HBO Hard Knocks (Bengals) (2 Viewers)

[myronzip92]

I do not have HBO, so I wonder if Hard Knocks is worthed and if you were able to get any significant insight on what to expect from the Bengals in 2009 (I have Palmer and Benson on my team).

Thanks for your comments

 

[gump]

There is a thread in the FFA...which was strange, since the previous HK threads were always here (I thought).

 

[Rushmore]

There is a thread in the FFA...which was strange, since the previous HK threads were always here (I thought).

hmm. I was wondering where a thread was. I could definitely see arguments made why it would be relevant in the SP

 

[B. Nugget]

There is a thread in the FFA...which was strange, since the previous HK threads were always here (I thought).

Disclaimer: I'm a Mizzou season ticket holder but I try not to let that cloud my judgement.I think Chase Coffman will be a very good pro TE, but he is getting a crash course in his first year due to the injuries and may struggle early on because of the transition to more of a traditional TE role and the pressure that comes with it. I feel like it is his job to lose right now, he has the tools to succeed and the door just opened for the oppurtunity. The cool thing for a guy that has followed him since his JR. year in high school is that we will see how he handles it all under the bright lights of HBO.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I love this series. Thought last nights was excellent. Reggie Kelly stuff was great.

I know it's a big boys game and all. But I was pretty surprised at how they cut the FB.

For you guys that didn't see. Jim Lippincott, director of Football operations, looks like the most non athletic guy in camp. He is the one that cuts players. He knocks on the FB's door at 5:30 am and pretty strongly says "get up". Guy staggers to the door. Lippincott says "You're waived. That means you have 24 hours where another team may pick you up. Be ready for the bus at 7 to take you to the airport."

Player is asleep and stunned. He just says, "Wow". Then says, "Why?"

Lippencott doesn't skip a beat and says, "Ability. The only reason we ever cut a player is because of ability".

That just seems lame to me. Sure it might be the truth. But there are ways to let a guy go that are WAY better than that.

J

 

[Team Legacy]

Coaching is THE biggest factor in the NFL when it comes to wins and losses. This organization is BLIND to the fact that this guy Lewis can't coach.

 

[maxwelledison]

I love this series. Thought last nights was excellent. Reggie Kelly stuff was great.I know it's a big boys game and all. But I was pretty surprised at how they cut the FB.For you guys that didn't see. Jim Lippincott, director of Football operations, looks like the most non athletic guy in camp. He is the one that cuts players. He knocks on the FB's door at 5:30 am and pretty strongly says "get up". Guy staggers to the door. Lippincott says "You're waived. That means you have 24 hours where another team may pick you up. Be ready for the bus at 7 to take you to the airport."Player is asleep and stunned. He just says, "Wow". Then says, "Why?"Lippencott doesn't skip a beat and says, "Ability. The only reason we ever cut a player is because of ability".That just seems lame to me. Sure it might be the truth. But there are ways to let a guy go that are WAY better than that.J

Agreed. This is very harsh. And unnecessary.Look, I realize this is the NFL but that doesn't mean you treat people like ****. If this is the way the Bengals handle their business that may explain a few things, though.

 

[gump]

I agree.

Previous seasons, they caught the cut-ee after practice and asked him to go to the "Turk's" office...right? Then the Turk would sit him down and explain in detail why he was being let go.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I love this series. Thought last nights was excellent. Reggie Kelly stuff was great.I know it's a big boys game and all. But I was pretty surprised at how they cut the FB.For you guys that didn't see. Jim Lippincott, director of Football operations, looks like the most non athletic guy in camp. He is the one that cuts players. He knocks on the FB's door at 5:30 am and pretty strongly says "get up". Guy staggers to the door. Lippincott says "You're waived. That means you have 24 hours where another team may pick you up. Be ready for the bus at 7 to take you to the airport."Player is asleep and stunned. He just says, "Wow". Then says, "Why?"Lippencott doesn't skip a beat and says, "Ability. The only reason we ever cut a player is because of ability".That just seems lame to me. Sure it might be the truth. But there are ways to let a guy go that are WAY better than that.J

Agreed. This is very harsh. And unnecessary.Look, I realize this is the NFL but that doesn't mean you treat people like ****. If this is the way the Bengals handle their business that may explain a few things, though.

