Here's a revelation that ought to help Chad Ochocinco shed the label of being a "Me First" kind of player. During an interview on the NFL Network, Ochocinco was asked to explain his miserable 2008 season -- the worst, statistically, of his career aside from his 2001 rookie campaign. His answer not only explained Ochocinco's struggles, but also went a long way to providing some reasoning for his sudden and lingering injury issues last year.
"I'm not even going to lie to you, I'm going to say it. Last year, the offseason, I didn't lift one weight, I didn't run one route, I didn't exercise. I didn't do nothing because my focus was on getting out of a situation I didn't want to be in. I'm not going to lie," Ochocinco said.So, to summarize: For a little less than $4 million last season, Ochocinco returned exactly zero effort. If that doesn't scream professionalism, I don't know what does.
"And the result of my season, whether we as a team did bad or not, that's what I get. I get hurt in the preseason. I didn't lift no weights. If I had been on my right regiment, I guarantee you my collarbone, my shoulder wouldn't pop out of place. The ankle surgery, you know."
You can't exactly hold it against Ochocinco for not being thrilled with the situation in Cincinnati last year. (Random question: When you reference past activities of someone who's undergone a name change, do you use their new name or their old name)
The Bengals finished 4-11-1, they started the year 0-8 and had a pretty incompetent group replacing Carson Palmer at quarterback -- sorry, Ryan Fitzpatrick.
But come on. If you don't want to try for your team, your fans and your organization, how about a little pride? You can't think that you're the greatest receiver in the league, then put up 53 catches for 540 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers put Ochocinco (or is it Johnson?! I'm so confused!!!) just ahead of Dustin Keller's 535 receiving yards and just behind Dennis Northcutt's 545. Impressive company.
We'll have to see what 2009 holds for Chad -- he skipped all the Bengals' voluntary offseason workouts, but promised to show up for minicamp. Whether he picks up a weight or catches a ball in that time, only Ochocinco knows.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-07-2009 @ 3:13AM
jg99ss said...
Is anyone truly surprised?
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6-07-2009 @ 5:51AM
Kevin said...
You sure can tell this schmuck is related to ME-shawn Johnson! Can't stand either of them.
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6-07-2009 @ 6:34AM
Steve said...
I saw this man on Total access during the week and what a sad man he is..I have nothing against a man with self confidence BUT self praise is no praise,There are a lot of men out there given the chance to play where this man plays WOULD put in the effort time and pain and give 100% ,This Guy on the other hand thinks that he can get $4 million and put in a ZERO effort season then complain about the team for having the season they had,LOOK dude every small problem leads to one BIG problem and that im afraid to say YOU did add to,You admitted that you didnt put the effort in 2008 preseason so the honest thing to do is pay back some of the money that you DIDNT EARN so that somebody in the future will earn it honestly and are prepared to put the time ,effort in..You come out with some silly excuse that (you were in a situation that you wanted to get out of) and this is the reason ,WELL DUDE let me tell you that if you were in any other job and had done this you would have been on the unemployed list real fast so wake up put the time and effort in keep your private stuff private dont get into these kinds of situations and maybe people will look at you with more respect as a football player..Regards to all Steve Dublin Ireland
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6-07-2009 @ 6:42AM
Steve said...
Just to add the picture above speaks for itself..Regards
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6-07-2009 @ 8:05AM
mdkin01 said...
This guy is another idiot prima donna who ought to be glad a team would have him
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6-07-2009 @ 8:34AM
randy said...
OK fanhouse people. Let's take a vote. Who is more stupid with his mouth? Terrell Owens or this moron? I think Owens is just a little bit dumber, but it's hard to tell for sure.
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6-07-2009 @ 9:44AM
cwvelte6 said...
just quit already, the Bengal fans deserve so much more. And tell me why we kept him and let THE Housman go?
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6-07-2009 @ 10:15AM
loonatick said...
This totally slanted piece is what goes for jounalism today? Tell the whole story, not just one part of it. Obviously the writer passed the class on sarcasm but failed the fair and balanced part. I'm no Chad fan, but I did see the WHOLE show and he was very apologetic and has been in training the entire off season in an attempt to better himself for the team's success.
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6-07-2009 @ 11:48AM
Steve said...
Hey loonatick post8..The whole story does not have to be said because this TOOL (Johnson/Ochocinco) said it himself,As for his apology it means nothing when his attitude towards his team last year helped them to a terrible season SO NO his apology is not accepted..He gets paid enough to do a paticular job and he failed , his team suffered ,him being sarcastic and with an attitude only makes him look like a self centred little man that has no respect for his team or team mates..All he did on Total access is show him for what he really is,he is not above the team but he seems to think he is..This upcoming season will tell all about his attitude,I would love to see him pull out all the stops but this might be a bit much to ask,Anyway Best Regards Steve Dublin Ireland...
6-07-2009 @ 11:20AM
espadon58 said...
Did he played college to get an education or to play pro football??? To many of those players in the league,they have to start cleaning up their dead wood before I can sit and watch the NFL .
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6-08-2009 @ 12:37PM
Chris said...
I agree, what an idiot to admit to not putting fourth any effort into his 08 season. Chad you don't deserve to play on a winning team where the players put out max effort because winning and playing the game at a high level are a priority ( see Pittsburgh, New England, Baltimore etc etc.) After making those statments you should feel totally ashamed and and hide your sorry ass.
After waving your flag of stupidity and admitting your lazy bum I hope your career continues to wither away playing for Bungles. And everytime the you play Pittsburgh you get clocked and knocked silly by football players who put out the effort to be a winner.
IronCity4ever!
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