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Much debate has centered around whether or not Edinson Volquez should have been told about his dad's sudden death or if the media should have broadcast it, even though it apparently found its way to social media.

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The on-going, long standing debate about what is news and what isn't news will never go away. The line is blurred at best and the increasing demand to be the first, even if it's :20 seconds ahead of the pack to break the news is getting absurd. I'm not here to judge or justify how anyone delivers bad or controversial news. However I find it ironic that no one seems to really put themselves in the shoes of the athletes or entertainers to be fair.

Have you ever, really heard of a media person breaking a story on another media person's family member whose been arrested or convicted of something? You know they know but is it kind of an unspoken code like the Blue Shield? My point is this: If you think it's okay to broadcast bad news about a players family or a coach's child or even an Owners financial troubles, then do the same for those you work with. Using your formula we would consider that news. You're a celebrity if you're a journalist or broadcaster. You're on the air or in print daily or weekly and have a social media following that crest into and beyond six figures. And you carry yourself like a celebrity even though you misuse the word humble to describe yourself, but that's for another day.

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I think if we started hearing about how ESPN anchor "so and so's" husband was arrested for DUI it might change their approach; and as we learned of the ESPN reported in D.C. berating the garage attendant, notice how it was literally erased from the sports scene in seconds. It proves my point that no preferential treatment should be granted to, or the sensitivity of reporting about, the family members of those doing the reporting.

I'm sure there have been cases where it was unavoidable that a media persons family member or even themselves were the story or column headline. But how many more stories faded away like the career of a player past his prime? How many stories had it been the same circumstances with an athlete would have made the news blotter or TV top five stories?

All I'm simply saying is be sensitive and ask how does it impact the game? If it doesn't show some class, have some compassion. I have an idea: ask the player and maybe you'll find there's a mental illness somewhere or an unforgiving circumstances at the heart of it all. And if that's the case maybe the story is about drawing attention to the illness or the disease using the athlete to help raise awareness. Wow. Sounds like a lot of people win that way; especially those who want to convince us that there is fairness in reporting. Presenting a story from the angle of compassion would leave no doubt about your fairness right? That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

ARE U KIDDING ME?

In the wake of the 58-0 shutout at the hands of Clemson, The once feared and highly heralded University of Miami aka "The U" is yet again looking for another coach to restore their credibility and prominence. It has been some time since the school that lead the nation in first round picks and back up players going first round has been a factor on the college scene. What they do next will determine if they even have football relevance going forward.

One thing I give them credit for is allowing a coach of color to engage in the process of returning the team to glory and I hope they do it again. The sad part is in college sports the process isn't and has never been fair to coaches of color when the head coach position is up for grabs. Yes there are a few more but the word few actually means a few!

In 2014 it was revealed in an NCAA Student-Athlete Ethnicity Report study that African Americans represent 13% of the US population and 45.8% of the FBS football players. But sadly of the 128 D1 schools that year only 11 head coaches were Black. I'm not a statistician or into saber metrics but I can glance at distorted numbers and see a problem.

city-data.com

Two conversations have to happen here; one why aren't they getting a chance and secondly when they do why aren't they getting the chance to really make it work? In fairness I can say Sylvester Crooms fits both cases, for those looking to take sides in an argument. He was completely, intentionally and embarrassingly passed over at Alabama. He gave his football life to the Tide and was flat out disrespected by not being offered the opportunity as a disciple of legendary coach Bear Bryant. Conversely at Mississippi State he was given 5 years, a college coaching lifetime, and his 21-38 record spoke to the need for change. He did have a Liberty Bowl win and a big win over Alabama that seemed to be the Universe saying all is even.

Courtesy of the shadowleauge.com

But so many coaches get passed over by white coaches who haven't earned the equal right the coaches of color have. Some of these coaches have had issues with integrity and credibility the likes of Bobby Petrino; and it's as if their successes as offensive and defensive coordinators are never factored in when the time comes to make the final selection. The usual slap in the face comment is they didn't interview well...really? I thought the body of work is what should speak volumes. I remember a African American coach in basketball, the Big East to be specific, who had a measure of success but wasn't the brash New York, New Jersey braggadocios personality and ultimately cost him in job as he was winning! So who cares about winning as long as you can smoke cigars and talk trash with the alumni and board of trustees...SMH

The hiring of African American Coaches in college football needs a closer look with respect to how it can improve the hiring of Coaches of Color. Tie it into TV revenue with schools who hire black coaches getting more prime time games which will help recruiting and exposure. Tie it into an extra scholarship or benefit that helps to level the playing field for those coaches trying to get on the same field.