And you know those guys talk. It gets around that this is how the Bengals treat players and the next thing you know you have a reputation.I understand the business part of it. This was just stupid though. Took an ugly task and just made it tons worse. I posted this in the other thread. First, you don't wake the guy up and drag him out of bed to cut him. You do it that night when the decision is made.Secondly, you can make it so the guy hates you less. Saying, "I'm sorry. We've got too many guys at your position and we're just going to go a different direction. We wanted to do this early so you'd have the best chance possible of landing with another team. (which Lippencott said afterwards to the camera but not to the guy). Say, you're obviously a talented player and I think you've got a shot to land on another roster. If I can help you there, don't hesitate to have them give me a call. I'll help if I can. Good luck, Man. You worked hard and we really appreciate you giving us your best shot."That is all tons better than telling the guy he doesn't have the ability.How much does that hurt? To be told you don't have the ability to play for the Bengals?J

 

[Kleck]

I love this series. Thought last nights was excellent. Reggie Kelly stuff was great.

Great show, and agree with the Reggie Kelly stuff. That guy's heart and team leadership is something you'll never see from looking at the stats. I could see him coaching in the NFL after his playing days are done.

 

[Nemesis Enforcer]

I love this series. Thought last nights was excellent. Reggie Kelly stuff was great.I know it's a big boys game and all. But I was pretty surprised at how they cut the FB.For you guys that didn't see. Jim Lippincott, director of Football operations, looks like the most non athletic guy in camp. He is the one that cuts players. He knocks on the FB's door at 5:30 am and pretty strongly says "get up". Guy staggers to the door. Lippincott says "You're waived. That means you have 24 hours where another team may pick you up. Be ready for the bus at 7 to take you to the airport."Player is asleep and stunned. He just says, "Wow". Then says, "Why?"Lippencott doesn't skip a beat and says, "Ability. The only reason we ever cut a player is because of ability".That just seems lame to me. Sure it might be the truth. But there are ways to let a guy go that are WAY better than that.J

funny you should bring this up, my wife and I were watching it last night and we thought the same thing, it was one of those instances where you don't know if that is how they are all the time or if they were schticking it up for the cameras but it was a little strange. Seemed a little over the top to me, but I have never been around NFL camps before so maybe they are all like that.Overall I liked the show, I had never seen it before, and my wife actually got into it, so it was a win win all around.

 

[seahawk 17]

TE coach had me laughing with the way he goes over practice film with the players.

 

[bigcorn]

i enjoyed it. but i'm a bengals fan...

nothing i can directly point to to justify my feeling on this, but i feel better about Chad having a big year after watching the show.

if the line holds up and gives Palmer time, i think Chad will put up numbers like he did prior to last year. i don't think he can be covered one-on-one, Palmer just has to be able to get him the ball.

i thought the one part where Carson was on Chad about playing hard every play was interesting. i don't think he trusts Chad like he did T.J. as far as being where he is supposed to be on every play.

its hard to tell from the edited clips from the show, but one thing i didn't like was how it seemed like Mike Brown was making personnel decisions. not that i knew he didn't already (Chris Henry wouldn't be on the team if it where up to Marvin) but owners need to let coaches handle that. especially when the owner is Mike Brown. maybe the coaches do but it seemed like Brown was calling the shots.

 

[Righetti]

interesting show.. agreed with Joe's take on the whole letting the guy go thing.. really was pretty harsh for no good reason

 

[Sweet Love]

Good show...felt bad about the cutting, but as a headhunter, I have heard a million war stories about being fired, so until someone tells me they were led out by their genetalia, color me jaded.

