Character: the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual; a feature used to separate distinguishable things into categories
Merriam-Webster
Character is an interesting word, and a word we associated with people in both positive and negative contexts. In terms of the negative and in the light of the recent NFL draft, players with character issue can mean a host of issues:
- Encounters with the police
- Drug issues
- Lack of coachability
- Uneven effort
- Self centered over team oriented
- Conflict with coaches and/or team members
- Lack of commitment to the classroom
- Failure to stay in shape
If just losing isn’t enough, living in Cincinnati and dealing with Bengal-player issues in the past hasn’t been easy. Unfortunately, once a negative light shines, any misstep is magnified – regardless of the direction one is moving.
For instance, let’s take the words of Yahoo! Sports Writer Chris Chase:
(Opening line) At some point, you’d think the Cincinnati Bengals would try to distance itself from the lawless, freewheeling image the team has developed over the past decade.
(A few sentences later) First, they draft a veritable who’s-who of character problems last weekend.
To people like Chris Chase, “character issues” not only includes everything I’ve listed (and then some), but each item is of equal weight. Granted (and in my view regretfully) the Bengals one player of 11) with a police record. However, since I find Chris Chase’s words and descriptions as inaccurate and irresponsible, I simply question his character and integrity with the same broad definition he imposes on others.
I not only invite you to read his story, but to also see the comments; which include several by Bengals QB Carson Palmer.
A Frank Angle 
I find the draft to be a gamble, no matter what the players character is perceived to be
a squeaky clean kid can end up a convict
and a troubled youth can turn it around
there have been other teams with issues not getting the same spotlight shined on them
Winning seems to come in cycles, much like history
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I agree with you about Chase. I think he came off as hypocritical and doesn’t apply the same standards to all teams. Yes, we all know the Bengals’ problems. But other teams like the Ravens, Bears, Cowboys, Raiders, and others have had recent problems with player personnel, too.
Now I agree with what 3rd is saying, but I want to expand on that a little bit. I think another factor in all this is when players go from being amateur/collegiate to professional. More specifically, when they get their first money contract.
We all know how money can change people, but being in the spotlight is something many athletes can’t handle. Others handle it very well, and are responsible, too. There are financial and personal counseling that drafted and rookie players get. It is two completely different worlds in college and pro sports.
A lot is expected of players, but they still have to be personally accountable for every decision they make on and off the field regardless of your monetary contract.
Still, it is very much a crap shoot with players with character or lack of it.
Very nice post and topic Frank!
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David,
Great points … no doubt, even in terms of playing on the field, the draft is a game of chance … let alone factoring in the element of character.
Thanks for adding the role of dollars into the character factor. Unfortunately (as you know) all the good guys that are responsible on the field, off the field, to their families and to themselves don’t dominate the news.
As always, I appreciate you stopping by and commenting.
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