As the Cincinnati Bengals try to rebound from a disastrous 4-11-1 season, the key players are all working their tails off in offseason workouts. The team expects a healthy Carson Palmer to be the triggerman for a much-improved offensive attack. However, a lot of the team's plans depend on the attitude and physical health of mercurial star receiver Chad Ochocinco, who has not been participating in workouts in Cincinnati.
He might not be there now, but Ochocinco says he is definitely showing up when the Bengals open up a mandatory minicamp June 18. He's got plenty of money, and it's not about avoiding a fine.
"Of course, why not go and show off the product?" said Ochocinco of the upcoming minicamp. "Why not leave my coaches mouths wide open?"Good to see that some things still never change. Chris Henry might be growing up, but Chad Ochocinco isn't about to tone down his entertaining ways.
"I'm sure all the people in Cincinnati think I'm really not doing that much but you'll see the results with the work I'm putting in right now."
As for his quarterback, Palmer seemed ready to back away from comments that made it sound like he didn't think he could count on Ochocinco. On a radio show Thursday morning, Palmer offered a bit of clarification.
"He's a damn good receiver - that's obvious, everybody knows that - but the guys that are working here and busting their butt here deserve a shot," Palmer said. "When he shows up he'll show up and hopefully he's in great shape and he's ready to play.The last thing Palmer needs right now is a headache. If that's all Ochocinco is going to be, the Bengals have to move him. However, if the star shows up and works hard over the next couple months, all should be just fine in Cincinnati. On the bright side, there's nowhere to go but up.
"But I never once said anything about not wanting him here and not needing him. He's a Pro Bowl receiver. He's put up a ton of yards. He's extremely dangerous to cover. We would love him when he comes here, but he's not here right now."
