Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > May > 14 > Entry
Reading between Carson’s lines
‘MISSING VALUABLE TIME’
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer said all the right things.
That his frustration level — in the wake of Chad Johnson’s and T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s absence from voluntary offseason workouts at Paul Brown Stadium — is “at zero right now. I’m not frustrated at all. I’m happy and excited to be back on the field myself, whether they’re here or not. I’m excited to be back with these guys, the guys that are here.”
So ….
Was that smoke & steam I saw emanating from Palmer’s ears?
You betcha.
If Johnson and Houshmandzadeh cared about the team, they’d be in Cincinnati — not working out on their own with personal trainers.
If they cared about winning a Super Bowl, they’d be in Cincinnati — and they’d bring their families as soon as their kids get out of school.
If they cared about being leaders, they’d be in Cincinnati — showing the less-experienced veterans and young rookies the way.
But they’re not here.
What does that say about them?
It tells me they’re more concerned about themselves.
“We’re definitely missing valuable time,” Palmer added. “We’ll get to work whenever they get here. But timing and rhythm is something you build over time with repetition.
“We have built it in years past. We’re losing time right now, but the guys that are here are getting work in. It’s giving them a chance to really develop and get some experience.”
‘LUDWIG AT LARGE’ wants to feel confident about the 2008 season.
However … with a new defense being installed and two Pro Bowl wide receivers not on the PBS, trouble lurks around every corner.
Permalink | Comments (34) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Brian
May 14, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Reading between the lines, I think Carson is fed up with the endless drama that goes along with Chad and T.J. I thought his pleas for the team to draft WR Jordy Nelson said a lot. Nelson wasn’t projected as the fastest, tallest, or most talented Wide receiver, just a guy who made big plays and ran true routes, and his personality seemed like a good match for Carson’s as well. I would advise ‘LUDWIG AT LARGE’ to practice cautious optimism with this team rather than confidence. A new defense plus young mistake-prone players equals HUGE (probably insurmountable) trouble early on.By Nancy
May 14, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
have to say I am disappointed in TJ. I could not careless what Chad does.By PHIL
May 14, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
TJ IS DOING WHAT HE DONE LAST YEAR AND HE WAS OK DURING THE SEASON. CHAD IS SITTING OUT AND TRAINING TO DO WHAT HE SAID, TO SIT OUT THE SEASON, SIT CHAD WE DON’T NEED YOU IF YOU ARE GOING TO MISS ROUTS AND DROP BALLS. THE ROOKIES ARE GETTING WHAT NEED WITH PALMER AND THEY HAVE TO BE BROUGHT ALONG SO IT’S A GOOD THING. SOUNDS LIKE THE MEDIA IS TRYING TO CREATE PROBLEMS WITH TJ SO THEY CAN HAVE RATINGS GET OFF HIS BACK.By Drew
May 14, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Hey Chick, why the negativity toward TJ and Chad? This is a voluntary and players are not required to be on field. Strahan sat out until the beginning of the season and they still won a Super Bowl. If they come in fat and out of shape when mandatory camp starts then say they are being selfish. Neither of these guys are leaders so why the harsh criticism?By Flyer-FAN
May 14, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
The good Lord didn’t do Carson any favors when he tethered his Pro career to the Bungles….that is clear!By MIF
May 14, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Lets stop worrying and talking about Chad. He is a complete hypocrite and an imature one at that. He will suffer in the long run. The quarterback makes the offense tick and we have one of the best ones in the league. Im confident that we have a lot of young talented receivers who want to be here and Carson will get them the ball while Chad revives his career on The Surreal Life.By Chick is Stupid
May 14, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
TJ will be fine, he is doing the same program as last year (when he lead the league in catches). Drop-O Pass-O on the other hand should be in camp working on running the right routes and catching the balls with his hands instead of his cheast, helmet, etc. Unless maybe he is going to retire?? What a tool.By GFM
May 14, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
This is just another example of Chicks racist bias towards chad and T.J. plain and simple. T.J. didnt practice with the team last year and he seem to do well. Maybe Carson needs to cut down on his INT’s and stop letting the media hacks like Chick and other give Carson the “good old boys/white athlete can do no wrong treatment”. God i hope the Bengals dont become P.C. like the reds. Atleast in football, being a great athlete is a good thing. in baseball if you are a great athlete people look down on you. Get a life Chick or Marvin lewis will tear you a “new one” like he did last year.By Jeff
May 14, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
I love the media. Seriously look at this headline “QB Steaming” really was he steaming mad. This is why the bengals make so many negative headlines. Just say your piece and don’t twist it. Typical!By null
May 14, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
