Reactions to Chad Ochocinco's pledge to Tweet during games

Published July 10, 2009 at 4:47 p.m.
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...More photos »...by Tom Uhlman - AP...

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...23 days ago:...Cincinnati Bengals' wide receiver Chad Ochocinco catches a pass during football practice in Cincinnati on Friday June 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)...

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"Damn NFL and these rules," Ochocinco posted on his Twitter page earlier today..."I am going by my own set of rules, I ain't hurting nobody or getting in trouble, I am putting my foot down!!"

That was Chad Johnson's reaction after learning that the NFL "prohibits the use of cell phones or other handheld devices in the bench area during games." No, technically, he's no hurting anyone. But this just proves that he doesn't understand why Cincinnati fans hate to deal with him at times. We know he's one of the best receivers in the league -- perhaps that should be a past-tense statement. Many people would rather ditch a guy who, between 2003-2007 averaged 92 receptions, 1,374 yards receiving and nearly nine touchdowns a season. What does that say?

In my point of view, this is meaningless right now. We're still in the offseason. Expectations are limited. From all indications, reports and comments, he's worked very hard in the offseason. Now, if this leaks into training camp and into the season, then I'm sure fans who are more forgiving, hoping to see the old Chad Johnson return, will quickly turn their backs on him and his support in this city will drop; except on Sundays of course. We're old conservative Cincinnati where we appreciate hard work in sports, all for the sake of achieving the greater goal.

Also something to point out here. The Bengals are, right now, in the middle of a total restructuring effort within the offensive playbook. New things. New philosophies. Changes which required Chad to "make up" time and get into the new flow of things. Reportedly, he did quite well. There's also new players, younger players. If there's a time in which this organization needs team-minded attitudes, it's right now. Things are developing. Younger players are impressionable (uh hum, Andre Smith). I made this point with the Washington Post Panel, saying that Twittering on the bench during regular season games is asking for disaster.

But that's Chad for you. He says something on Twitter in reaction to the NFL and we all are making a fuss about something that's not likely to even happen; heck, might not have been very serious about it. He might have over-reacted because everyone else over-reacted and now we're over-reacting to his over-reaction. But see, that's why I love life. We can build onto over-reactions for years; it keeps us busy, you know?

Dan Levy suggests that the question of whether to allow players to Twitter during games will boil down to the financial benefit. Jason Maloni suggests that anyone in high profile positions could regret using it. However Peter Schaffer suggests professionalism, but points out the league would limit this because it would promote individualism while Doug Farrar took our position that he should focus on the team while it's rebuilding and escape a 4-11-1 season. Jim McCormick also speaks of individualism, while pointing out the league will shut it down before it becomes something that's uncontrollable.

Dave suggests that Chad might be ahead of the curve, flabbergasted by Mike Greenburg's suggestion that in essence, it's the only "logical extension of what already goes on", with sideline reporters, half-time interviews, and all that. I don't know. I'm not quit sure. I'm thinking it over. Did I use flabbergasted correctly?

Who Dey Fans don't mind.

There's more about life than Chad Ochocinco's Twittering.

I agree with James Walker's assessment that the Bengals offensive line will take some time to come together. Should we be worried about Carson Palmer's health?

Bleacher Report scores an interview with the Enquirer's beat writer. Problem here is now I'm wondering if I've been calling him Joe and he'd prefer Joseph. Is he insulted? Upset? On the other hand, I'm thinking of making y'all call me Joshua. Sounds powerful. Like the bad guy in Lethal Weapon. Or some old book.

Bleacher Report (yea, two references in one links and notes -- who thunk that was possible?) suggests that Brian Leonard could be the feature back in the Cincinnati Bengals backfield.

Don Banks goes through 40 juicy NFL storylines -- five per division. Regarding the Bengals, Banks writes that it's "a make or break season for just about everyone in Cincinnati, starting with the receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson."

Marge Schott's mansion is up for sale, listing at $3.95 million.

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