Contrary to what you'll hear some say, sometimes it's -not- good to be in the news. And while Pittsburgh isn't perfect, the organization has a reputation for drafting, and retaining, high character players. It's one reason why Santonio Holmes will need to avoid any further off-field problems. Any more, and his on-field time will be diminished greatly.
I bring this up today in reference to Michael Clayton's recent ESPN.com column, in which he asks, "Are the Cincinnati Bengals thew new Jail Blazers?"
On Thursday, the Bengals used next year's third-round choice on linebacker Ahmad Brooks, who had three reported marijuana incidents and other problems at Virginia. Though considered a first-round talent, Brooks was available because Virginia kicked him off the team.
Not since the heyday of the NBA's Portland Jail Blazers has a franchise defied the character questions this much.
Football's a funny sport - one in which unquantifiable variables have a larger impact than in other sports (baseball, for instance). This recent trend doesn't bode well for their upcoming season... There's no question that there's plenty of talent in Cincinnati these days. Will they pull together the problems to get the most out of it?
--PB--