Sports-Yahoo.com

I heard former Baltimore Raven and future Hall of Famer Ed Reed say he would be interested in returning to his alma mater, The U,  if he were contacted and I think of other African American Coaches who's times have come and may be going. Give them the chance; take the chance; enhance the chance. The verbal parity conversation the NCAA spews doesn't match the actuality the students of color see. What they see, what we all see, is that those with the money and donor purses dictate behavior. You want a new building hire this guy; you want a new field my choice is that guy. You hire "that" guy and I don't know how much more support I can give. And there you have it; money from donors talk and integrity of decisions walks, in a lot of cases.

I don't have all the answers but I have a request. Hire the best person; the most deserving person. Hire the person who can relate to the players who are high profile and can put people in the seats and the team on TV. If that is a white coach than hire him; but if it's a black coach hire him as well. But for the love of first and ten don't say he didn't interview well. If he can coach, gain the players and parents respect and incorporate integrity into the program, he deserves the job. If a booster doesn't like it he deserves the door; and the public declaration that he had a problem with a person of color. The thought of his discriminatory stance going public will keep the money in place. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

HIGHER PAY HIGHER STANDARDS

Much has been made, debated and discussed about whether Rick Pitino knew about the reported myriad of portable strip clubs disguised as dorm rooms on the campus of the University of Louisville; the dormitory named after his brother in law who died in the tragic 9-11 attacks. Seems there is a hidden irony there and since I'm not close to Rick or the University I digress.

Does Coach Pitino have one more escape clause?
Photo-SI.com

I believe much more should be made about the expectations of our Coaches and their conduct. There is no shortage of players getting suspended, expelled, losing scholarships, etc followed by a holier than thou Coach saying it doesn't reflect the values and character of the team and the university. Really!? I take your absurd comment and mirror you one; the U of L players are reflecting the value and character of their coach at least. We all remember Rick Pitino and his alleged sordid affair highlighted by the Italian restaurant, albeit it rumored brief, tryst. But what happened to the Pitino after that? Suspension, no; loss of pay, no; self imposed sanction, not that I know of. So if I'm a player then I say let the portable strip club continue because no harms comes this way based on what happened to the coach. I mean he even got a pay raise and extension while the women involved was sent to jail.

Dave Bliss was allegedly involved in a murder cover up
Photo-The Sporting News

One coach friend says the rule of thumb for coaches is to stay one step ahead of the posse, meaning before they fire you morph into Ghost on Power (Love that show!). But the sad reality is when coaches feel probation, violations and or sanctions coming that would limit the schools post season play or ability to capture top recruits they're gone! They're typically the cause or another coach err fall guy is to blame for something they knew nothing about. It's amazing how they know everything at the podium when they get hired, saying this is my program and I'll know everything that goes on here trust me.

No one could believe the allegations surrounding Joe Paterno that ultimately brought him down
http://www.post-gazette.com

Well we can't trust you; because everything good that goes on you're taking credit for it and well aware of, but when it goes wrong its one of your assistant coaches who has to now fall on the sword without compensation and you lament the fact how you're disappointed in them. Wow...reality TV is headed your way. I simply say the crime follows the villain. If you violate NCAA Rules, and it's discovered after you're gone, the school that employs you goes on probation. Sadly players and new recruits are left to discover how the power play works when everyone knows the former coach did the dirty work. The anger and confusion surfaces when they watch that same coach march into the post-season next year while the now ineligible kids, who've done nothing wrong,  lament how long it will be before they can play in the post season. Regrettably if they're a senior it will never happen which adds insult to injury.

If you want to clean up college sports big money makers, set new and higher standards for the highest paid players in the game, the coaches. It seems we have more compassion for the coaches who should know better, than the kids who are learning the definition of doing better.

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller

IT'S HARD TURNING OUT THE LIGHTS...

...The party's over; it was Don Meredith's equivalent of the fat lady singing on Monday Night Football after a team cemented the win. Yes you have to be al little older or a true football and/or Dallas Cowboy Fan to know about this, one of his many antics that probably rankled his colleague and professional in the booth Howard Cosell but you can see it below...

But the hardest thing for any athlete is coming to terms with the end of a career whether short or long because the singular investment of time and energy left no thought or perspective on what's next. A friend of mine has a great quote that says "You're blessing is also your curse." For athletes the blessing is the single minded purpose of giving everything you have, own and know to the game you love. Yet the curse is they really and typically don't know how to do anything else. So when the time comes where the injury is the period at the end of the abrupt sentence or the coach says you've been great but it's time, there is an emptiness that can't be fulfilled with anything else because the word option was never a part of their vocabulary.

