Even in this semi-glorious season, the Cincinnati Bengals are having trouble escaping their past. What a pathetic, demoralizing development this week when the team - no doubt grumbling all the way - bused 22 miles up I-75 to practice at some soccer facility in Mason because that long-awaited indoor practice facility apparently remains a pipe dream. Here's a good way to look at it: Many Football-playing institutions of higher-learning - and not just the top-shelf programs - have such facilities for their athletes. And the Bengals , one of 32 members of the country club known as the National Football League, don't.
Owner Mike Brown's stinginess is the stuff of legend, so the lack of a so-called "practice bubble" adjacent to Paul Brown Stadium might seem like old news. That it's still an issue, however, continues to embarrass the team across the league.
This is not about feeling sorry for inconvenienced millionaires. It's just that facilities and amenities help separate teams in the eyes of players and, well, midweek bus rides are not generally on the wish lists of free agents.
When Marvin Lewis took over as coach in 2003, he convinced Brown to invest in larger towels for the locker room, but Lewis has been stonewalled on the bubble despite stressing the need for one any chance he gets.
To be sure, the Bengals will need an upgrade if they intend to attract a player or two who might make a difference in the years ahead. Maybe Brown will come around. He did spring for those towels, after all.
Contact this reporter at (9370 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com
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