First things first, the latest "Broo View Podcast" is up and running on my web site: http://www.kenbroo.com/. You can find in in the "Podcast & More" section. Good stuff on the Bengals win over the Jets.
The buzz from the weekend was a report on ESPN that the Bengals are considering trading Chad Johnson this winter. As the report goes, the Bengals are supposedly tiring of Johnson's sideline and off field antics and will try to get equal value on the market after this season. The reported quoted a 'high ranking Bengals official."
Marvin Lewis had an interesting take on this. While not flatly denying the report, the Bengals head coach said Monday that there is only 'one voice' in the Bengals organization and it's his. And Lewis then denied telling anyone at ESPN about shopping Chad this coming winter.
Do I think the report was accurate? Yes. Do I think Lewis is telling the truth? Yes. I'm sure ESPN's Craig Mortenson talked with someone in the Bengals front office. He's too good of a reporter to not have factual accuracy. And I'm certain there's been some discussion about whether or not Chad is really worth the trouble. But the ultimate decision on whether or not to trade a player the status of Chad Johnson rest with Lewis and owner Mike Brown. And I'm equally certain neither has arrived at that point.
To trade Johnson, signed under market to a long term deal just two years ago, the Bengals would take a huge salary cap 'hit' on Johnson's bonus money. The Bengals never really approach the ceiling of the salary cap any year. So to dump Johnson and have accelerate his bonus payment is just not the way this team does business.
So my guess is, barring some tremendous blow up or off-field incident which would be totally out of character for Johnson, he stays. But it's a long time from now until next draft day.
THE BROO VIEW: Cincinnati's Legendary Sportscaster Offer His Thoughts On The Ever Changing World Of Sports
