Chad Johnson (1 Viewer)

[thayman]

These celebrations show me a coach who has no control over his team. No wonder these guys won't make the playoffs, they just aren't very smart.

Marvin has always had to tiptoe around Chad... I suspect it causes friction behind the scenes.I also suspect a large % of the Bengals team, given a chance to voice their opinion w/o being worried about consequences, would tell Chad to shutup and play football - like everyone else on the team already does - except for Chad.

No one questions Chad's ability - he's truly gifted and plays extremely hard. But it seems rather obvious that his me-first actions hurt the team.

If Chad's antics are beneficial to the Bengals, he'd be doing more of them instead of less when the Bengals are losing... to help with the Bengals moral of course. Why only act like a jackass when the team is winning. Seems like that simple fact in and of itself shows whether his grandstanding helps or hurts the Bengals.

I suspect Chad does this crap for one reason... self promotion, which leads to public awareness and camera time, which eventually leads to a bigger payday. So on a strictly dollars level, what he's doing is smart, and I don't doubt his notoriety will increase his market value. From a team perspective, I think it sucks and as a Bengals fan I'll be happy when he's in another uniform.

I could just as easily speculate that all the Bengals players are very happy Chad is on the team, as long as he is drawing all the attention plays open up for everyone else.

 

[Das Boot]

These celebrations show me a coach who has no control over his team. No wonder these guys won't make the playoffs, they just aren't very smart.

I also suspect a large % of the Bengals team, given a chance to voice their opinion w/o being worried about consequences, would tell Chad to shutup and play football - like everyone else on the team already does - except for Chad.No one questions Chad's ability - he's truly gifted and plays extremely hard. But it seems rather obvious that his me-first actions hurt the team.

Those are some big assumptions you are making. His antics don't force his teammates to get arrested, or stop defending the run.

My assumptions are based on human nature. I think it's a safe bet the rest of the team would appreciate talking about their contributions in the game rather than being asked what they thought about Chad's latest me-first activity dujour. Again, simple human nature.There's no way of proving it one way or another... many will continue to believe the entire Bengals team loves what Chad does and it somehow motivates them to play better.

Not sure why you mentioned players getting arrested and the run defense... both of those things suck too.

 

[KoolKat]

I suspect Chad does this crap for one reason... self promotion

I disagree. I think Chad does it to entertain us. Most likely he was like me growing up, and always enjoyed the TD celebrations of so many great players. Now that he is in the NFL, he has the opportunity to entertain. I would do the same thing if I was in the NFL.

Hey, if Bengal fans don't want him, the Broncos will take him.

 

[Das Boot]

No one questions Chad's ability - he's truly gifted and plays extremely hard. But it seems rather obvious that his me-first actions hurt the team.

I could just as easily speculate that all the Bengals players are very happy Chad is on the team, as long as he is drawing all the attention plays open up for everyone else.

See bolded comment above... I'm sure from an ability standpoint the Bengals are extremely happy to have Chad.Ability-wise Chad is one of the best receivers in the game.

No question his presence adds points to the Bengals, through both scoring and creating opportunities for the other players.

My opinion is that his me-first antics also hurt the team, through penalties, through bad moral amongst all the other players who play just as hard as Chad, but get virtually no camera time because they keep their mouthes shut and don't create bulletin board material for opponents, and don't become the focal point of conversation about the team. You know... a team first, all for one and one for all attitude.

To me it seems very simple that a Chad that plays hard and doesn't do me-first antics is more beneficial to the team than the Chad that plays hard and has to be the center of attention.

No way of proving any of it... just an opinion based on human nature and observation of other players who've had to have the spotlight on a team.

I wonder if Chad went to NE or Indy if he'd be allowed to continue his antics there?

 

[Das Boot]

I disagree. I think Chad does it to entertain us. Most likely he was like me growing up, and always enjoyed the TD celebrations of so many great players. Now that he is in the NFL, he has the opportunity to entertain. I would do the same thing if I was in the NFL. Hey, if Bengal fans don't want him, the Broncos will take him.

Lots of teams will take him. Lots of teams wanted TO and Moss tobviously skill of that caliber makes many teams willing to prostitute their morals for the sake of winning.The Bengals have done it too with all of the thugs they have allowed to remain on their team.

