and then, you know that’s it, but I always come back. Last year was very humbling and embarrassing for myself and I’m able to say that.”
Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By collards
June 12, 2009 6:02 AM | Link to this
Hey Chad Johnson, It doesn’t matter what you think anymore. The fans have had enough of your “thinking” the last few years
By Trent
June 12, 2009 6:17 AM | Link to this
It’s a good thing Eric Ghiaciuc got a shot with another team this season. After his performance for the Bengals over the past 4 seasons, I would have thought the only work he could get was as a gate guard at Wright-Patt. The only difference being that he would have to check someone’s ID before he let them blow right past him. (And my apologies to gate guards everywhere for mentioning them in the same sentence with Eric Ghiaciuc.)
By John
June 12, 2009 7:18 AM | Link to this
The reason the media and fans were faked out by the face tatoo is because they think he’s on a mental par with Tyson.
By John Lacy
June 12, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this
trent, now that was funny!!!!!! well done sir. I was the biggest chad supporter/backer. Wont be ever again, hes not going to shut up, best we can hope for is he performs and no 15 yard flags. hes a bengal whether we like it or not
By Austin Powers
June 12, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this
Take Chad for what he is - a guy who loves football, the limelight and the cameras. Guy has skills - hope he has another pro bowl year cause that means hthe team will be in the playoffs,. The real concern is the offensive line play this year. Did they upgrade? Can they gel for the season?Andre Smith may be the key to a successful year. Enjoy the ride -
By TouchDown Troy
June 12, 2009 10:41 PM | Link to this
Chad looks like he has the fire to be awesome again. Its scry t think how good Carson and CO. could be.
By islebfrank
June 14, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this
I read the following in an article on Bengals.com, which suggests Chad had more of a reaction than you let on: When Chad was told that former center Eric Ghiaciuc indicated The Ocho was a distraction, he fired back, “Ghiaciuc’s play was a distraction. Of all people to call me that.” Don’t get me wrong, I’m with Chad on this one, and L’dMAO when I read his reaction. As for girlchick I don’t really care what he says since he is the enemy now and his intentions can’t be trusted.
By photoman
June 15, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this
Maybe Chad was getting ready for WWE with the tattoo. He would fit in there, when his playing days are over in Cincinnati. He just needs to “bulk up” a little.
By photoman
June 15, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this
Our Chickster wrote: “He discovered before and during the April draft that nobody except the Bengals wanted him. He wants to be wanted”. I’m pretty sure the WWE would take our Ocho, (he would be wanted) when he “bulks up”. I feel he would fit in there as soon as he wants to go. He could even have a real tattoo and be impressive!
By photoman
June 15, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
By the way…how many former Bengal players have left the team with our Ocho being at least part of the reason for going? I remember he and Henry were distractions not too long ago. Seems Chris is doing better this time as a Bengal.
By Brian
June 16, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this
Ehh. Let’s wait and see how the talk translates onto the field. If they’re not dramatically better out of the gate the season will be over in a hurry.
By Brian
June 17, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this
Buyer beware: The tagged seats on the 25 yard line, third row, at the end of the aisle are available not necessarily because the former occupant was fed up with the product on the field. It’s HIGHLY likely they’re available because the season ticket holders sitting in the MIDDLE of that aisle: 1) get up to go to the bathroom 80 times a game (40 of those times during game play); 2) regularly get hammered on $7.00 beers, scream obscenities around kids, and provoke fights with anyone wearing an opposing team’s jersey; or 3) sell their seats to Steelers and Ravens (etc.) fans who get hammered on $7.00 beers, scream obscenities around kids, and provoke fights with anyone wearing a Bengals jersey. Anyway, good luck selecting-a-seat!
By Brian
June 17, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this
D’OH! That post was supposed to go elsewhere. Back to THIS post, I’ll bet Eric Ghiaciuc is a distraction to Matt Cassel, who should probably be sizing flack jackets right about now.
By Pharmk92
November 2, 2009 12:29 AM | Link to this
Very nice site!