Ball or Nuthin' » Chad Ochocinco

Tedy Bruschi Needs To Chill on Ochocinco

T Lamont — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:56:47 +0000

Tedy Bruschi showed his passion about a New England Patriots’ team issue. But there just one problem…

He’s no longer a member of the team.

Chad Ochocinco – the Tweeter extraordinaire – did his thing once again after Tom Brady’s shredding of the Miami Dolphins defense on Monday night:

“Just waking up after a late arrival, I’ve never seen a machine operate like that n person, to see video game numbers put up n person was WOW.”

So, the three-time Super Bowl champion Bruschi wasn’t exactly fond of Ocho’s comments:

“You’re not someone who’s on another team or watching TV,” Bruschi said. “You’re not an analyst. You’re a part of it. They want you to be a part of it. So get with the program because obviously you’re not getting it and you’re tweeting because you’re saying, ‘It’s amazing to see’? It’s amazing to see because you don’t understand it. You still don’t understand it and it’s amazing to you because you can’t get it.

“Wake up! If you’re just waking up now — I don’t know when this was, six minutes ago? — get out your bed and get to the stadium and watch some film if you still think it’s amazing. If you’re in it and you know what you’re doing and you execute out there, you don’t think it’s amazing. You know why? Because it’s what you’re supposed to do.”

Really? I think there are obvious some disconnects between the two players.

Bruschi was always known for his tough, physical play. Ocho is clearly a finesse player.

Bruschi was well known as the ultimate team-first players in New England’s organization. Ochocinco works hard…but will never be considered to be a sacrificial team player the caliber of Bruschi.

Bruschi wasn’t the type of player to put his (or the team’s) business into the media. Ocho…well, it wouldn’t be a bad idea if Twitter considered him to be their official spokesman.

The bottom line here is that Bruschi isn’t fond of the type of player that Ochocinco is. Chad’s tweet did nothing other than show praise for a teammate’s great performance. His tweet couldn’t be twisted to upset his organization, or its members, in any sense, and can only be seen as a chemistry builder between him and Brady.

Sure, Bill Belichick has never been a fan of athlete’s making frequent use of social media. The Patriots organization has worked hard to maintain a professional image – and making use of Facebook or Twitter to say anything about the team has generally been a no-no. Make no bones about it – Bruschi’s ire comes from a point of view that’s contrary to everything that Ochocinco has been throughout his NFL career.

But seriously, he should have taken a pass on this one and internalized it…just like he did when he was with the Patriots.

NFL Free Agency Starts With a Bang

T Lamont — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:31:53 +0000

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Now that the NFL is back in business, there’s exponentially less time for players and teams to link up with each other.

Free agency has clearly gotten out a hot and heavy start, and here’s a look at the potential impact from some of the most notable signings and moves:

Plaxico Burress signs with the Jets:

What do the Jets have to lose? Not much, as they answered everyone’s question about where Burress would end up. Plaxico should fit in nicely as a third option, behind Santonio Holmes and Jerricho Cotchery. Although Plax has never really been a consistent deep-ball threat, replacing Braylon Edwards’ 2010 pass-catching totals (53 receptions) should not be a hard thing for Burress to accomplish. While the Virginia Beach native has been away from football for some time, one thing has not changed – his size. It should assist him in re-establishing himself as an important possession receiver for Rex Ryan.

Plax's new deal allows him and his wife to stay in New York.

Nnamdi Asomugha, Vince Young, Ronnie Brown sign with the Eagles:

Word has it that Asomugha, the top corner on the market, left lots of money on the table because he wanted to play for a team that would give him the best chance to win. This says a lot about Asomugha’s priorities, but it also says even more about peoples’ expectations for the Eagles. Philly went out and picked up troubled Vince Young – a great additional to their team as a back up quarterback with a playing style similar to Eagles starting QB Michael Vick (let’s face it – given Vick’s natural athletic attributes, we all know that he will spend some amount of time on the shelf…so this is very significant). Philadelphia topped that off by signing former Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown who, along with LeSean McCoy, will give Andy Reid even more versatility in the backfield. Philly, who was booted out of the postseason by the Super Bowl Champion Packers due to a failed final drive, appeared to be a candidate for the second-best team in the NFL last season. Knowing how difficult it is for NFL teams to repeat, the Eagles – for the first time in decades – sit atop the list of expected Super Bowl participants.

