The Bengals first mandatory mini-camp is 2 days away, and the media will be swarming to see if Chad Johnson arrives. For the most part, this is a non-story. The season is 4 months away and that is a lot of time to burn bridges or mend fences. The likelihood of Chad’s issues being resolved by Thursday or during the mini-camp is highly doubtful. From multiple reports and through what we have seen in the media, it is fairly obvious that Chad is broke. He wants a new deal with a fat signing bonus so he does not have to wait for his weekly paychecks in September. The Redskins had a deal waiting for him, but the Bengals would not give in. Washington has since moved on and now Chad is stuck like the puppy who lost his way.

As of right now, I only have one opinion on this matter, I feel very, very, incredibly sorry for Drew Rosenhaus. That’s right, I feel sorry for Drew Rosenhaus, even though he got himself into this mess. Drew Rosenhaus is Chad’s agent; meaning Drew is responsible for maxing out on Chad’s earning potential. For the most part, that sounds like an easy and probably very entertaining enterprise. Drew and Chad can play a little hard ball with the Bengals, review a few endorsement deals, ask for a little more money, sit back, relax and rake in the millions. Look at Peyton Manning and his commercial time. However, now that we have seen Chad in action, we can see what a mess this relationship must be. Rosenhaus only makes money on the percentage of income Chad actually gets paid. Once Chad’s irrational spending leaves him broke, I’m sure Rosenhaus gets the call. “Drew, I need money, I need a commercial, I need a new signing bonus.” Rosenhaus is responsible for keeping Chad happy and the money rolling in. But Chad’s own foolish spending and media decisions may have screwed his earning potential. In the past 4 months, Chad has said he will play for 10 different teams, negotiate his own trade, retire, play in the Arena League, move to Hollywood, show up to camp, not show up to camp, show up to camp, and again, not show up to camp. Sometimes Chad changes his mind within a matter of hours. In each case, Rosenhaus must field the Chad phone calls, tell him money is coming, and try to find something that works. Rosenhaus is obliged to run through all of his resources trying to score Chad more money, even though his client is clearly working against him. The only thing Rosenhaus cannot do is tell Chad what would truly help him, “I just got you a monster contract that the Bengals did not have to give. You should save this money, play nice, and try to make a lot of side change through endorsements based on your media friendly personality.” That is not what a man who can blow through $16million in 2 years wants to hear. He wants to hear about the $21million signing bonus the Redskins supposedly had ready for Chad to sign. Telling Chad to save his money and play football would probably get Rosenhaus fired. Sounds like a fun job to do for free while waiting for Chad’s next paycheck.

My prediction for Thursday, Chad shows up but has some undisclosed injury and will not participate.