Big Willie - It's Not You, It's Him

Ladies and Gentleman Willie Anderson is back, but sadly he still will be wearing Baltimore purple and a pigeon with a B tatooed to it's face on his helmet.

After being drafted by the Bengals 10th overall in 1996, Willie Anderson became a household name in Cincinnati.  A four-time pro-bowler in 2003-2006, Anderson was the anchor of the Bengals' offensive line and a loyal hard working member who started 116 consecutive games until an injury prevented him from playing the Chiefs in 2007.  This was a man who still had a lot of good football in him, but not in the eyes of Mike Brown.

After being released in August of this year when Mike Brown declared he was essentially washed up, Anderson was picked up by another team.  A team in the same league; a team that has actually won a Superbowl in the last decade; a team that has won 7 games and is competing for a playoff birth this year; and, oh, a team we just so happen to play this Sunday at home.  We won't mention it is also a team that employs a murdering yay skiing linebacker, because if we actually had one of those it not only would be the missing criminal link to the Bengals' Athletic Department of Corrections, but it might actually be nice to see a player in black and orange not getting man-handled like an 8 year old boy at John Mark Karr's "Push-Up & Sit-Up Camp for Kids".

Somehow Willie's five year $32 million contract that was signed just before 2006 seemed not to equate to the quality of linemen the Bengals needed in 2008...  Right, the better move by Mike was releasing him after rescinding the original contract and mandating a pay cut.  That's tantamount to showing a hooker your $20 bill and then after completion paying her with a backhand.  Why did you treat Willie Anderson like a whore Mike Brown?  You have a man here who played 181 games for you that were great and then all of a sudden you're just done with him?  You can't just slap the prostitute for one bad bloj after 181 good ones!

In an interview with Mark Curnutte of the Cincinnati Enquirer Anderson said, "I was mad at Mr. Brown when he made the decision, for about a month."  He goes on to state that the same "pipeline" that fed Mike Brown information about him was responsible for feeding him inaccurate information about other players for many years.  Anderson went on to talk about the Baltimore Ravens organization by stating, "We have our issues; every organization does," he said.  "But here [in Baltimore] it's all about football.  You can concentrate on foorball here [in Baltimore].  There are not nearly as many non-football issues here a there were in Cincinnati.  Anderson's showing he's still got it, Cincinnati Enquirer, Nov. 26, 2008.

Well, here's the rub Willie and I can't blame you for not knowing because it's kind of a little secret.  Are you ready?  Okay.  There are no other people.  The "pipeline" you refer to is Mike Brown and the buck starts and stops with him.  It's unfortunate that the "pipeline" that should be in place is jammed with the vomit and defecaton that come's from Mike Brown and his band of yes-men.  Not only that, but as you so poignantly pointed out, Cincinnati is not about football, it's about cash and until Mike realizes that to make more cash you need to focus on what it is that brings you the cash (hint, it's not a cow or tree) then people like you, WIllie Anderson, will continue to be thrown to the wayside for new and cheaper talent.

I commend you for your statements and we at the WDR will not forget you.  You are an icon and human manifestation of the old adage "if you work hard you'll go places."  Perhaps that place this year is not only another starting position, but just maybe the Superbowl.  If we as fans cross our fingers hard enough and wish on every shooting star then perhaps the "pipeline" that should be in place will produce water, not excriment  We wish you success in your future endeavors.  And remember; although Mike Brown never had an open ear, we of the WDR will always be here to listen.  Now go get yourself a Fatburger!

Comments

[BMN]

Mike Brown just likes trading down.

He was spending money on Willie in 2006 when he should have been spending money on Steinbach.

Then, all of a sudden, only ONE season after this grand gesture, he changes his mind and decides Willie isn't worth it anymore.

Net loss for Bengals = Steinbach AND Willie
Net gain? = ......

[BMN]

Scratch that, two seasons. My point still stands.

[George Costanza]

I INVENTED THE "IT'S NOT YOU IT'S HIM" ... NOBODY DOES IT BETTER THAN ME!!!

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