{mosimage} Say what you want, but Chad Johnson is a publicity addict. He should just go ahead and stand up, state his name and admit to being addicted to needing publicity. After officially changing his surname this week to Ocho Cinco in an attempt to sell more jerseys and gain the attention for some reason he so desperately needs, Johnson has placed a bull’s eye squarely on his back with Cincinnati Bengals fans.
Cincinnati Bengals fans are fortunate because they have unprecedented access to players during training camp at Georgetown College.
Fans are close to the action when the team practices on either of two auxiliary fields, and there isn't a bad seat in the house when practice shifts to the main stage at Toyota Stadium. Players sign autographs after every workout — head coach Marvin Lewis makes it mandatory — and the Aug. 1 practice ends with a fireworks display. Here's my six-step fans' guide to a rewarding camp experience:
Arrive early. Gates open one hour before morning and afternoon practices, and two hours before night practices. If you push deadline, you'll get stuck in a massive traffic jam. The later your arrival, the bigger your temper tantrum. Carpool. Admission is free, but parking is $15 per car. Families can cut their costs by "filling up." Dress for success. It's best to wear cool, comfortable clothing, including cap and sneakers. Flip-flops? DON'T! They'll slow you down. Pop-up thunderstorms can strike, so be prepared. Oh, and don't forget the sunscreen. Stay hydrated. It's not uncommon for temperatures to push 100 degrees. If you wait until you're thirsty to drink, it's too late. Fans are allowed to bring plastic bottles of water and lawn chairs to the auxiliary fields, but no chairs or coolers are allowed inside the stadium. Watch and listen. You'll learn something because you'll hear coaches' instructions and player interaction.
Bengals sixth-round draft pick Matt Toeaina said Tuesday he's ready to contribute to the team in any way possible. Now all the Bengals have to do is sign the 300-plus-pound run-stuffing defensive tackle. The Bengals have contacted Toeaina's agent, Angelo Wright, and a deal could be completed before the July 27 opening of training camp."My thing is to go in there and do a good job," Toeaina said. "It's all in the process of being a rookie. I have to allow the coaches to see me and use me in any way they see fit.
"Whether it's developing me as a D-tackle, a sub, or whatever — I have to be ready for all of that. I hope to get better each day and eventually work my way into a starting spot." The Bengals drafted the versatile defensive lineman to play in rotation on a defensive front that finished the season ranked No. 15 against the run. Toeaina will be reunited with high school teammates Domata Peko and Jonathan Fanene along the defensive line.
When it comes to Bengals talk or just general Cincinnati sports talk, the new cincinnatisportstalk.com really gives fans a little bit of everything, Bengals, Reds, football, baseball, pro basketball, tennis, hockey, and many other great sports as well. The forum has just gone live and already Cincinnatisportstalk.com is picking up steam.
Cincinnatisportstalk.com was initially set up as the forum for Bengals fan who were going to whodeycentral.com. With whodeycentral.com’s recent change to growlzone.com, we decided to create a forum that would not only be utilized by Bengals fans for Bengals news, Bengals photos, and to let fans give their feedback on what is happening with the Bengals, but also for fans of all Cincinnati based teams. Cicinnatisportstalk.com has all sports including pro sports, minor league sports, college sports, and even high school sports.
He stands 5’11 and half. He can run a 40 yard dash in 4.38 seconds. He played his college football as a starting Cornerback for three years at the University of Michigan, and he may be the next big thing in Cincinnati. From all reports, Leon Hall is not disappointing anyone in Bengals World. Not only is he extremely athletic, but he is a smart and approaches his business in a very professional manner.
Despite he was rarely tested in college due to his ability to shut opposing receivers down, and the knock on him for his closing speed when playing up against fast receivers, Leon Hall is just what the Bengals need. He has a definite skill set, and a propensity to get to where the play is. He has been recognized as a solid tackler by many of the so called draft experts. Hall has good size for a Cornerback. He has the ability to close in on the ball fast and show great timing. He has a talent for being in a position to make a play.
Since arriving in Cincinnati, Hall has impressed both on the filed and off. Leon Hall appears to be the whole package, and with training camp right around the corner, Hall should be in the mix and competing for a starting role with the team.
The Cincinnati Bengals have decided to keep Georgetown (Ky.) College as their summer home through the 2008 season.
The club and college will announce today that they've reached agreement on another one-year contract extension to conduct training camp at Georgetown's East Campus Athletic Complex for a 12th straight year.
The Bengals spent 29 summers at Wilmington College (1968-96) before moving to central Kentucky, where they've expanded their fan base in the Bluegrass State.
After an original seven-year agreement (1997-2003), the Bengals and Georgetown have settled on a series of short-term extensions.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh took a timeout from his offseason schedule to offer up some thoughts on training camp, which isn't all work. Warning to Bengals rookies: Keep your car windows rolled up and get ready for an overnight "baptism." The team's first public practice at Georgetown (Ky.) College is from 3 to 5 p.m. July 27.
Q Strangest thing you have seen a player bring to camp?A The hyperbaric chamber. Kenny Watson let me use it, and I'm going to get me one now. You just lay in it, and it gets oxygen to your muscles — more than you can normally get. It helps you recover faster.
It official, we are kicking off the 2007 season on the new Whodey Central/Growl Zone. We have a lot of great thing for you today and over the next 30 days. Our site now has the following:
• New Forum To get to the new forum, just click on the Sports Talk Forums. The links is at the top right of the page. Now you can talk all sports including the Bengals at www.cincinnatisportstalk.com