I did find Andre Smith to be something different. Guy has been labeled a "bad guy", but he looks like he could be one of the Clumps...dorky, 340lb guy. My wife almost fell over when she first saw him, because he really looks like he is 15. Just interesting that is the face of the guy behind all this contraversy is really a child...kinda like Master Blaster without the midget on top.

 

[QuizGuy66]

longer thoughts later - have watched it twice now.

I'm curious if "ability" is always the answer now because of the collective bargaining agreement. You can't cut a guy for other reasons (techincally speaking) but you can always cut them for ability. Essentially what I'm saying is that this might be the standard answer to cover their butts.

As for the timing - you can't quite be sure. If they are bringing someone else in and want them in for that day's practice that really may've been the only time to do it.

All that said, the Turk visit did seem to be quite harsh. Since it won't be the last cut they show, I'm sure, we'll get to see if this an aberration or standard practice.

-QG

 

[GroveDiesel]

Agree with Joe and others on the cut thing. Seemed like a terrible way to do it. Especially since everything leading up to that point seemed to indicate that he was doing a good job. Right now I'm reading a book called "Next Man Up: A Year Behind the Lines in Today's NFL." It's all about the 2004 Baltimore Ravens from nuts to bolts. There's no way Billick would ever cut a player like that. Sounds like just about no other team would cut a player like that.

And from watching how much involvement Mike Brown has, my guess is that he's the sickness of the organization. Everyone hears about how much Jerry Jones and Daniel Snyder meddle with their teams, but Brown seems like the worst of the lot. That franchise is never going to change until he's gone. It's ridiculous that an owner is sitting in meetings making decisions on the #3 TE spot.

 

[B. Nugget]

Agree with Joe and others on the cut thing. Seemed like a terrible way to do it. Especially since everything leading up to that point seemed to indicate that he was doing a good job. Right now I'm reading a book called "Next Man Up: A Year Behind the Lines in Today's NFL." It's all about the 2004 Baltimore Ravens from nuts to bolts. There's no way Billick would ever cut a player like that. Sounds like just about no other team would cut a player like that. And from watching how much involvement Mike Brown has, my guess is that he's the sickness of the organization. Everyone hears about how much Jerry Jones and Daniel Snyder meddle with their teams, but Brown seems like the worst of the lot. That franchise is never going to change until he's gone. It's ridiculous that an owner is sitting in meetings making decisions on the #3 TE spot.

For the guys talking about Mike Brown, did you get a chance to see the series 2 years ago with the Chiefs? King Carl was in the personnel meetings making decisions like Brown was, but he was also in the offensive and defensive meetings talking about plays. Herm was his puppet, at least it looks like Marvin Lewis has some say on these things.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Agree with Joe and others on the cut thing. Seemed like a terrible way to do it. Especially since everything leading up to that point seemed to indicate that he was doing a good job. Right now I'm reading a book called "Next Man Up: A Year Behind the Lines in Today's NFL." It's all about the 2004 Baltimore Ravens from nuts to bolts. There's no way Billick would ever cut a player like that. Sounds like just about no other team would cut a player like that. And from watching how much involvement Mike Brown has, my guess is that he's the sickness of the organization. Everyone hears about how much Jerry Jones and Daniel Snyder meddle with their teams, but Brown seems like the worst of the lot. That franchise is never going to change until he's gone. It's ridiculous that an owner is sitting in meetings making decisions on the #3 TE spot.

For the guys talking about Mike Brown, did you get a chance to see the series 2 years ago with the Chiefs? King Carl was in the personnel meetings making decisions like Brown was, but he was also in the offensive and defensive meetings talking about plays. Herm was his puppet, at least it looks like Marvin Lewis has some say on these things.

Mike Brown is the owner. Carl Peterson is the GM. Big difference IMO. I didn't watch it then though, so I don't know the extent to which Peterson was involving himself and whether it was him getting an idea of what they team needed personnel wise or whether he was micromanaging and trying to dictate how the offense and defense ran.