GFM - face it they are selfish regardelss of the color of their skin. Does Marvin Harrison wait until the last minute to join? what about Rice, did he miss practices Voluntary or not it is about team not individual. They need to be here. Quit adding race to everything you make me sick.By Shooter McGavin
May 14, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Null, Marvin Harrison shoots first and asks questions later. Bad example of a role model for this team.By GFM
May 14, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
hey null, the truth is, Chick Ludwig is a joke. he may as well join the fools on 1530homer if he wants to become a right wing sports talk host. There is a reason marvin doesn’t respect Chick and there is a reason many in my community doesn’t respect Chick. Chick is like many in the white media. they have their favorites and they have their guys they can cast as “the bad guy” to sell papares and talk show ratings. And for that alone, i have ABSOLUTELY NO RESPECT FOR THE RACIST MEDIA.By Andrew
May 14, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Maybe it’s just that time to cut both Chad and T.J. loose. We all know the reasons for letting Ocho Ego go, however, T.J. might need to be the next let go. I know he caught all these passes last year and he has been awesome as a receiver ever since I watched him catch that over the shoulder touchdown pass against the Steelers years ago to jumpstart his career. However, if you ever watch an interview with him his attitude sucks and he portrays himself as somebody who doesn’t care about others. Couple this with his absence at OTAs when the team needs him the most…? I think it’s time to cut the bad apples on this team, however, seeing as how we are still trying to salvage Odell, Brooks, and now Shirley, I wonder if this team will ever learn their lesson and just focus on possibly less talented but positive role-models instead of players who maybe more talented, but have poor attitudes.By HEist
May 14, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
GFM. Why is everything race?? It is a dumb argument. And you make yourself sound like Al Sharpton. The “white” media loves Willie Anderson, they Loved Kenny watson, They love JonJo(even after arrest) they love Leon Hall..how hard was the media on Justin Smith..they pounded on him daily…and I guess that has nothing to do with race….only if you “disrespect” the black man…are you being a racist…this is dumb, you are dumber, and this argument gets us nowhere. TJ has a temper, 85 needs to be wearing a diaper, is that bc they are black, no. It is what it is! Nothing more..nothing less.By Anonymous
May 14, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
GFM is a loser…keep playing that race card…real smart. When all else fails, play the race card. I can’t help it that Chad and TJ are not white. I don’t care if they are black, white, orange, purple, or green. They aren’t there. They don’t care about the team. They only care about themselves. That’s why this place is a circus and not a football team. Nothing to do with race. It only has to do with the person inside the skin.By GFM
May 14, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Oh please, stop the madness. You guys are so full of crap. Now we have some fool talking about the Bengals should let T.J. go because he doesn’t sound right when giving an interview. If that isn’t white guy media talk i dont know what is. You are the same people who fall all over themselves for Pete rose, Ryan freel and Josh hamilton but T.j. and Chad are the problem. riddle me this Batman, when was the last time T.J. or Chad have been arrested for DUI or suspended from the game for smoking crack? thought so…you guys are the biggest frickn hypocrites in the world. And that is why people dont respect you in the media or o the playing feild. need i say more?By JA
May 14, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
As an African American, I don’t adhere to GFM - probably just someone trying to rile things. Chad and TJ SHOULD be here. However, I am one that tired of Chad a couple of years ago. He just now started to show his intent for everyone to see - its about “me and the money.” In order for this team to win you need winners and that has more to do with character than stats. The Bengals should have taken the trade and took Mendenhall. Chad will never be welcomed again.By JA
May 14, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
GFM, take a “chill pill.” Most people are not racist as you want everyone to believe. As others have pointed, there are many people criticized regardless or color. I know I was very critical of Justin Smith - nice guy but not worth the money. When you are being an “@zz” and you are well known you will be criticized. You seem to care more about these athletes than they could care about you. Use that energy in a more positive way. The reality is that Chad has chosen to play the media by being the “me person” he is. In doing so, he has opened himself up to criticism - not to mention all the other “jester acts” he has made on the field regardless of team impact. If Carson was doing the things he is he would be criticized as well. Everything is not about race and it gets old hearing it. Achieve and nothing else matters.By Stone
May 14, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
