The fricken guy sounds like he understands that he was a numbnuts for the way he behaved last year. He’s obviously in good shape. He’s dedicated and he says he’ll be ready come June 18th. I think most people will agree that part is not in dispute.

There’sa zillion veterans — let alone 9 year vets — who don’t go to OTA’s. OTA’s are akin to Bill Lumbergh asking Peter to “go ahead and come in in on Saaa-tur-daaay.”

OTA’s are worthless. It’s shorts and shells practice. It’s primarily for rookies and young players still trying to get acclimated. I don’t want to hear the “timing” argument either. Palmer and CJ have been together 6 years. They’ll also have June minicamp, and ALL of preseason camp to run routes, “get their timing down,” etc.

Now, if CJ was planning on skipping June and/or holding out of preseason camp, that’d be a different story. But he’s not. You want to argue what his motivation is? (eg: Hard Knocks, more money, etc.) We can all do that til we’re blue in the face. Who cares? At least he’s motivated.

Put last year aside and let the dude perform. He was an animal for 5 years and had one horrid offseason and an injury plagued year and now everyone forgets that he’s a top-5 receiver in the league.

As soon as he starts scoring TD’s you will all soon forget about the madness of ’08.

You make 3 points…

1st is what I disputed. I don’t believe timing is as much of an issue as you think it is. Again, they’ve been together 6 years. Also what I think you’re failing to take into account is that they can get all their timing down at “mandatory” camp later this month…as well as in July and August. That’s plenty enough time to get their timing down. These guys are pros. They don’t need OTA’s. Again, if he wasn’t doing sh-t right now AND/OR if he wasn’t going to show up in later this month or in July I would agree with you…BUT he’s in great shape, is motivated, and says he’ll be in camp(s). So I don’t think you or we should be concerned about his OTA attendance.

Now as far as your other points about him being better off playing an individual sport as opposed to a team sport…well I don’t know. That’s a whole ‘nuther argument I guess. He’s shown a pretty good ability to play football don’t you think?

As far as his teammates hating him, you might also be right. I don’t think you’re anywhere near accurate by thinking 95% of them do. We could argue that all day long though and that would never be settled.

I’m not here to defend the dude’s prior and past actions off the field or in the locker room…but I AM defending his play ON the field. On the field he’s a top 3 to 5 WR in the league. With him the Bengals ARE a better team.

I know why you and many of us want him gone. On one hand I can understand that the team might be better off with a frest start and getting away from the OchoAntics. However, on the other hand, the dude’s a stud and makes everyone else around him instantly better. So, while I don’t disagree entirely with your thoughts, I don’t understand why everyone forgets to remember how much value he provides.

Anyways, I think it’s obvious that he’s here and it certainly looks like he’s here to stay. I don’t think that that is that bad of a thing. Once he starts scoring TD’s again I find it hard to believe you won’t be one of his number one fans.

Lets just hope they get it done.