 

[Sweet Love]

Agree with Joe and others on the cut thing. Seemed like a terrible way to do it. Especially since everything leading up to that point seemed to indicate that he was doing a good job. Right now I'm reading a book called "Next Man Up: A Year Behind the Lines in Today's NFL." It's all about the 2004 Baltimore Ravens from nuts to bolts. There's no way Billick would ever cut a player like that. Sounds like just about no other team would cut a player like that. And from watching how much involvement Mike Brown has, my guess is that he's the sickness of the organization. Everyone hears about how much Jerry Jones and Daniel Snyder meddle with their teams, but Brown seems like the worst of the lot. That franchise is never going to change until he's gone. It's ridiculous that an owner is sitting in meetings making decisions on the #3 TE spot.

Funny you bring that up, but I noticed that too. Obviously it is good for an owner to saomewhat be involved, but just because you were around the sport your whole life, does not mean you "get it". Some guys that inherit the team know what was successful (i.e. Rooneys), but others like the Fords and Brown are just clueless.

 

[thehornet]

I love this series. Thought last nights was excellent. Reggie Kelly stuff was great.I know it's a big boys game and all. But I was pretty surprised at how they cut the FB.For you guys that didn't see. Jim Lippincott, director of Football operations, looks like the most non athletic guy in camp. He is the one that cuts players. He knocks on the FB's door at 5:30 am and pretty strongly says "get up". Guy staggers to the door. Lippincott says "You're waived. That means you have 24 hours where another team may pick you up. Be ready for the bus at 7 to take you to the airport."Player is asleep and stunned. He just says, "Wow". Then says, "Why?"Lippencott doesn't skip a beat and says, "Ability. The only reason we ever cut a player is because of ability".That just seems lame to me. Sure it might be the truth. But there are ways to let a guy go that are WAY better than that.J

Yeah, i agree 100%. That was rough. I think the guy actually broke down and started tearing up and that is why Lippincott shut the door. Lipinncott looks more like he should be starring on Biggrest Loser than running fooball ops, but hey, he must know his stuff.The show was great in my opinion. It really shows you the inner workings of how a team is run and ther personalities of the players. Definitely worth watching.eta: Andre Smith is a geek. Dude, should get in camp. It looks like he needs it.Also, really funny is how the guys were dogging on the new LB looking like Randy jackson from Idol. I forget his name.

 

[Tigerbot Hesh]

I could see getting the guy up at 5:30 if the bus to the airport would leave at 7 a.m. You would want him to get packed and maybe let him make some calls to his agent and family. Still, they could have softened the blow a lot more than they did. Unless the guy was a team headache or something, I can't imagine being that blunt about it.

 

[gump]

I did find Andre Smith to be something different. Guy has been labeled a "bad guy", but he looks like he could be one of the Clumps...dorky, 340lb guy. My wife almost fell over when she first saw him, because he really looks like he is 15. Just interesting that is the face of the guy behind all this contraversy is really a child...kinda like Master Blaster without the midget on top.

He's never been a bad kid...just immature and getting bad advice. He is a stud on the field though...hope he gets there soon.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I'm watching it again right now. Talk about low expectations. Both Mike Brown and Marvin Lewis gave opening speeches about being a good team and having a season to be proud of and maybe winning the division. No talking about winning the Super Bowl at all. How sad is that?

 

[salmonstud]

I love this series. Thought last nights was excellent. Reggie Kelly stuff was great.I know it's a big boys game and all. But I was pretty surprised at how they cut the FB.For you guys that didn't see. Jim Lippincott, director of Football operations, looks like the most non athletic guy in camp. He is the one that cuts players. He knocks on the FB's door at 5:30 am and pretty strongly says "get up". Guy staggers to the door. Lippincott says "You're waived. That means you have 24 hours where another team may pick you up. Be ready for the bus at 7 to take you to the airport."Player is asleep and stunned. He just says, "Wow". Then says, "Why?"Lippencott doesn't skip a beat and says, "Ability. The only reason we ever cut a player is because of ability".That just seems lame to me. Sure it might be the truth. But there are ways to let a guy go that are WAY better than that.J

On past seasons the coach or assistant would call the player in and generally give them some praise & let them down in a nice way. What Lippencott did was very unprofessional. Waking the guy up to tell him was just icing on the cake. If he would have told the player the things he told the camera after making the cut, it would have been much better.I have even more disdain for Chad Johnson after the episode. He seems like a 15 year old trapped in a 30 year old's body.