 

[KoolKat]

I disagree. I think Chad does it to entertain us. Most likely he was like me growing up, and always enjoyed the TD celebrations of so many great players. Now that he is in the NFL, he has the opportunity to entertain. I would do the same thing if I was in the NFL. Hey, if Bengal fans don't want him, the Broncos will take him.

Lots of teams will take him. Lots of teams wanted TO and Moss tobviously skill of that caliber makes many teams willing to prostitute their morals for the sake of winning.The Bengals have done it too with all of the thugs they have allowed to remain on their team.

I see absolutely nothing morally wrong with what 85 has done.

 

[Das Boot]

I disagree. I think Chad does it to entertain us. Most likely he was like me growing up, and always enjoyed the TD celebrations of so many great players. Now that he is in the NFL, he has the opportunity to entertain. I would do the same thing if I was in the NFL. Hey, if Bengal fans don't want him, the Broncos will take him.

Lots of teams will take him. Lots of teams wanted TO and Moss tobviously skill of that caliber makes many teams willing to prostitute their morals for the sake of winning.The Bengals have done it too with all of the thugs they have allowed to remain on their team.

I see absolutely nothing morally wrong with what 85 has done.

The teams prostitute their own morals... not Chad.After TO danced/stomped on the Cowboys star, I doubt Cowboys mgmt would have agreed to a trade that day.A couple years later... voila.Would Belichick put up with a player who literally quits on his team? Nope, but he'd trade for him.

 

[KoolKat]

I see what you are saying. I do not see how you can say what Chad is doing is not morally wrong, yet say teams that would add him would be "prostituting" their morals if they added him.

 

[Das Boot]

I see what you are saying. I do not see how you can say what Chad is doing is not morally wrong, yet say teams that would add him would be "prostituting" their morals if they added him.

I don't think what Chad is doing is morally wrong.Although as someone who has enjoyed playing sports all my life and enjoys watching sports, I don't like anyone that puts themself ahead of their team, especially to the point of hurting their team (penalties and bulletin board material).Maybe morals wasn't a good choice of words... so whatever the word would be when a team like the Cowboys hates TO with a passion, then signs that same player a couple years later. Hypocrisy maybe - i.e. being completely motivated by winning and $$$.

 

[massraider]

These celebrations show me a coach who has no control over his team. No wonder these guys won't make the playoffs, they just aren't very smart.

I also suspect a large % of the Bengals team, given a chance to voice their opinion w/o being worried about consequences, would tell Chad to shutup and play football - like everyone else on the team already does - except for Chad.No one questions Chad's ability - he's truly gifted and plays extremely hard. But it seems rather obvious that his me-first actions hurt the team.

Those are some big assumptions you are making. His antics don't force his teammates to get arrested, or stop defending the run.

My assumptions are based on human nature. I think it's a safe bet the rest of the team would appreciate talking about their contributions in the game rather than being asked what they thought about Chad's latest me-first activity dujour. Again, simple human nature.There's no way of proving it one way or another... many will continue to believe the entire Bengals team loves what Chad does and it somehow motivates them to play better.

Not sure why you mentioned players getting arrested and the run defense... both of those things suck too.

I mentioned them because part of your post suggested that Chad needs to shut up and do his job like the rest of the team. I was pointing out that the rest of the team isn't doing their job. And I believe that selfish antics by a hard-working guy like Chad are waaay down the list of problems with thie team.Now, I am not a Bengal fan, but I watch a lot of their games (Carson owner in two leagues, Housh in one). I think Chad hasn't had a good year, and I think he has been part of the problem in a few games. But I don't think any on-field histrionics are the problem. I thought he and Carson weren't on the same page several times, and it led to some turnovers.

I also think the coaching has been bad, and the defense sucks. And on a bad team, I think Chad looks stupid with lame TD celebrations.

I just don't think if Chad turned into Barry Sanders when he crossed the goalline, that it would have any affect on the teams' performance.

 

[Das Boot]

These celebrations show me a coach who has no control over his team. No wonder these guys won't make the playoffs, they just aren't very smart.

I also suspect a large % of the Bengals team, given a chance to voice their opinion w/o being worried about consequences, would tell Chad to shutup and play football - like everyone else on the team already does - except for Chad.No one questions Chad's ability - he's truly gifted and plays extremely hard. But it seems rather obvious that his me-first actions hurt the team.

Those are some big assumptions you are making. His antics don't force his teammates to get arrested, or stop defending the run.

