‘Hard Knocks’ provides painful Bengal insight

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By Sean McClelland, Staff Writer 1:25 AM Saturday, August 29, 2009

When HBO called the Bengals to inquire about making them the subject of this year’s “Hard Knocks” documentary, whoever answered the phone should have hung up immediately.

Oh, how embarrassing — and enlightening — it’s been.

Like a drunk relative at a wedding, the Bengals are putting on quite a show, from owner Mike Brown flexing his managerial muscle at staff meetings to his daughter, Katie Blackburn, playing the role of hardball negotiator with the agent for first-round draft pick Andre Smith, an offensive tackle the team desperately needs.

Brown sought exposure for the Bengals, apparently to counter the popular perception of them as a bunch of thugs who can’t stay out of trouble. OK, so maybe that’s been established, but so has the true nature of what goes on in the front office. Let’s just say everyone’s inclination to feel sorry for head coach Marvin Lewis is probably more justified than ever.

Predictably, the undisputed star of the show has been receiver Chad Ochocinco, seemingly the only Bengal with stage presence.

Chad’s been making the most of his camera time, even teaching a lesson or two along the way. In a store, while pondering an earring purchase, he tells us, “Just because you have a lot of money doesn’t mean you have to spend it.”

Coincidentally, that seems to be the approach Blackburn and the family have adopted with Smith’s agent in priceless negotiations taking place for all to see.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@daytondailynews.com.

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