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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 > 2008 > December > 04 > Entry
Dinner for two — Chick & Chad
CHAD’S CONFESSION:
‘AFTER EVERY LOSS,
I GO HOME AND CRY’
I met Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco for dinner at his favorite restaurant at Rookwood Commons — just off I-71 at the Smith-Edwards exit.
I was anchored in the bar area, sipping water with a lemon wedge, when Chad tapped on the side door entrance off the patio at 5:45 p.m. The door was locked, but the bartender — who knows Chad — graciously unlocked the door and let him in.
We sat at a large table in the far corner of the restaurant.
Chick Ludwig
Chad ordered cranberry juice, croissants dripping in honey butter for an appetizer, and the “The Chad Dish” for his main course … a surf-and-turf entree that included a petite filet mignon, grilled salmon, broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes.
Not wanting to run up the bill, I ordered a boring ol’ club sandwich that came with string fries. And coffee, of course — cream and sugar.
And for more than an hour, Chad vented his frustration …
Chad Ocho Cinco
Like Carson Palmer, he can’t believe the Bengals are 1-10-1.
“After every loss, I go home and cry,” Chad said.
News of the day: He told me wants to stay in Cincinnati and be part of the team’s solution.
During our meal, Chad was texting head coach Marvin Lewis.
“He’s not just my coach,” Chad said. “He’s my father.”
Chad also took two calls on his cell.
“Who we foolin’?” he barked. “We’re going over there (Indianapolis) and getting our asses kicked.”
Dinner and conversation ended at 7:15 p.m.
I grabbed my American Express card and told the waiter I wanted the bill.
“Put that thing away,” Chad said. “I’ve got it.”
Chad also picked up the tab of a couple seated nearby.
The four-person bill was $79 and change. He left a $20 tip.
Chad hasn’t changed. He’s still the same intense, charming, supremely confident and fun-lovin’ guy I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for 8 years.
Narcissistic, of course, but in a cuddly sort of way.
Permalink | Comments (16) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Kevin
December 4, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
You spend an hour with Ocho Cinco and all we get are four brief quotes? You spent way more space describing dinner and paying for it than you did on anything football related. Come on, Chick, your blog posts are usually much better than this.By ohio ex patriate
December 4, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Personally, I so loved the food review. Wish we were told what Chad was wearing too. And what about that suprised couple whose check Chad picked up? Just what in the heck did they have to say? Oh Chick. Oh Chick. We still think your the best, but, WTF?By jimbo
December 4, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
A chance for Chick to name drop. Nice to see that Chad dates white people too.This is about lame, and the DDN actually pays you for this crap.By John
December 4, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
I’m still leery of COC being a Bengal when they make the SB. I’m afraid his touchdown show will be a distraction and be competitive with the half time show.By margo
December 4, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Interesting behind-the-scenes blog post, Chick. And I found it interesting that he picked up that couple’s check. I would have expected him to breeze by them on his way out.By John
December 4, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
(Could this be a modern day Frick and Frack?). “Chick and Chad” has become an English slang term used in two ways. One is to refer to two people so closely associated as to be indistinguishable;…(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).By Brian
December 4, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Chad’s contribution to the solution was blown when Mikey turned down the trade offer from Washington (and God knows what Dallas would have given up if Mikey had the foresight to open up bidding…). I can’t feel too sorry for Chad considering the size of the checks he’s cashing, but it’s still tragic that the final years of his prime will be wasted due to Mike Brown’s childish stubbornness.By ohio ex patriate
December 4, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Question Chick: Do you sit back and read the responses to your blog then ignore reader feedback? Legit questions have been asked blog and blog again, then you veer off to another topic. How about some comments? Spark the dialogue.By Chick Ludwig
December 4, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Dear Ohio Ex-Patriat: I write the blogs that make the whole world sing…then readers rumble among themselves. If I had TIME, I’d answer every single one, but guess what? I also write for the Dayton Daily News newspaper. I make 172 round trips to Cincinnati a year in a car. I have a family. I’m on the phone interviewing people. I do research. I write. I need to get a life ‘cuz I don’t have one.By blindeye
December 4, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Chick, You forgot to mention that you pick the videos too or does the web bouncer pick them for you? BTW, I loved the Big O video! Great song! Great selection. I wonder if anyone else noticed all the other stars that were playing backup in the video. I saw Springsteen and Costello. As for your dinner with Chad…. It sounded like a wonderful deal and it sounds like you had a good time even if you only had a Club sandwich. The funny thing that I see about the whole thing is that it was just shy of a month ago when you were saying that Chad did a big disservice to the team and the fans during his sleeping and suspension and that he should really be out of Cincinnati. It’s good to know that Chad is human but could you tell him to get his a*s in gear and just play football.By amanda
December 5, 2008 2:08 AM | Link to this
Why did you point out how much he tipped? He barely tipped over 20% which is standard and he makes how much money a year? What a pointless comment to throw in there.By amanda
December 5, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this
Why did you point out how much he tipped? He barely tipped over 20% which is standard and he makes how much money a year? What a pointless comment to throw in there.By bob
December 5, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Chick, I like your stories and hope you are thick -skinned enough not to listen to the people who bad mouth you with out any constructive criticismBy whozit
December 5, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Amanda needs to get out her calculator. It was a 25 percent tip. The tip comment was pointless, Amanda’s was just clueless.By nick
December 6, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
….and….your point here was…….By Really??
December 9, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
I know now why I have never read a “Chick at large” blog before and never will again. Was there any substance to this interview? Sounds like two guys having dinner. BORING!!!!! DDN if you want a writer, call me!!