Donovan Mcnabb traded to the Vikings:

Good move by the Vikings? Hardly. Having an experienced quarterback that will set an example for first-round draft pick Christian Ponder is fine and dandy, but McNabb hasn’t been the best at demonstrating good performance habits of late. He suffered mightily with the Skins – so much so that Washington was chomping at the bit to send him packing after one season. Minnesota would have been better advised to stop trying to make last-ditch efforts to make their team relevant (see Brett Favre and Randy Moss), and to simply go back to the drawing board.

McNabb's disappointing tenure in D.C. didn't deter Minnesota from taking a chance on him.

Chad Ochocinco, Albert Haynesworth traded to the Patriots:

Another year, and another couple of players with a past history of disrupting their teams’ harmony get signed by New England. Both Ochocinco and Haynesworth underachieved in big ways last season, but who really believes that they’ll be flops again this season? At the very least, they’ll be on their best behavior. The Patriots were able to reform one of the all-time grumpiest players of all – the recently-retired Randy Moss – into one of the most productive single season performers of all time (in 2007), and were able to appease him for over three years. Comparatively speaking, Ocho and Fat Albert should be child’s play for the motivational abilities of Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the New England organization. And I’m sure that Ocho will tweet us with all of the details.

Ochocinco’s “The Ultimate Catch”: Down To Final Two

T Lamont — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:04:21 +0000

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On the latest installment of “The Ultimate Catch”, Chad Ochocinco is tasked to eliminate two of the four remaining contestants.

And it seemed as if we were in for a treat…

He announced that his family was going to assist him in this process.

Upon hearing this, I figured that I had to see this episode by any means necessary. Given Ocho’s extra special persona, I expected to witness one or more of the following on this week’s show:

Rubi caught Ochocinco's interest form the start of the series.

- Someone with some gold fronts in their mouth

- A drunk uncle or cousin who dances uncontrollably and/or is confrontational

- A family member with hair dyed blonde

- Somebody who wanted to be seen on television at all costs, with no regard for the real premise of the show

But I was slight surprised – and mildly disappointed might I add – to see none of that on this episode. In fact, Chad’s family appeared to be just like my family – or anybody’s for that matter. And then, I connected the dot and made an important relevation…

Chad is the person that embodies all of those things in his family.

Back to the show, though. In the end, Chad’s family helped him decide to eliminate airhead Tara and the mysterious Tiphani…leaving obvious favorite Rubi (a clear Ocho choice from the start) and Brittany (who seems down to Earth).

IMO, Rubi’s had this competition won since the day Chad saw her. We’ll see what happens on the finale…

The NFL Needs Ochocinco’s Sample

T Lamont — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:24:41 +0000

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Ah…the things that the world of Twitter will allow one to share…

…and Ochocinco has decided to give us a sneak peak at how “random” random drug testing really is.

What was his response to the memo placed on his locker?

“Ok , why does the NFL continue to test me, all I do is piss excellence for them each time, I love these random steroid -drug test”

Chad seems to beam with confidence that he’s not worried, and that’s certainly a good thing. But note the contradicting nature of the letter: Chad has supposedly been selected to complete a urine doping test today. Then, at the end of the following paragraph comes this revealing tidbit – - “If you feel that you are not prepared to provide an adequate specimen you should still check in with the collector.”

OK, fellas…in what instances have any of us went 24 hours without being able to provide that type of “specimen?” And without question there is always an “adequate” amount for testing…right? If there have been times when players are unable to provide an adequate specimen, shouldn’t the NFL drug testing program’s Medical Advisor be concerned?

I’m kidding, but we all know what that sentence meant. Perhaps it should have read this way:

“If you feel that you are not prepared to provide a clean specimen you should still check in with the collector.”

Now that Ochocinco has revealed the loophole to the NFL’s drug testing system, it’s clear that there’s still a long ways to go with cleaning up professional sports. And it much, much longer than we may have even realized.

Ochocinco and Owens – Dynamic Duo?

T Lamont — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:39:24 +0000

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Well, it’s official. Terrell Owens is going to Cincy, and, if nothing else, it will provide the NFL with one of the most eccentric receiving duos in history.

And one of the most decorated duos, as well. Owens and current Bengals’ pass catcher Chad Ochocinco have combined for 12 Pro Bowl and 8 All-Pro selections.

