Fan Pulse: That’s Mr. Ocho Cinco to you

By Neal Coolong  |   Wednesday, August 13, 2008  |  Comments( 5 )

Cincinnati Bengals
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The receiver usually known as Chad Johnson is best known for his antics, off the field as well as on it.

He may have struck gold with his rumored newest idea.

Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith wrote Tuesday that Johnson may be considering legally changing his name to "Chad Ocho Cinco."

It shouldn't be shocking, if not a little comical, to hear such a revelation. Johnson began referring to himself in broken Spanish as "Eight Five" (his jersey number is 85) last season, and even had a nameplate placed over his typical "C. Johnson" during warm-ups before a game in 2006. A decision to legally change his last name to Ocho Cinco may draw the ire of the league, but not the $5,000 fine he was hit with in 2006.

Johnson alluded to changing the way fans thought about him in an interview with Ron Jaworski on Aug. 11's edition of "Monday Night Football." It's up in the air if changing his name to two numbers would accomplish that, as most fans on the Bengals Official Fan Forum didn't seem surprised about the rumor.

In case Ocho Cinco is wondering, the fans put up a poll that asked "would you buy an 'Ocho Cinco' jersey?" Thirteen of the 20 voters nixed the idea in the first few hours of the poll.

Some posters seem to be a little behind on Johnson's antics.

"man O man...chad is starting to make himself look like a clown...will anyone take him serious after all this crap he's throwing around this year?"

The words "Chad and "Clown" have been synonymous over the last few years, both good and bad. The question more savvy Bengals fans were asking was in regards to his performance.

"I don't care what he says, or changes his name too as long as he PRODUCES."

Johnson had a rift with the Bengals over the offseason, when he not so subtly requested a trade until the team convinced him to come to camp and promised him it'd discuss the contract extension he wants after this year. One fan points out this might be a way for Johnson to make more money on top of the contract he feels he outplayed.

"It's a sure money-maker. The jerseys will be a huge seller. I think it's pretty smart."
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
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