I don’t get it… did everyone miss the fact that Chick’s headline was a complete lie making people who may not read his article think that Carson really WAS mad. Since when do writers tell people what the players think when they state otherwise? Geez.. DDN needs to start hiring.By RavensRockNorth
May 14, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Pittsburgh Steeler fans drool when they hear how much turmoil the benGALS are in. This is going to be a fun season…..well, a fun season if you’re not a benGALS fan.By Jeff
May 14, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
So am I a racist for saying GFM is an idiot? Well, GFM is an idiot. As mentioned earlier in this topic, Willie Anderson is revered in this city. Last I checked, Brandon Phillips’ popularity is pretty good right now. In fact, who’s more popular right now, Brandon Phillips or Adam Dunn? The fact is, when this town lambasts Ryan Freel, Jerry Narron, Adam Dunn, David Ross, Bronson Arroyo, Justin Smith, Bob Castellini, or Carl Lindner it’s based on performance, but God forbid we trash the prima donna Chad Johnson, then it’s all about race. Get a freaking clue.By matt
May 14, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
I don’t agree with GFM but I do believe Cinti is conservative and pretty obvious with its loyalties. We root for those who look like us or remind us of people we know. For ex., if Norris Hopper were white we’d all be screaming for his playing time.By Go Bucks
May 14, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
GFM is an idiot. Anyone is who is bringing race into this is a f’ing idiot. TJ didnt show last year and that didnt help the team. It can only help the team by having the two best WR being there. Instead TJ is being selfish and sitting at home. Chad is busy studying the T.O. playbook. They could being working with the new WR showing them the ropes. Idiots like GFM crying wolf over some dumb crap is the reason we continue to have race problems in this country. I dont think Dr. King was marching for idiots like Chad to complain about race because they are only making $3million instead of $4 millionBy Bengal Rugby
May 14, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
He’s reading a lot into Palmer’s statement. Personally, I think it’s best for the offense for Chad and TJ not to be in camp. Chad we need to ignore, and TJ did this last year and had a great season so no worries. This is valuable time for Carson to work and get some timing with the rest of the WR’s so they can figure out a pecking order. The extra reps are worth their weight in gold for timing and chemistry of rookies walking into camp, not to mention Gabriel and Utecht trying to find their groove in the passing game. Chick is off base here, and there’s at least as much positive as there is negative. Simpson, Caldwell, and Urrita will benefit from the extra time on the practice field.By Harvey
May 14, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
No doubt, TJ will be fine. He and Carson click and that is why Chadly is crying so hard, TJ is the go to guy. With the new tight ends and some good work by our running backs, we are going to be fine. Look out AFC, we are Bengal fans and we don’t change our stripes for anybody! Marvin and the boys are rock stars!!!By ryno
May 14, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
I can’t stand it when the race card gets played. If bigots were in charge of the media then why did Andy Furman lose his job? By the way he’s Jewish too. If you don’t like a program because it sounds white to you then maybe you have the problem with race and not the other way around. I don’t listen to Russ Parr but that’s not because he’s black, I don’t listen because I can’t relate to most of the topics they hit on during his show. I love to listen to black artists music but it has nothing to do with color for me. I love Chris Rock and Eddie Murphy’s work. I like what I like and that can’t be racist. The choices I make don’t hold control over anyone. That’s racism, having influence over someone. I don’t have any power over anybody just like the media doesn’t have any power over anybody. Unless you allow it. Take control over your life and let the chips fall where they may. But don’t scream racism because you can’t relate to what you’re hearing. By the way, I am pretty sure that if a black oriented program would sell ad time like Lance McAllisters show does, it would be on the air immediately. In today’s hyper-sensitive world, I am pretty sure a radio station would love to say “We Got One!!!” so guys like you would give it a rest. If Steven A Smith was on local radio, I’d listen. Maybe it’s time to look in the mirror and figure out why there are no black radio show hosts in Dayton/Cincinnati. I’m sure Clear Channel is looking for a few.By De
May 15, 2008 2:04 AM | Link to this
