Ocho Cinco, number 85, yes I am talking about Chad Johnson, the outspoken wide receiver who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals. It seemed like the perfect time to write “What To Do About Ocho Cinco” because a lot of people are probably wondering what should be done about Chad right about now. The talented star receiver has been extremely vocal about his demands to be traded to another team. He was recently quoted as saying “I will not be at any mandatory camp,” and “I will not be at training camp. I will not be anywhere in Cincinnati.”
My understanding is that Chad’s main reason for wanting to be traded is that there were those in the Bengals organization that blamed him for the team not winning in 2007. Chad said, “I’m the reason everything went down the drain”, “So I want to make sure they have no more problems with me. Get me out.” The only problem with demanding to be traded at this point is that Chad has 4 more years left on his current contract and the team really can not afford the huge hit they would take to their salary cap by trading him at this point because of the pro-rated bonuses they would have to account for and the cost of replacing him with quality talent.
It really almost seems like it is a lose – lose situation for the team right now. If they trade Johnson they give up too much at this point for it to make economical sense, not too mention they may not get equal value by trading him. If they keep him he could potentially cause division off the field within the locker room and be a major distraction. What to do.
My take is this, you don’t win by how only one player performs on the field and you don’t lose by how only one player performs on the field. You win and lose as a team. Even the best player in the NFL cannot win a single game on his own so it’s pointless to put the majority of the blame on one player. Every running back needs a line to block for him, every receiver needs a quarterback who can throw accurately, and every quarterback needs pass protectors. The same applies on defense. I think Chad needs to develop thicker skin, when you are in the spotlight you are going to be criticized by people all over, especially if you talk and showboat as much as Chad does. I personally love how flamboyant and entertaining #85 is on and off the field, but if you are going to be that way on such a large stage you PERSONALLY have to be able to take the heat when the TEAM as a whole is unsuccessful. Some people are going to make ignorant comments and you can’t let it ruffle your feathers so much.
Chad has 4 years left on his contract, if it is about the money, which I do not believe that it is, he should not have signed the contract extension back in 06’ and he should work towards fulfilling his current deal. I do not think this is the major issue here, and I think this can be resolved by the two sides sitting down in a room and talking. Seriously, both sides need to take at least one step each and drop their pride for a second and talk this crap out. If you’ve been a die-hard Bengals fan thru the 90’s then you are used to the soap opera known as the Cincinnati Bengals by now, I am, and it sucks.
Who-dey think they gonna beat them Bengals? Usually the Bengals dey beat them Bengals. I think they need to hire Dr. Phil as team counselor after all of the off-the-field problems they’ve had over the past few years. Yeah, so that’s my answer, get professional counseling, that’ll fix this problem.
