In case you've never heard it, or remember the lyrics, take a listen while you read my post.

Kenny Rogers Lucille (via VinylCountryMusic)

You picked a fine time to leave us, Lucille!

Carson - I can understand the issues you have, from horrible, non-caring ownership and terrible General Management to dealing with a wishy-washy coach and unimaginative offensive co-ordinator to also having to deal with perennial distractions like Chad (and last year's TO Experiment).  Sure, you have dealt with mean fans that threw garbage on your lawn, but really?  Trade me or I'm quitting?  REALLY????

You picked a fine time to leave us, Lucille.

What's the most disappointing part of this is you made this demand but left no room for negotiation.  Did you bother even running this by your agent?  He's probably not too happy with you going this road.  And that bridge you just crossed just burnt down.  I really don't know what you were thinking and believe you didn't take enough time to weigh your options or at the very least, how to be tactful about doing it.

You should have learned from the years dealing with Mike Brown and Co.  You reach for the stars, say you want to be traded unless these demands are met, and create a list of those things you want.  Here's what you passed up on:

• You could have assured that asshat Chad was gone for this year.  I believe you held that much power. In fact, you could have given a laundry list of conditions and demands that if done right, would have assured you either got them or were traded in 2013.
  
• You could have built upon the chemistry you uncovered with Shipley, Gresham, Simpson and Caldwell.
• You would have had AJ Green as your new toy, not to mention, you could have demanded to get a second round Offensive Line talent and possibly another rounder like new guard Clint Boling.

But alas, no.  You decided to leave us.  At the worst possible time for the team and yourself.  You could have demanded and probably been able to receive all of the things you needed to stay here, some of which are now a fact, and been able to be that leader that made all the years of pain worthwhile.  So now, you probably won't play anywhere this year.  You won't be traded.  You can't come back to Cincy, ever.  You think some of the fans were "mean" to you and your family?  Brother, now you have EVERY SINGLE FAN who wants to throw garbage at you.

But enough about you Carson.  You let your team down big time.  And the fans.  Many of which who had your back, who now could care less about you.  Now the team is going to have to work with Dalton and if he doesn't pan out, then find a hired gun or maybe even use next year's first round (or more!) picks securing a new QB.

Four hungry children and a crop in the field.