No matter what the Cincinnati Bengals do, no matter how hard they try, it never seems to be enough to satisfy the critics.
They have a great draft, and the Sporting News' Russ Lande scalds 'em with a "C" grade for picking offensive tackle Andre Smith No. 6 overall.
They sign Chris Crocker, Roy Williams, Tank Johnson and Laveranues Coles in free agency, and NFL insiders scoff that the vets are washed up.
They draft "Sting" Rey Maualuga in the second round - No. 38 overall - and the anti-Stripes declare he's just a twodown player.
The negativity stems from the fact the Bengals have been to the playoffs once in 18 years, and that 10 players were arrested in a total of 15 incidents from December 2005 to June 2007.
A friend from Zanesville called and said the Bengals should be bussed to Georgetown, Ky., in orange jump suits with ankle braces and chains.
The rash of arrests remain fresh in a lot of minds.
It's sad how perception becomes reality.
If the Bengals indeed become the next franchise featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" series - the club is in discussion with HBO and NFL Films on the project - NFL fans will see the real truth: The team has more character than characters.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