 

[bengalboy]

Couple thing:

1. More disdain for Chad Ochocinco. What an idiot. Please give this guy his walking papers. I'll take Chris Henry over him any day.

2. Jim Lippincott shows you just how badly this organization is run. That is not the way to handle players and inform them they didn't make the team. How bush league. But then again, it's the Bengals we're talking about.

3. As a Bengals fan, I was embarrassed, but at least I expected it. Welcome to the Jungle = Welcome to the Bush league.

 

[money.never.sleeps]

Couple thing:

1. More disdain for Chad Ochocinco. What an idiot. Please give this guy his walking papers. I'll take Chris Henry over him any day.

2. Jim Lippincott shows you just how badly this organization is run. That is not the way to handle players and inform them they didn't make the team. How bush league. But then again, it's the Bengals we're talking about.

3. As a Bengals fan, I was embarrassed, but at least I expected it. Welcome to the Jungle = Welcome to the Bush league.

2. It is TV and a man's league. 3. I don't think you should be embarrassed whatsoever.. gave a look into all realms of NFL. light, personable and harsh reality of trying to play Pro Ball.

 

[greyone]

Child Please!

The cut was terrible. I hated that. The executive is a #####. Who was the female executive? What are her credentials? I really don't know.

The editing by HBO to include the exec saying, "he has no nfl ability" was terrible again. Then again the Bengals scouts felt compelled to invite said player to camp.

I love characters and Ocho Cinco is a classic character. Palmer checking OC during practice was father-like.

 

[cheese]

Child Please!

The cut was terrible. I hated that. The executive is a #####. Who was the female executive? What are her credentials? I really don't know.

The editing by HBO to include the exec saying, "he has no nfl ability" was terrible again. Then again the Bengals scouts felt compelled to invite said player to camp.

I love characters and Ocho Cinco is a classic character. Palmer checking OC during practice was father-like.

Katie Blackburn is a high-ranking executive and more importantly Mike Brown's daughter. Her husband (Troy?) is also the executive VP.

 

[Righetti]

I did find Andre Smith to be something different. Guy has been labeled a "bad guy", but he looks like he could be one of the Clumps...dorky, 340lb guy. My wife almost fell over when she first saw him, because he really looks like he is 15. Just interesting that is the face of the guy behind all this contraversy is really a child...kinda like Master Blaster without the midget on top.

He's never been a bad kid...just immature and getting bad advice. He is a stud on the field though...hope he gets there soon.

he is also a tank.. the guy was jiggling all over the place during that 40 yard dash

 

[Not Sure]

Couple thing:1. More disdain for Chad Ochocinco. What an idiot. Please give this guy his walking papers. I'll take Chris Henry over him any day.2. Jim Lippincott shows you just how badly this organization is run. That is not the way to handle players and inform them they didn't make the team. How bush league. But then again, it's the Bengals we're talking about. 3. As a Bengals fan, I was embarrassed, but at least I expected it. Welcome to the Jungle = Welcome to the Bush league.

 

[ComfortablyNumb]

Where did Chase Coffman learn how to do pushups? I've seen better ones in girl's junior high PE class.

 

[knowledge dropper]

I could see getting the guy up at 5:30 if the bus to the airport would leave at 7 a.m. You would want him to get packed and maybe let him make some calls to his agent and family. Still, they could have softened the blow a lot more than they did. Unless the guy was a team headache or something, I can't imagine being that blunt about it.