My assumptions are based on human nature. I think it's a safe bet the rest of the team would appreciate talking about their contributions in the game rather than being asked what they thought about Chad's latest me-first activity dujour. Again, simple human nature.There's no way of proving it one way or another... many will continue to believe the entire Bengals team loves what Chad does and it somehow motivates them to play better.

Not sure why you mentioned players getting arrested and the run defense... both of those things suck too.

I mentioned them because part of your post suggested that Chad needs to shut up and do his job like the rest of the team. I was pointing out that the rest of the team isn't doing their job. And I believe that selfish antics by a hard-working guy like Chad are waaay down the list of problems with thie team.Now, I am not a Bengal fan, but I watch a lot of their games (Carson owner in two leagues, Housh in one). I think Chad hasn't had a good year, and I think he has been part of the problem in a few games. But I don't think any on-field histrionics are the problem. I thought he and Carson weren't on the same page several times, and it led to some turnovers.

I also think the coaching has been bad, and the defense sucks. And on a bad team, I think Chad looks stupid with lame TD celebrations.

I just don't think if Chad turned into Barry Sanders when he crossed the goalline, that it would have any affect on the teams' performance.

Do you think Chad's antics somehow help the Bengals?... have no effect one way or another?... or may subtly hurt the team in some way?

 

[OU#1]

Ocho Nada was Ocho Cinco this weekend! With 5 games left I predict four more Ocho Nada performances and one more Ocho Cinco performance.

 

[massraider]

These celebrations show me a coach who has no control over his team. No wonder these guys won't make the playoffs, they just aren't very smart.

I also suspect a large % of the Bengals team, given a chance to voice their opinion w/o being worried about consequences, would tell Chad to shutup and play football - like everyone else on the team already does - except for Chad.No one questions Chad's ability - he's truly gifted and plays extremely hard. But it seems rather obvious that his me-first actions hurt the team.

Those are some big assumptions you are making. His antics don't force his teammates to get arrested, or stop defending the run.

My assumptions are based on human nature. I think it's a safe bet the rest of the team would appreciate talking about their contributions in the game rather than being asked what they thought about Chad's latest me-first activity dujour. Again, simple human nature.There's no way of proving it one way or another... many will continue to believe the entire Bengals team loves what Chad does and it somehow motivates them to play better.

Not sure why you mentioned players getting arrested and the run defense... both of those things suck too.

I mentioned them because part of your post suggested that Chad needs to shut up and do his job like the rest of the team. I was pointing out that the rest of the team isn't doing their job. And I believe that selfish antics by a hard-working guy like Chad are waaay down the list of problems with thie team.Now, I am not a Bengal fan, but I watch a lot of their games (Carson owner in two leagues, Housh in one). I think Chad hasn't had a good year, and I think he has been part of the problem in a few games. But I don't think any on-field histrionics are the problem. I thought he and Carson weren't on the same page several times, and it led to some turnovers.

I also think the coaching has been bad, and the defense sucks. And on a bad team, I think Chad looks stupid with lame TD celebrations.

I just don't think if Chad turned into Barry Sanders when he crossed the goalline, that it would have any affect on the teams' performance.

Do you think Chad's antics somehow help the Bengals?... have no effect one way or another?... or may subtly hurt the team in some way?

I would say my guess would be somewhere in between "have no affect" and "may subtly hurt the team". And the only reason I'd say it MAY hurt the team at all is because I think they have a shortage of mature adults on that team.I think pro athletes, in general, don't care about that stuff as much as fans do. When a player holds out, a move that damages a team in tangible ways, his teammates understand it's a business, and players are almost always welcomed back the moment he finally signs. If Chad is promoting himself for financial gain, and if it is obvious to us as fans, I certainly think his teammates know that.

Now, as a fan, I didn't really care for his celebration, and especially not that it cost the team 15 yards, and I am sure a few of his teammates were rolling their eyes, but I doubt there is much resentment of Chad, just because of his antics. Maybe Housh is the example of how a pro should behave, but the way a player celebrates really isn't going to affect the rest of the team, IMO (Well, aside from the occasional penalty).

And if other players on the Bengals are affected by it, those players need to be replaced.

 

[Yitbos69]

Sometimes can't it be about the player(s)? They work hard(no one can say Chad does not give his all on the field). What is wrong with a player enjoying himself? He is a great player and I enjoy his act.

