Shayne Graham and Bengals far apart; John Thornton says no thanks to Lions

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 13, 2009 8:51 AM EDT

I disagree with Eric McMackin's assessment that Shayne Graham isn't worth the trouble, saying that the only reason that Graham was franchised in the first place is that he was the cheapest option. Maybe there's truth to that in terms of arguing who the team should have franchised. But let's be honest. T.J. Houshmandzadeh was the only other option to franchise. If they franchised Cedric Benson, then they would have obviously over-stated his value by nearly $3 million -- he would have received over $6 million if franchised, and received a two-year, $7 million contract instead. Houshmandzadeh was the most logical choice, but we're just putting off the inevitable with him. He was determined to leave town as soon as possible because us poor people would have asked him for an autograph if passing him on the street.

The Enquirer runs a nice feature on Solomon Wilcots.

Free agent Defensive Tackle John Thornton declined an offer to join the Detroit Lions.

Joe (or Joseph) Reedy writes that negotiations between the team and place kicker Shayne Graham "remain far apart". Looming this Wednesday (at 4 p.m.) is the deadline in which franchised players can sign long-term deals.

Speaking of Reedy, he joined the Washington Post panel about whether Ochocinco should twitter during games -- you can read my contribution here (shameless plug).

And speaking of Graham, he's providing free "healthcare screenings through his foundation" for former NFL players and coaches in the Cincinnati region.

Adrian Hasenmayer ranks the Bengals' wide receiver and tight end packages (yikes on the wording) as the 11th best in the NFL.

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Comments

If you

ever write the phrase “tight end package” again, I will boycott this site forever!!!! LOL

by Tommyboy45 on Jul 13, 2009 1:57 PM EDT reply actions

Other phrases to aviod

“We need more depth in our tight end”

“That guy has great ball grip”

“He’s just like Tom Brady”

by UpStateMike on Jul 13, 2009 3:16 PM EDT reply actions

There are 22 kicking records at the University of Louisville

…and who owns 21 of those 22 records (missing the longest-field-goal record by only one yard)? Former Cardinal David Akers(?)…the current kicker for the Philadelphia Eagles? NO…Art Carmody, who is now an Arena football Kicker for the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings.

We used to call him Art-O-Matic. NCAA, Big East, and U of L records for consecutive PATs (77).

With guys like this still out there, why…oh why…are we wasting time negotiating with a kicker?

by TheWalrus1971 on Jul 13, 2009 3:40 PM EDT reply actions

Amen To That Walrus !

Graham has been good and has done a lot in the community, but if he leaves so what. As you say, why negotiate with a kicker when he can be replaced…..I used to like TJ, but his comments have revealed what a jackass he actually is. The poor guy having fans look up to him and wanting his precious autograph. How dare they !

by laibach on Jul 14, 2009 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Has anyone checked out EA sports have rated the Bengals on Madden 10?

There ratings make you even wonder if they know anything and I mean anything about football. Leon Hall is apparently slow now. And now since Tank and Roy Williams have had 1 bad year they suck really really bad? Didn’t our secondary do pretty good last year? They have them ranked as the 30th best secondary? Seriously? and Ochocinco sucks now? I don’t remember him being super slow all of the sudden. Apparently Carson is awful too. I hate EA sports they are ruining the video game sports industry. If only I had the choice between there crap or NFL 2K10. NO ONE WOULD BUY MADDEN. NO ONE!

by Diesel2405 on Jul 14, 2009 12:28 AM EDT reply actions

Maybe the Madden Curse extends to player ratings, too...

…perhaps we’ve stumbled upon a totally new phenomenon. Stay tuned, sports fans!

by TheWalrus1971 on Jul 14, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Kirk, I don't think ...

Cincinnati’s overwhelming negative reaction to Chad’s proclamation that he intends to Twitter during games has anything to do with the city being conservative. Most local fans are just worn down by his power selfish, look-at-me, me-me-me behavior. Chad is a destructive force and a PR embarrassment for the team and city, and his ‘04 – ’07 don’t change that. Personally, I’d take 10 more arrests over 1 Chad the Retard anyday.

by Timzilla on Jul 14, 2009 4:17 AM EDT reply actions

Good point....

Ive had a really nice TJ jersey that i was looking forward to one day haveing him sign.Hard to believe that the TJ we once loved and supported has this very disturbing attitude.I never seen this side of him before, but dont much care for it.Maybe he enjoy’s all his rich fans out in Seattle.

by Who-DeyWilloughby on Jul 14, 2009 3:16 PM EDT reply actions

the only difference between cincy and seattle...

according to TJ, cincy fans go to training camp and get to games early to try and get an autograph and meet their favorite players. In seattle, the fans just buy the pre-autographed crap off the team website..
I hope TJ ‘the 3 yard wonder’ Whosyourdaughter gets locked outta his seattle mansion in the rain, his rat tail would probably look sweet all wet and frizzed up, what a bum..

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Jul 15, 2009 1:07 AM EDT reply actions