Getting from Georgetown College to Lexington Kentucky Airport to Phoenix in a day on short notice is not an easy commute. Teams don't like guys that get cut to linger. Travel options could have been part of the equation.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I could see getting the guy up at 5:30 if the bus to the airport would leave at 7 a.m. You would want him to get packed and maybe let him make some calls to his agent and family. Still, they could have softened the blow a lot more than they did. Unless the guy was a team headache or something, I can't imagine being that blunt about it.

Getting from Georgetown College to Lexington Kentucky Airport to Phoenix in a day on short notice is not an easy commute. Teams don't like guys that get cut to linger. Travel options could have been part of the equation.

Probably just wanted to save the $1.50 they'd have had to spend to feed him if he was around for breakfast.

 

[PennState-JD]

couple things --

1) Lippincott was a former high school AD (Moeller) who was brought on to the Bengals back when Moeller used to be the pipeline to Notre Dame. He is widely ridiculed in Cincinnati. This show ain't gonna help as he looks like a baked potato.

2) Katie Brown handles the Bengals salary negotiations and cap. She went to Harvard (I believe math major) and is also a lawyer like her father.

3) Can you believe the team (or college) rents the TVs to players? For $10k, the team could simply install them already and have even less for the players to be distracted with. I'd be shocked if the more successful teams nickel and dimed like this.

4) The meeting where the TE coach (Hayes?) is asked by Brown about converting another player to TE is telling. All the coaches have their notepads out while Brown is running the meeting. He is asked what he thinks of making the conversion. Watching him, you can see how he is trying to politely spin it. His answer? "I think he is a bit stiff for TE, but ..... <insert statement to appease Brown>". Brown then comes back and says that the player has good speed for a TE. And the TE coach is quiet. I am guessing that the successful franchises really listen to their coaches as they should know more. Instead, Brown makes the call on the spot that they will go with two FBs and 3 TEs.

 

[mvp2112]

Does anyone know if previous seasons of Hard Knocks are available on DVD? Have done a Netflix search and can't find any.

 

[corpcow]

I love this series. Thought last nights was excellent. Reggie Kelly stuff was great.I know it's a big boys game and all. But I was pretty surprised at how they cut the FB.For you guys that didn't see. Jim Lippincott, director of Football operations, looks like the most non athletic guy in camp. He is the one that cuts players. He knocks on the FB's door at 5:30 am and pretty strongly says "get up". Guy staggers to the door. Lippincott says "You're waived. That means you have 24 hours where another team may pick you up. Be ready for the bus at 7 to take you to the airport."Player is asleep and stunned. He just says, "Wow". Then says, "Why?"Lippencott doesn't skip a beat and says, "Ability. The only reason we ever cut a player is because of ability".That just seems lame to me. Sure it might be the truth. But there are ways to let a guy go that are WAY better than that.J

Have to agree on this one. Contrast this to Jerry Jones and how they handled a guy like Danny Amendola last year.... I've never been a huge Jones fan, but man...

 

[AcerFC]

I love this series. Thought last nights was excellent. Reggie Kelly stuff was great.I know it's a big boys game and all. But I was pretty surprised at how they cut the FB.For you guys that didn't see. Jim Lippincott, director of Football operations, looks like the most non athletic guy in camp. He is the one that cuts players. He knocks on the FB's door at 5:30 am and pretty strongly says "get up". Guy staggers to the door. Lippincott says "You're waived. That means you have 24 hours where another team may pick you up. Be ready for the bus at 7 to take you to the airport."Player is asleep and stunned. He just says, "Wow". Then says, "Why?"Lippencott doesn't skip a beat and says, "Ability. The only reason we ever cut a player is because of ability".That just seems lame to me. Sure it might be the truth. But there are ways to let a guy go that are WAY better than that.J

Have to agree on this one. Contrast this to Jerry Jones and how they handled a guy like Danny Amendola last year.... I've never been a huge Jones fan, but man...

