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Bengals 'bully' playing it cool — for now
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — The Cincinnati Bengals' veterans keep warning the rookies:"Beware the Toledo Bully."
As the oldest player on the team, 33-year-old defensive end Bryan Robinson has an image to uphold — big, tough, grumpy, ornery and sneaky.
Extras
Robinson has been relatively tame during training camp at Georgetown College.
"But it's still early yet," he said. "These are long, hot days, and we're all a little gassed right now. It's tough for those guys to get the playbook down. They're trying to be consistent and productive. So I know how it is. But all that stuff is coming."
In other words, rookies better protect their personal belongings at Paul Brown Stadium and keep their heads on a swivel.
"I'm not giving 'em anything more than anybody else — yet," Robinson said. "This is a no-hazing league. When I came in as a rookie, that type of stuff was around. Now I just look at 'em in a mean way or just growl at them."
Robinson, an 11-year veteran from Fresno State who prepped at Toledo Woodward, loves playing tricks on rookies in practice, too.
"Just when you think he's going to sleep on a play," right guard Bobbie Williams said, "he gives you a rip move, and the next thing you know you're getting cussed out in a meeting. You've got to watch him. Nobody's safe around The Toledo Bully."
Rookie end Bryan Andrews got his bullying baptism during a D-line meeting. Robinson was involved in a discussion with coach Jay Hayes, who said, "I'm gonna ask somebody how to draw up this play."
Robinson shouted: "Hey, rookie, how about you do it?"
"If you aren't paying attention or don't know the play, coach is going to find out real quick and ride our butts even harder," Andrews said.
Luckily for Andrews, he drew it up correctly.
"If you don't know 'BRob,' you might take it the wrong way," Andrews said. "He's a great guy. He's an old-school cat. We really like him."
Today's practice
When: 9-11 a.m.
Where: Georgetown (Ky.) College
Admission: Free
Parking: $15 per car