 

[Das Boot]

Sometimes can't it be about the player(s)? They work hard(no one can say Chad does not give his all on the field). What is wrong with a player enjoying himself? He is a great player and I enjoy his act.

Every player on every team works hard, most of them give everything they have on the field.Very few have to resort to scripted antics though.

 

[Das Boot]

I would say my guess would be somewhere in between "have no affect" and "may subtly hurt the team". And the only reason I'd say it MAY hurt the team at all is because I think they have a shortage of mature adults on that team.

I think pro athletes, in general, don't care about that stuff as much as fans do. When a player holds out, a move that damages a team in tangible ways, his teammates understand it's a business, and players are almost always welcomed back the moment he finally signs. If Chad is promoting himself for financial gain, and if it is obvious to us as fans, I certainly think his teammates know that.

Now, as a fan, I didn't really care for his celebration, and especially not that it cost the team 15 yards, and I am sure a few of his teammates were rolling their eyes, but I doubt there is much resentment of Chad, just because of his antics. Maybe Housh is the example of how a pro should behave, but the way a player celebrates really isn't going to affect the rest of the team, IMO (Well, aside from the occasional penalty).

And if other players on the Bengals are affected by it, those players need to be replaced.

My thoughts are that there's no arguing whether a 15 yard penalty hurts the team. I also believe giving the other teams bulletin board material hurts as well. I also suspect, human nature being what it is, Chad isn't going to get the benefit of close calls from refs on occasion, whereas a Marvin Harrison or a Housh will.I also believe pro athletes are even more likely than normal people to be extremely ego driven, thus I suspect there is a lot of under the surface resentment amongst the entire Bengal organization of the attention Chad seeks and gets - it's human nature, and would be that way anywhere Chad goes, it's nothing unique to the Bengals.

 

[Balco]

I think the people using the "I have heard no complaints from players that he is a bad teammate" are not understanding what teammate means.

A bad teammate focuses attention on himself and not the team. And a horrible teammate is one, who is so caught up in himself, he does ridiculous celebration that cost his team 15 yards. Does that make him a bad person? Nope. Does that make him a bad teammate? You bet.

Although I partly blame Chad Johnson for his spectacle, the blame should also be put on Marvin Lewis. He should be fining him for every celebration penalty, each one more severe than the next.

No one is saying Johnson is a bad person off the field, or doesn't work hard. He does. He just is a terrible teammate who only thinks about himself on the field.

 

[KoolKat]

I asked about his celebrations that have not drawn flags.

Which ones are those and what was your question?

It seems to me that 85 gets a lot of flack for celebrations like his HOF jacket, doing CPR on the ball, marriage proposal, pylon putt, Santa Chad where he handed out autographed footballs, and others that didn't draw flags. Why are these celebrations in any way worse than the Lambeau Leap?

 

[Tarkin]

It's a friggin GAME, folks. Not life or death. A GAME. God Lord.

 

[Tarkin]

I asked about his celebrations that have not drawn flags.

Which ones are those and what was your question?

It seems to me that 85 gets a lot of flack for celebrations like his HOF jacket, doing CPR on the ball, marriage proposal, pylon putt, Santa Chad where he handed out autographed footballs, and others that didn't draw flags. Why are these celebrations in any way worse than the Lambeau Leap?

Because Green Bay is White Bread?

 

[heidbrink]

I will give CJ a couple of things. He does not do his antics to spite his team nor does he create bad blood with his opponents. I remember his "checklist" and him making good on a bet with D. Hall where head shaving was involved. He does what he does in good spirit. I will give him that he is trying to have fun and I have fun with him to some extent I have to admit.

On the other hand... I do not seem to recall Jerry Rice doing anything except being the consumate professional. Being the loudest doesn't make you the best.

 

[JP]

First things first, the guy is extremely talented.Watching the post game team review all the 1pm games I had the pleasure of listening to Boomer rip Chad by saying aftyer his first TD "Now it's time to be an idiot" and "It's all about ME and not the team".I agree that it was foolish for him to get a penatly for his celebration but for Boomer to say "It's all about Chad" and insinuate that he isan't a team player is false. All I've heard from the team and coaches is that throught all the losing that Chad has worked harder than most and that he hasn't complained at all about Housh getting all the TD's. Now he finally has a good day and all the haters want to come out and rip him.Just don't think it's fair. I don't think it's a coincidence that the first week in about 9 that he goes off they play their best game as a team.