When people think of the Bengals, they may think of Paul Brown, Ickey Woods or Anthony Munoz. However, in the past fifteen years Bengals fans have been accustomed to the 'diva' player. Whether your talking about Carl Pickens, Corey Dillion, Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson or T.J. Houshmanzadeh the Bengals have definitely had personality. It has definitely kept us entertained and frustrated at times. However you look at it Bengals fans have been on the edge of their seat. Then, came this offseason when the franchise passer in Cincinnati demanded a trade. When first looking at Carson Palmer's demands, it seemed like he was right. He came here and had success, but at times Palmer has struggled as well. Disagreements with management have given Palmer no choice but to demand a trade. There were even reports that Palmer would consider retirement if the Bengals do not trade him. It would appear that the Bengals have pushed Palmer over the edge with loudmouth receivers, lackluster facilities and disappointing performances for the majority of his career.
I’ll be the first person to say Mike Brown is not a good owner; in fact, he is probably one of the worst in the NFL. However, one thing he has always done is try to please Carson. He has stood by Palmer when no one else would, defended him against the media and even signed weapons for the offense. What does Palmer have to say in return? Well, actually it was not him but his “confidant” spoke for him today. According to cincyjungle.com, Palmer’s “confidant” said Palmer “will never step into Paul Brown Stadium again.” He went on to say that "I have $80 million in the bank. I don't have to play football for money. I'll play it for the love of the game but that would have to be elsewhere. I'm prepared to live my life." What should we as fans think of this? Well, my initial reaction was he is just playing hardball with Mike Brown, but then I came to my senses and realized what Palmer really sounds like. He sounds like some snobby USC quarterback who insulted a city that has supported him through his career. He is not happy with management, that is fine, but saying that you will not step into the stadium that Hamilton County taxpayers paid for? That is inexcusable, something that the flamboyant Chad Ochocinco never did during his trade demands. People in Cincinnati hated Ocho for demanding a trade and they have rallied around Palmer. After hearing these comments Cincinnati should shun Palmer. If he wants to retire, then retire. Don’t insult the fans because a few ignorant ones put trash on your lawn during the most hyped and worst season as a starter. He has fought with his receivers and to me the real Carson Palmer is beginning to show himself. He is the next on the list of the Bengals “diva” players.
Why is he a “diva”? Mike Brown has changed a lot to keep Palmer happy. He is not resigning T.O. (after Palmer lobbied to get him in the offseason), Chad Ochocinco seems like he is on is way out, not to mention Palmer has young weapons in Jermaine Gresham, Jordan Shipley and Jerome Simpson. Mike Brown fired Bob Bratkowski after ten seasons and hired a young fresh football mind in Jay Gruden to hopefully resurrect Palmer’s career. To me it is simple. Mike Brown believes in Carson Palmer and will do anything to keep him here. Palmer is getting everything that he could desire, but it is not enough. Is it just because he is fed up or is he just another egocentric player on the Bengals roster? Either way you look at it if you’re a Bengals Fan you cannot like the quotes Palmer said through his “confidant.” Will Palmer ever address the fans himself, or will he continue to put out quotes through someone else? There are plenty of questions that need answered, but the most important question is when?
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| Has Carson Palmer thrown his last pass to young and promising receiver Jerome Simpson? |
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