Former NBA Player Dave Bing found success in business and politics - Courtesy of Suntimes

So many of us think they have it made; they're finished playing and hopefully they've retained a significant portion of their total revenue and many have. Yes the papers and media are lined with tragedies of investments in friends, families and agent referrals but the truth is the more troubling thought and that is what's next? Dabble in this, experiment in that; even join a fan in his business or invest in one because there are perceived opportunities that combined with your name offer unlimited potential. And while this might be true the one thing they don't offer is a competitive atmosphere that replaces the adrenaline rush that sports gave them. Of the successful players you encounter from time to time, many find their lot in the world of business because it is outright competition fighting for dollars, market share and celebrating client acquisitions. But the pre-cursor to that is having the education or the right people around you, with your interest at hand to ensure success.

Solomon Wilcots is a successful broadcaster with CBS and Sirius Radio

Magic Johnson, Junior Bridgeman, Jamal Washburn, Dave Bing and others have found the formula and right team to drive success exponentially. For others coaching and getting back in the game, somewhere near the field, salvage the connection to their hearts desire. A select few can get into the media but what about the rest? What about the guy that played seven or eight years just being a utility guy or the right fit at every stop along the way for a specific need. He doesn't have the name, or the pedigree; he doesn't have the connections or nearly as many as the big name player so his starting point is at or near the bottom. Half his time is spent convincing people he was in a league that long without someone recognizing his name.

Former Oakland A's pitcher Dave Stewart is now GM of Arizona - picture courtesy of BET

I am not asking for sympathy just perspective on how tough it can be to transition from one lifestyle to another. One where you have complete control and awareness of the situation to one where you feel like an outsider. You've seen and heard the stories where players get arrested for being involved in schemes and drugs and even robbery and I often wondered was it the thrill of ignorance that made them say yes? Was it the closest thing in your mind to a feeling akin to the competitiveness of sports? I don't have the answers but I often think of the average person who transitions from one job to the next; the options are pretty clear and even then we seem a bit intimidated by the process. Even more so the ones who have to now reinvent themselves after a corporate down sizing because they find it frightening. With that mind can you even imagine what an athlete has to be feeling initially? Fear, reinvention, the unknown and most certainly the big one, the how? How do I fit in; how do I handle this new work week. You mean there is no off-season just a few weeks off?

Transitioning from an athlete to a just another person can be cruel; they were once talking about you and now they're asking you about the newer you that pretty much took your job. I know its hard, I've seen it, as guys try to be polite talking about the rookie with all the potential they once had. The commercial used to say life happens fast; but when you're leaving the game it happens slow. You don't know what's next, what to do or how to figure it out. There's no adrenaline rush in reality; the reality is you just have to figure it out. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller

HEALTH AND HEROES

I have reached the point in my life where my heroes are becoming fragile, even human and it reminds me that in a game of one on one, life is undefeated. We grow up watching, admiring, even idolizing our heroes because they were more than likely our first bigger than life images that gave us something to believe in beyond the comic books and cartoons set in a distant land.

I reflect back on these days and times now being past the age of my heroes in their prime and wonder what they were going through in their lives while we were wishing for the perfect life we assumed they were living. And it brings me to Lamar Odom and the tragedy of his life. Lamar Odom, NBA player, not reality cast member has endured enough tragedy for every 3-4 people who criticize him. I have lost family members and many who may be reading this have too; but he has also lost friends and the arguably an entire family when he was traded away from the Lakers. I think that was the pain that Lamar Odom had been trying to escape; the pain of losing his entire family. I spoke with a several players including those who grew up in the Los Angeles area and they spoke of his joy of being able to walk to the Staple Center as if he was strolling down the blocks of New York where it all began for him. He won championships with the Lakers and as with admiration from the NBA voters he received 6th man of the year accolades. He was respected in the locker room like a kid in a candy store and he was ebullient in a Laker jersey, home and away. Now he is fighting for his life and a chance to reconstruct the pieces of good that once gave him hope. My comments are of prayer and not criticism because we're all one degree from his plight. To hear Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and others share the Lamar they know erasing the Lamar some choose to attack, seems fair and fitting for a kid who has had to deal with more than his share of turbulence starting in his youth. I look forward to one day writing about how he made it all the way back...