Who cares if Carson is steaming he needs to practice throwing the ball to his team mates whether it’s Chad or TJ. How does Carson continue to get a pass he plauyed horrible last year but everybody was blaming the receivers for running the wrong routes these guys have been here for more than 5 years but they all of a sudden for got the plays. We as fans are frustrated with the team losing and not getting high profile free agents that would help take this team to another level so why is everyone so mad a Chad for his frustrations if we as fans are frustrated how frustrated do you think the players are andd everyone is playing this Chad situation up to be a money thing and if you really listen to him it’s not and if it was he should be paid what he is worth this league and these owners dont care about players. IO have read how people want the Reds to get rid of Dunn but he is under contract the contract hey both signed so why should they be trying ot dump him because he will make too much money next year but that is the contract they gave him why is it ok for owners to change the contracts or get out of them but when a player wants to they are sselfish. To all of those who act like racism does not exist are part of the problem and those who think that it does not exist in cincy hten you are part of the problem alot of this Chad TJ is talk is racially charged. It may not be racism in anthing that was said in this forum but explain the double standards we hear for example if Carson yells at Chad or TJ for something on the field he is called a fierce competitor a leader but let Chad or TJ yell at him on the field then they are selfish and not team players or they are labled disrtactions explain that douBy Mike
May 15, 2008 2:17 AM | Link to this
First off, I like T.J. and I think he’ll have a good season. But to say he doesn’t need to be here because he wasn’t here last year is not valid. T.J. is the ONLY WR back this year with any solid amount of playing time in this offense. Chad sitting out makes the need to have a “leader” like T.J. here so important. The Strahan argument is weak. The Giants didn’t have to rebuild his position in 07, nor were they coming off a losing season. they had depth behind him. The Bengals don’t at WR. Besides the three rookies, you have Gabrial, Holt and Chatman that need to develop a little chemistry in the offense. Every chance they get to work with the FULL offense the better. I don’t wanna come down too hard on T.J. but he should be here.By Marvin obama
May 15, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
Thank you De for telling the truth. carson yells at Chad or t.J. and he is seen as an competitor but when Chad or T.J. yell at carson they are called “me guys” and “lack a team attitude”. It’s also why white athletes receive the labels as “gamer”, “high motor guy” or a “guy who has done more with less” while ALL black athletes are seen as just that “athletes”. You damn right the media has to change. the good old boy radio and sports media has seen its last days. Can we please switch things up. It’s the same tired a*s white guys on sports talk radio where black guys dominate the sports. Makes since to me to add a few more voices.By Rashied
May 15, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Chick is right on point. First off as a Black man, I don’t go around and call every sports writer and broadcaster racist who has a critique for a Black athlete. That is quite simplistic in its approach. Secondly, I don’t care about other teams, other players, the Bengals suck (regardless of the WRs individual stats) and everybody needs to be here. I am tired of these looosers! Get your a**e in here if you want to be a winner. PERIOD. TJ led the league in catches but what did that do for the Bengals? Chad led the AFC 15 years straight in recieving, did the Bengals win a playoff game? Carson should have blown Chad up a long time ago. TJ will be gone cause the Bengals can’t afford him when he hits the free agent market. These guys are wasting time while they are missing time with an elite arm. Whatever, but just stop whining racism because when true racism and injustice occurs-people view us as the boys and girls who cried wolf.By Rashied
May 15, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Chick is right on point. First off as a Black man, I don’t go around and call every sports writer and broadcaster racist who has a critique for a Black athlete. That is quite simplistic in its approach. Secondly, I don’t care about other teams, other players, the Bengals suck (regardless of the WRs individual stats) and everybody needs to be here. I am tired of these looosers! Get your a**e in here if you want to be a winner. PERIOD. TJ led the league in catches but what did that do for the Bengals? Chad led the AFC 15 years straight in recieving, did the Bengals win a playoff game? Carson should have blown Chad up a long time ago. TJ will be gone cause the Bengals can’t afford him when he hits the free agent market. These guys are wasting time while they are missing time with an elite arm. Whatever, but just stop whining racism because when true racism and injustice occurs-people view us as the boys and girls who cried wolf.By Derrick
May 15, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
It tires me no end to see/hear someone bring race into every topic. This kind of action is not unlike picking a scab. Yes, unfortunately there was an injury and it has taken time to heal, but continuously picking at it delays the process and likely leaves a scar. So please leave it alone and heal.By GFM
May 15, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
hey Derrick, maybe people feel the media is the one always picking at the injury? Maybe we need another doctors opinion? They all seem to come from the same medical school.By carsick
May 15, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
I think Carson looks around at all the new faces and thinks about the Henry situation and the Chad situation and thinks, “Dang, if we’re going to win more than 8 games this year I need TJ here.” It’s not that Carson worries TJ won’t show up as the pro he is so much as he sees no trusted go-to guy in camp. It’s all new faces.