According to an annual feature by ESPN The Magazine, the Bengals ranked dead last in a list of best franchise in sports. How the rankings are figured:
In all, 122 teams from the NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball were ranked in order, based on a weighted average of scores in eight different categories ranging from the quantitative to the emotionally subjective: “bang for the buck” (24.3%), players (16.6%), fan relations (16.5%), affordability (14.1%), stadium experience (9.1%), ownership (9.0%), title track (6.7%), and coaching (3.9%).
According to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer:
The Bengals rank last in three categories — fan relations (openness and consideration of players, coaches and management toward fans), players (effort on the court/field/ice and likeability off of it) and title track (championships won, or expected to be won, during the lifetime of current fans).
As much as I hate to say it, this really isn't surprising. Along with the depressing history this team has since Mike Brown took over as the team's President, this organization makes every effort to alienate fans, thinking of us as nothing more than pawns to the family's economic security. Having a business and making money is one thing. But can you say that the team (including the players) will go out of its way for you, the fans?
No.
(h/t Joe Reedy)