If the Bengals get the right offer, Ochocinco is gone

AP File Photo Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco.

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By Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer Updated 3:35 PM Sunday, April 26, 2009

Inquiring minds want to know if the Chad Ochocinco era in Cincinnati ends today, April 25, with a trade of the disgruntled wide receiver.

Head coach Marvin Lewis said he won’t move his five-time Pro Bowler, whose contract runs through 2011. However, if a suitor from the NFC East dangles the right carrot, Ocho could go-go.

Owner Mike Brown doesn’t want to set a precedent by dealing Ochocinco with years remaining on his contract. But Brown has to realize an angry, pouting player doesn’t offer his best effort when he’s unhappy.

Trading Chad would give the club ammunition to make a play for a prized wideout such as Jeremy Maclin, Michael Crabtree or Darrius Heyward-Bey. It would also send a cool breeze of fresh air through the locker room.

Brown’s infatuation with offensive skill players is legendary. With that in mind, Lewis offered one final smoke screen in an attempt to lead draft experts into believing he’ll concentrate on upgrading the defensive unit on Day 1 of the draft.

“Mike’s getting worried,” Lewis said. “He’s worrying that he might not have to show up (in the Bengals’ War Room) until maybe Sunday. Or if he has to come in at all.”

The Bengals won’t forget the defense, but upgrading all aspects of the league’s worst offense is the highest priority.

Contact this reporter at  (937) 225-2253 or cludwig @DaytonDailyNews.com.

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All of you talk like Mike Brown has some common sense when it comes to troubled players. Yet, he hasn't shown a lot of any sense with regards to Chris Henry, Odell Thurman, or Chad Ocho Stinko! As long as MB assumes the "role" of a GM, the Bengals will never be anything but a laughing stock. Al Davis has a protege ... named Mike Brown!

Neil
1:03 AM, 4/27/2009

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Johnson wasn't mis handled. He is just like so many pro athletes; spoiled to no extent, cry if he doesn't get his way.(Not all are like him, not saying that, but some are) Its really hard to believe this is still an issue, he should have either been straightened out and if that didn't work show him the door. I have 2 grandsons in t-ball,them and there teammates could teach Chad "I CRY SO MUCH THATS WHY I ALWAYS DEHYDRATE DURING GAMES' JOHNSON how your supposed to act as an athlete/teammate.

Rick
8:15 PM, 4/25/2009

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Yes he may be gone- to resurface with another team to make a big impact like many of the players the Bengals mishandled. Seems that the Bengals have a history of taking a player, making a pathetic attempt to develop them, giving up on them, trading them and watching them become an impact player with another team. Then again, there's always Akili Smith to shoot that statement down.

VietVet
7:35 PM, 4/25/2009

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Well, the Bengals don't seem to be going anywhere soon,(playoffs); so perhaps when 2011 comes, MB and COC can go in a package deal. Then maybe positive energy and playoffs can come back to Cincinnati. We'll just have to wait them (the two of them) out.

photoman
5:07 PM, 4/25/2009

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I think they need to show him who he works for!put his *** in the cheese line

randy
2:45 PM, 4/25/2009

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