There’s no denying that the two are great football players, but the reality is that they’ll be remembered for much more than that. Owens and Ochocinco have each allowed their personalities to shine through, making them unforgettable figures in the world of sports. Each is a star of his own reality television series, both airing on VH1.

But if the history of the two guys remains true, one thing is for certain: there will be no lack of excitement in Cincinnati this year. And it would leave us all wondering if there will be enough spotlight for both of the media-hungry receivers.

Let’s take a playful look at the characteristics that make these guys who they are – - and who would fare better in each:

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Best Haircut

With Ocho and T.O. both rocking chrome domes, this is a close battle. But from time to time, small pricklies are visible on T.O.’s head – and if you look closely, there’s a pattern developing. Ocho’s bald look is relatively smooth and we’ve seen him pull out some of the wildest cuts on the football field – and on his head.

Winner: Ochocinco, by a hair

Best Heartbreaker

Palmer should be able to keep defenses honest with veteran receivers on both sides of the field.

Right now, these players are at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to the ladies. Owens recently exhibited a soft side on his show, making it obvious that his proclaimed feelings for his girlfriend are, in fact, real. He was pulling out stunts that were almost stalker-esque – like having boxes sent to his girl’s house just so that he would have a reason to go over.

While T.O. isn’t acting like the player that we all assume athletes to be, Ochocinco is certainly riding the high of his new reality show, “The Ultimate Catch.” On it, he’ll sort through 85 girls to get down to that ‘special’ one.

Winner: Ochocinco. He’s playing the role of heartbreaker, while Owens is playing the role of the heartbroken.

Best Sidekicks

On the T.O. Show, the Alabama native is rolling with his publicists, Monique Jackson and Kita Williams. Now, as flashy and flamboyant as Owens has been on the gridiron, he is equally as bland off the gridiron. That’s where Mo and Kita come in. The two divas basically make the show, sparking classic confrontational moments that would otherwise turn the T.O. Show into a “N.O. Show.”

Ochocinco’s buddy, Bernard Berrian is nicknamed “B Twice.” They might as well call him “B Thrice” – Bland Bernard Berrian. Boring Bernard Berrian. Or whatever “B” word you can think of that describes someone who doesn’t add anything to the show.

Winner: T.O. The most interesting episode of ”The Ultimate Catch” would probably be five times weaker than any episode of ”The T.O. Show” as long as Mo and Kita are around.

Best Publicity Stunts

As Owens has moved on in his career, he has put a lot of his attention-craving antics aside. Sure, in many ways he was the originator of selfish, over-the-top behavior – as evidenced by the Sharpie incident, the pom-pom dance and the Cowboys logo standoff. While this type of behavior drew the ire of fans, it also meant that they were paying attention to his antics.

One could say that the torch was unintentionally passed to Ochocinco. Chad has done quite a bit to stay on SportsCenter, but he has not limited his aspirations to the playing field. Ocho has one-upped T.O. by using technology to his advantage. The Oregon State product has used Twitter to connect with his fans (and his haters), constantly delivering cutting edge catch phrases just to give people a reason to follow him. Guess what? It worked. He danced with the stars, and he figured that we would take a peek to see if he was going to act a fool. Worked again. He caught our attention with his silly name change saga, and is now threatening to change it once more.

Winner: Ochocinco. The guy will go to any length to ensure that he remains one of the most searched NFL players out there.

Best Use of Television

Terrell Owens used his show to peek into his life, and witness parts of it that were not clear to us. The concept of the show was fairly original, citing Mo and Kita as his “guardian angels to block and guide him to the endzone.” The girls are in all of his business, and it doesn’t always work out well…which, by the way, makes for some good television. T.O. allows viewers to know that he is human, that he has feelings, and that he does genuinely care about everything that we think he doesn’t.

In Ochocinco’s premier television season, his program is run-of-the-mill for what you would expect on VH1. Ocho is indeed using the show to stay in the spotlight, but he’s not using it efficiently. As episodes come and go, he’s looking more and more like other past VH1 reality stars Ray J and – gasp – Flavor Flav.

Winner: T.O. I understand that this is Ocho’s first show, but he has to move past the status quo and make his television show as wild and unpredictable as he is.

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But regardless of the outcome of these categories, there will be a distinct set of winners from the establishment of this dynamic duo: NFL fans.

Just imagine a whole season of antics and soundbites that will eminate from the Bengals’ locker room.

NFL season, here we come!!