The American Spectator

Sports Arena

Dangling Chad

By James David Dickson on 4.29.08 @ 12:07AM

(Page 2 of 2)

And if Caldwell comes to model his attitude after Johnson's, the team could be in trouble. A player as gregarious and accomplished as Johnson has the influence to take younger players under his wing and spread ill will toward the organization.

Rather than sit out the 2008 season, it's more likely Johnson will report during week ten and log just enough time to gain a credited season toward his pension. If the Bengals are on the brink of the playoffs and Johnson gets them over the hump, he'll be able to cast himself as the savior of a perennially underachieving franchise (as Owens did after Super Bowl 39, even though his team lost).

If he returns and the Bengals falter (or have already faltered), they'll be blamed for allowing one player to distract from the efforts of the other 52 guys who actually want to be there.

History shows that keeping a disgruntled player around for spite ends up hurting the team more than the player. In an era where character is king, the Bengals might be well-served to show some by casting off a malcontent, rather than engaging in a game of chicken with an individual who always saw himself as bigger than the team anyway.

Letter to the Editor

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