Since I'm catching up on things and adjusting to a new schedule and whatnot, I'm still behind on several topics.
Such as...
1. The Bengals recently released Laveranues Coles. As much as I enjoy being right about my predictions -- and I really enjoy being right -- I hate when it means one of the teams I follow will suffer. For example: I hated everything about the ridiculous contract the Bengals gave Laveranues Coles last offseason, but I still wanted to be proven wrong. I root for the Bengals. I'll always root for the Bengals. And if the two men who beat up my mother were the starting defensive ends, well, I'd still support the Bengals. That's just how it goes. But it doesn't mean I'm a blind optimist, either. I take too much pride in having a knowledgeable opinion, and I refuse to get sucked in by glowing quotes from head coaches on blatantly biased websites (like Bengals.com) or in fluff pieces written by nerds who get bullied by players (like 99% of all beat writers).
I'm not saying I was the only person who thought the Coles contract was an awful idea, but it sure seems that way. It's hard not to. When you consider that every piece of feedback I received regarding Coles was of the disagreeing variety, it's easy to see why I felt obligated to write the very words you're reading.
Listen, I'm right more than I'm wrong. And my opinion should matter more than it does. If those last two sentences make me an arrogant jerk, so be it. At least I don't kiss Coach Marvin's ass just because he gave me an extra second of his time. Nobody in their right mind should've been excited about Laveranues Coles coming to town, and everybody should've been flat-out pissed at his ridiculous contract. I'd harp on this a little longer, but I have more gloating in store...
2. (Item temporarily removed due to UC's unexpected run to the Big East quarterfinals, but let's just say it was a big fat I told you so regarding Yancy Gates. Item to be posted at the conclusion of UC's season, which I hope is the first week of April. Until then, I'm staying positive. Go Cats!)
3. Due to the temporary removal of item No. 2, I'm leaving you with something that's been on my mind lately, mostly because I've eaten quite a bit of Benadryl Cold tablets over the last few days: Have you ever noticed that the word drowsy is only used when referring to side effects of medication? It's true. You'll never hear anyone say, "I'm drowsy, I think I'll take a nap." Think about it.
That's all for now. If the Bearcats keep winning, I'll delay my Yancy Gates post and explain why the great majority of spring training articles are completely worthless.
-Brad Spieser (Brad@TwinKilling.com)
3/11/10
