Carson Palmer is a franchise player for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have been an under achieving franchise for years now, and they have been extremely inconsistent over the past 7 years or so. During the years when their leading receiver, Chad Johnson would put up big numbers while racking up tons of media attention and league fines for his end zone celebration antics, Carson would grow in popularity and consideration as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
From the national media, Carson has always been a class athlete and darling in the eyes of many. Chad on the other hand has always been covered by the media as a very talented clown and in many cases a disturbance. Neither of these two players have ever been considered a menace in the locker room by their peer players, but in the public eye they have been perceived differently.
Back in 2008, it is well known that Chad demanded that the Bengals trade him. He stated that he would not attend team functions or anything. I can remember the media, the fans, and Carson pretty much disagreeing with the way Chad requested a trade. I remember Chad being called a "cancer", a 'diva", and pretty much every negative name that can be thought of. He became the blame for the lack of success the Bengals had experienced.
Moving ahead to Carson in 2011. Carson is under contract until 2014. He was given the franchise player tag a few years ago and a huge contract back in 2005/2006...$120 million. That said, Carson has demanded a trade over the off season just like the teammate that he criticized back in 2008. Carson not only decided that he would hold out like Chad was going to do, but he has "quit". He did not fulfill his contract, and he sold his teammates out because he refuses to be the leading captain and franchise player that he is suppose to be for this franchise.
I find it hard to believe that this is not getting more pub in the off season/pre season. There is almost no mention of this. There are no bad names being spoke of concerning Carson. There are no stories about how he should do the right thing and play out his contract. There are no media heads saying that Carson or players like Carson are a problem. Instead there is total silence. I heard Kurt Warner of the NFL Network say that Chris Johnson of the Titans should report to the Titans camp and let his play speak for itself. He went on to say that he hates to see things play out this way when a player holds out for money..... (Chris Johnson, is holding out to not only become the highest paid running back in the NFL, but to attain a salary on the scale of Brady and Manning). Kurt was then asked about Carson's situation, and he immediately said that it was difficult and that he understood. No mention of how Carson should comeback and play. No mention of how he hated to see players do what Carson is doing.
I understand that Warner is a former quarterback, and can probably relate to Carson more so than Chris, but c'mon. His interview is symbolic of how certain athletes are covered and judged versus others. There is no way that this situation should not be commented on in the media or by fans. Carson should be held in the same regard that Chad was then and Chris is now.