Brian Billick handled well also. I was very taken aback and surprised by how that whole thing went down. I don't care how far it is, cut the guy the right way. I don't know if it was the HBO spin or not but he looked to be the FB performing the best. Like others have said, this seems to be why they are the Bengals. It starts at the top andin my opinion, was very unprofessional.

 

[Righetti]

Where did Chase Coffman learn how to do pushups? I've seen better ones in girl's junior high PE class.

seriously

 

[Righetti]

Andre White looks like he should be sitting on his couch eating chocolate chip cookies

but Gus Parrish is terrible

 

[Righetti]

couple things --1) Lippincott was a former high school AD (Moeller) who was brought on to the Bengals back when Moeller used to be the pipeline to Notre Dame. He is widely ridiculed in Cincinnati. This show ain't gonna help as he looks like a baked potato.

plus he wears his pants way too high

 

[dapunisher]

Just watched it this morning. As mentioned by others, a few things jumped out at me:

1) Lippincott's physique

2) the bush league way Lippincott cuts the FB

3) the fact that Mike Brown has put his daughter in charge of personnel negotiations

4) Marvin seems to be in over his head and indecisive

5) Mike Brown doesn't need to be so involved, but it's his team, and the results speak for themselves.

All of the above, maybe with the exception of #1, left me with the impression that I understand more why the Bengals organization is one of the jokes of the league. The fact that the team has been to two Super Bowls boggles the mind.

 

[CincyGman]

I love this series. Thought last nights was excellent. Reggie Kelly stuff was great.I know it's a big boys game and all. But I was pretty surprised at how they cut the FB.For you guys that didn't see. Jim Lippincott, director of Football operations, looks like the most non athletic guy in camp. He is the one that cuts players. He knocks on the FB's door at 5:30 am and pretty strongly says "get up". Guy staggers to the door. Lippincott says "You're waived. That means you have 24 hours where another team may pick you up. Be ready for the bus at 7 to take you to the airport."Player is asleep and stunned. He just says, "Wow". Then says, "Why?"Lippencott doesn't skip a beat and says, "Ability. The only reason we ever cut a player is because of ability".That just seems lame to me. Sure it might be the truth. But there are ways to let a guy go that are WAY better than that.J

Agreed. This is very harsh. And unnecessary.Look, I realize this is the NFL but that doesn't mean you treat people like ****. If this is the way the Bengals handle their business that may explain a few things, though.

And you know those guys talk. It gets around that this is how the Bengals treat players and the next thing you know you have a reputation.I understand the business part of it. This was just stupid though. Took an ugly task and just made it tons worse. I posted this in the other thread. First, you don't wake the guy up and drag him out of bed to cut him. You do it that night when the decision is made.Secondly, you can make it so the guy hates you less. Saying, "I'm sorry. We've got too many guys at your position and we're just going to go a different direction. We wanted to do this early so you'd have the best chance possible of landing with another team. (which Lippencott said afterwards to the camera but not to the guy). Say, you're obviously a talented player and I think you've got a shot to land on another roster. If I can help you there, don't hesitate to have them give me a call. I'll help if I can. Good luck, Man. You worked hard and we really appreciate you giving us your best shot."That is all tons better than telling the guy he doesn't have the ability.How much does that hurt? To be told you don't have the ability to play for the Bengals?J

Let me first add that I am a big bengals fan, I've been a firefigher in Cincy for 24 yrs. I had a DB that live down the street from me and he said when he came to cincinnati he could not believe the way the players are treated. Pre/Post game meals were no better than a wedding reception . Mike Brown and daughter Katie have a big say in player perssonal. After seeing the way they cut players you have to believe it true. However win or lose I'll always be a Bengals fan.

 

[BoulderBob]

It's their team, and they can run it however they please, but it will be a good day when the Brown family sells the team.

 

[PennState-JD]

the 2 superbowls were before Mike Brown took over. Paul Brown was also known as cheap, but he knew football. He was also creative (invented face mask which family still gets royalties on). Mike was a lawyer. It all makes sense now. Frugal + no football IQ.

