Ok, I know Lance thinks that CJ is going to ruin this team. That if we can go 7-9 with him, then we can go 7-9 without him, without his distractions, and get a few extra picks along the way. Everyone should be happy, right? WRONG!
CJ can't be anymore of a distraction than he already is. This isn't about cutting off your nose to spite your face. This is about stopping the cycle. Look, this team is going to go 7-9 or 8-8 with him, or without. An unproven draft pick(s) is not going to change this fact. I can argue that by keeping him, and using the extra cap space that would be used by trading him, we can sign another Free Agent for the defense, or even offense. June 1st is around the corner, and some veterans will be released. Some may be able to help our team.
However, back to the cycle I refered to. Every year we see this. Player wants more money, acts like a fool, and eventually gets their way. When will a team stand up to the player? Who will be the first to take a historic stand? I say, the Bengals, and why not?
Chad has painted himself into a corner. Everyone knows he is a fool now. He either will sit out (saving the Bengals money and his antics) or he will have to shut up and play (a sight that would no doubt bring smiles to the rest of the looker-room seeing a trite and broken CJ returning after he said he wouldn't).
The Bengals are in the dubious position of, A: already seeing what CJ can try and do to cause a stir, and B: being in a better financial situation to let him sit (as he says he will) rather than leave. Basically, the Bengals have Chad by the balls, and everyone knows it; especially Chad.
Chad can't be anymore of a distraction because, I believe, there would be nothing more appealing to the guys in the locker-room than to see the Bengals make this stand against CJ. Not for spite, but because this team is better with a proven WR of his caliber. Should he decide to retire, or sit out, the Bengals will recoup the money for this year, and get it applied to the cap. Thus, more money for Free Agency.
You can argue that getting rid of chad for picks can help build the future. I can argue that keeping chad may do the exact same thing, and teach a lessen to all the snot-nosed players who think it is their RIGHT to play in this league, get paid millions, and not a privilage: Handle your business like a man, or get treated like a child. Go Bengals!
