Palmer might not like it, but Bengals need HBO exposure

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By Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer 10:07 PM Thursday, July 2, 2009

First there was a sigh. Then a roll of the eyes and a turn of the head.

I had just asked quarterback Carson Palmer how he feels about his teammates becoming HBO’s latest stars this summer when “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Cincinnati Bengals” unfolds from Georgetown (Ky.) College.

He didn’t utter a word. His body language said it all. Palmer will relish the scrutiny of NFL Films’ cameras and microphones about as much as he enjoyed rehabilitating his right elbow injury from a year ago when the tendon and ligament were detached from the bone.

As Associated Press reporter Joe Kay wrote: “The cable channel and NFL Films chose one of the least successful and most dysfunctional teams of the past 18 years” for the series.

And the Bengals agreed to it. Not because they want the national exposure. But they definitely need it — for two reasons.

The series should enhance their poor image. They’re viewed as losers and perceived as criminals. They’ve had one winning season in 18 years and went through a stretch where 10 players were arrested in 15 incidents between December 2006 and June 2007.

That stigma lingers. Maybe HBO’s spin will knock it out.

And let’s not forget that season tickets are available for the first time in three years. Paul Brown Stadium is nowhere near sold out.

The Bengals don’t get any money from “Hard Knocks.” However, with 30 million HBO subscribers in 50 states, the team is bound to win some fans eager to cough up cash for tickets.

Remember: Team owner andpresident Mike Brown is a very smart businessman.

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