 

[Daywalker]

No tv's in the dorm rooms pretty much sums up the crumby franchise. Cheap and dumb. Make the guys so bored they have to seek out "entertainment" somewhere else.

 

[Faust]

From SI and their Bengals camp post card:

Memorable Image

An intense Kentucky lightning storm rolled in just before evening practice was due to commence last Monday, and as the Bengals awaited word from Lewis as to the session's fate (it was ultimately cancelled, and the players soon hurried off into meetings), they huddled beneath the dripping bleachers of Georgetown's Toyota Stadium. It was, to me, something of a refreshing scene.

"This doesn't look very much like the NFL," I remarked to the gentleman standing next to me.

"It's not the NFL," the cynical gent quipped. "It's the Bengals."

 

[Faust]

I didn't see the episode, and the SI Bengals postcard talks about the following:

"and the Bengals are expecting similar things from him as they have received from free safety Chris Crocker, whom they picked up last October after the Dolphins cut him. Anyone who watched the first episode of the great HBO series Hard Knocks last could see the impact Crocker has on the defense (least of which is his ability to get in the heads of receivers, as he memorably did to Chad Ochocinco in the episode)."

what did Crocker do to get inside Ochocinco's head?

 

[WampusCat43]

I didn't see the episode, and the SI Bengals postcard talks about the following:"and the Bengals are expecting similar things from him as they have received from free safety Chris Crocker, whom they picked up last October after the Dolphins cut him. Anyone who watched the first episode of the great HBO series Hard Knocks last could see the impact Crocker has on the defense (least of which is his ability to get in the heads of receivers, as he memorably did to Chad Ochocinco in the episode)."what did Crocker do to get inside Ochocinco's head?

Don't remember exactly what it was, but Chad just shut up, turned around, and walked away, looking like his puppy had been run over. Not even a "Child, please."

 

[J R]

I love this series. Thought last nights was excellent. Reggie Kelly stuff was great.I know it's a big boys game and all. But I was pretty surprised at how they cut the FB.For you guys that didn't see. Jim Lippincott, director of Football operations, looks like the most non athletic guy in camp. He is the one that cuts players. He knocks on the FB's door at 5:30 am and pretty strongly says "get up". Guy staggers to the door. Lippincott says "You're waived. That means you have 24 hours where another team may pick you up. Be ready for the bus at 7 to take you to the airport."Player is asleep and stunned. He just says, "Wow". Then says, "Why?"Lippencott doesn't skip a beat and says, "Ability. The only reason we ever cut a player is because of ability".That just seems lame to me. Sure it might be the truth. But there are ways to let a guy go that are WAY better than that.J

Agreed. This is very harsh. And unnecessary.Look, I realize this is the NFL but that doesn't mean you treat people like ****. If this is the way the Bengals handle their business that may explain a few things, though.

And you know those guys talk. It gets around that this is how the Bengals treat players and the next thing you know you have a reputation.I understand the business part of it. This was just stupid though. Took an ugly task and just made it tons worse. I posted this in the other thread. First, you don't wake the guy up and drag him out of bed to cut him. You do it that night when the decision is made.Secondly, you can make it so the guy hates you less. Saying, "I'm sorry. We've got too many guys at your position and we're just going to go a different direction. We wanted to do this early so you'd have the best chance possible of landing with another team. (which Lippencott said afterwards to the camera but not to the guy). Say, you're obviously a talented player and I think you've got a shot to land on another roster. If I can help you there, don't hesitate to have them give me a call. I'll help if I can. Good luck, Man. You worked hard and we really appreciate you giving us your best shot."That is all tons better than telling the guy he doesn't have the ability.How much does that hurt? To be told you don't have the ability to play for the Bengals?J

And to add to that, I'm sure the guy assumed it had to do with ability and was looking for something more specific, like 'we're looking for a better pass-catcher and we feel your strength is blocking.' Something like that. 'Ability' is a non-answer to a question that deserves an answer.