Wednesday evening links and notes

Who Dey Revolution has some "scoop" about Bengals Vice President, Troy Blackburn, "botching" a renovation project at the Indian Hill Swim and Tennis Club. Other than the date that the club would open was delayed, WDR says nothing of how, why or even if Blackburn is specifically responsible (other than a few ticked off overbearing, overprotective parents spoiling their children). Mo Egger picked up the story and ran with it, unable to get comment out of either side. 

Chick Ludwig writes that DeDe Dorsey is likely to supplant Chris Perry as the team's third running back because Perry is "only 80 percent recovered from '06 ankle surgery". And Carlos Holmes sees Rudi Johnson having a great rebounding season.

Speaking of Ludwig, he promises us that the tight end will be used more.

Clark Judge spoke to four General Managers about several players -- including Chad Johnson:

GM No. 1: "I wouldn't touch this guy with a 10-foot pole. Now, that doesn't mean I don't think he's an elite receiver. He is. He's one of the top five in the game. But it's what he brings to your locker room with his antics and his attitude. It's all about him. Now if you're someone like New England with a veteran locker room that can handle a guy like this, yeah, it might be worth a shot. He's a Randy Moss-Terrell Owens kind of guy, if you know what I mean, so I could see someone that thought it could handle him giving up a two (second-round pick) for him. But you have to know what you're getting, and that's a disruptive, talented, productive jerk."

GM No. 2: "I wouldn't have him if he was offered for free. He's like David Boston, Terrell Owens and Jeremy Shockey. They're all quality players, but you have to put up with all this other stuff, and, I'm sorry, I'm not interested. I'll take a lesser player in talent who has a solid work ethic and won't be a distraction. I'll be honest: I loved the statement Marvin Lewis made about Johnson after putting up with this nonsense for years. Now the Bengals are on the right path because if he comes back, goes to training camp, then starts acting up, they can get him for 'conduct detrimental.' Believe me, the Bengals have a file accumulated on this guy. But if you're asking me what I'd give for him, I wouldn't take him on under any circumstances. There's too much of a risk to the rest of the team."

GM No. 3: "I'm a little different. I might be willing to give up a first-rounder based on his production. But you absolutely must be sure he can fit into your locker room before you make a move. Talent never has been the question with him; it's all that other stuff that's the concern."

GM No. 4: "I wouldn't give you two cents for him because of the headaches he causes the organization, the people upstairs and the guys in the locker room. I don't argue that he's talented, but he brings too many problems with him for me to be remotely interested."