Like most of the world, I am an extremely superstitious person. I hate the number 13, I have "bad luck" songs which I can't listen to, and Ii have to go through the same routine before I play any sports.
Watching my Bengals used to be the same. During the glory years (the second 8-8 season, the magic season of 2005, and the debacle of 2006) I had a very strict pre-game routine.
I would wake up at 11:00 am every Sunday to my roommate blasting the Bengals fight song. I would get out of bed, sing the song, run around the apartment and start Who Dey-ing. After that I would take a shower, listen to NOFX Punk in Drublic, and commence with the putting on of the garb.
There were three outfits that would be worn to the Bottom Line, the Washington DC Bengals bar (each differnet for temperature and game importance).
Outfit 1- Warm Weather
White t-shirt, kakhi shorts, blue Adidas sandals, Orange Chad jersey, Bengals hat (2005 AFC North Championship hat for 2006), and the Bengals sungalsses I found on Ebay.
Outfit 2-Cold Weather
White-tshirt, jeans, blue Adidas Sandals, Orange Chad jersey, a orange and black striped fuzzy rug/70's curtain looking sweater that my best friend found for me at a garage sale.
Outfit 3- Monday night game/ Sunday night game/ steelers game
Life size Bengals tiger suit with Chad jersey over it (see pic above)
Every week it was one of those three. We would arrive at the Bottom Line, order a Miller Lite, and start predicting the outcome of the game.
Unfortunetly, this season, Mike Brown , stole all of the hopes and dreams from Bengals fans. That was clear after the preseason, after cutting 3 starters, and after publicly crapping on Marvin Lewis by taking back Chris Henry. Due to poor team management, nepotism, and incompotence, he has taken the fun out of rooting for the thing I enjoyed most...watching my Bengals play. He has turned me from an enthusiastic, happy fan to a pesimistic, bitter rubbernecker.
But Who Dey Nation...I say NO MORE. Let's not allow Mr. Brown to dictate how this Sunday is going to go. I partially blame myself for getting away from my superstion...(last week I didnt even have orange on, thats how bad it's gotten). This week, I say we fight back. If our team can not win because of poor coaching, managment, talent, and lack of heart, than let us, the supersitious fans, will them to victory.
This Sunday, I will be decked out in outfit number 2. I will wake up to the fight song. I will drink my Miller Lite. I will wear my orange and black striped fuzzy rug/70's curtain looking sweater thing. I am tired of feeling helpless. Tired of the excuses. Tired of the losses. Tired of being depressed every Sunday night. If the players can not do it...I say we as fans do our part.
What are your supersitions?
Viva La Revolucion
Every Sunday I begrudgingly walk to the bar/funeral home and order my first of many miller lites. It doesn't seem to be working as a superstition. The place is very gloomy and Bengals fans look like hostage victims for the most part.
Posted by: Sly Vramavomovich | October 31, 2008 at 12:55 PM