http://www.daveparker39foundation.com

Speaking of heroes I had the pleasure of playing the Dave Parker Cobra Foundation golf tournament in Cincinnati last weekend; and while Dave was one of my heroes growing up he has now become a friend and super hero for life. The majority of the sports world knows The Cobra is battling Parkinson's disease but what you may not know is that Dave is winning. My scorecard is based on how I interact with Dave now versus Dave prior to the diagnosis; nothing's changed. He made fun of me then and we laughed as usual Saturday when I arrived at the golf course. He spoke first and made fun of me second, stooping down to take a picture of me to make me feel taller, laughing through the entire process. That is Dave saying I'll be The Cobra until I can't. I can't see him any other way and I also can't see him not putting others first. It's the other absolute world class quality Dave had then and now. His tournament is to raise funds for people and families affected by this currently incurable disease and again this is vintage Dave Parker. If you would like to learn more about his foundation or get involved click: Help the Cobra

Cincy Jungle

I watched Reggie Williams of the Cincinnati Bengals flying all over the field, staring down bigger than life running backs and daring offenses to try and deter him from making plays and none of them succeeded. Reggie was relentless, daring, educated and prepared to play the game one way, all out. For 14 years he had to be accounted for on every play and not taken lightly. He was in a word a "Warrior"; one who never took a play off.  A football throwback compared to his then new generation of football players. He had his challenges growing up and that may have fueled him even more. Fast forward to now and Reggie has had more surgeries than Tom Brady has touchdowns in a season. He has worked to keep his surgery ridden knee attached and his leg in one piece and we now feel for him remembering clearly how he got that way while we cheered without pain and sacrifice in our comfortable confines.

At times it seems so unfair that athletes like these and others, too many for roll call, pay a price that will forever be without appropriate compensation. The paths they chose brought them fame, fortune and notoriety that many of us envy; but it also brought them pain, sickness and bad health for which no paycheck, uniform or endorsement deal can appropriately replace.

I salute my heroes for the way they played the game, the joy they brought us and even the victories we shared. But now in reflection I salute my heroes even more for the price they paid for me to cheer them on. The least we can do is to keep cheering for them long after the game has ended.

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.

Pick Six

Five weeks into the NFL season Six teams are still unbeaten and it appears, barring catastrophe, all Six should find their way into the playoffs. Not automatically predicting anything here but you have to say their chances would make Vegas side step the bet.

Atlanta	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	STRK
Falcons	5	0	0	1.000	162	112	W5

The regulars are there, Green Bay, New England and Denver; but I doubt that many would have listed the Cincinnati Bengals and the Atlanta Falcons among them. But the numbers don't lie, they are not only unbeaten but showing they have the ability to overcome adversity in the late stages of a game. The Falcons fought back with a dramatic win over the Washington Redskins and the Cincinnati Bengals rose like the Phoenix after falling behind to beat back-to-back Super Bowl NFC Champion Seattle.

Cincinnati	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	STRK
Bengals	5	0	0	1.000	148	101	W5

In either case you could have left early thinking the games were over and I'm sure fans would have done that a few years ago. This Cincinnati team has a personality that knows nothing of the sort when it comes to throwing in the towel and the Falcons with Seattle's former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn now have the Pacific Northwest mentally embedded in the Dirty Birds. Both teams have a focus that won't allow them to join fans in celebrating the early success as they know it's a long way to game 16. Focus, focus, focus is what will ensure season long success vs. success after just 25% of the season has concluded.

New England	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	STRK
Patriots	4	0	0	1.000	149	76	W4

Love or hate New England, Tom Brady or "The Hoodie" Bill Belechick they find a way to win. The find players to fit their system and the same could be made of the Packers. You find yourself scrambling to find their roster to see if these guys making plays even went to college. Yes they did and they simply do the specific things well that the position on that team requires. When a team has an identity, a style of play, it makes it a little easier to get fits, but it still depends on whose left on the board when there time comes. Trust me there's still a little lady luck involved...but that's how former Miami of Ohio basketball/football star Quinten Rollins got drafted in the second round; and he ironically showed a return on his investment returning a Nick Foles pass for a pick six this past week.

Green Bay	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	STRK
Packers	5	0	0	1.000	137	81	W5

We all know a Peyton Manning led team is always dangerous but my bigger question to Denver is will he hold up for 16 games? Peyton looked slowed and banged up at the end of last season and as the games toughen up and the defensive pressure increases, I don't see him withstanding the onslaught down the stretch.

Denver	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	STRK
Broncos	5	0	0	1.000	113	79	W5

Well these six are now stacked like dominoes and it remains to be seen if any of these teams can run the table. Its even harder now that the last time the New England did it before losing to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl allowing the Dolphins to have yet another champagne toast as the only team to run the table.

Panthers

4

0

0

1.000

108

71

W4

When I originally wrote this blog I completely forgot about the surprising Carolina Panthers who head to Seattle, coming off a loss to the Bengals. I think this might be the first team to fall from the ranks of the unbeaten but you never know. With Atlanta in first place I didn't give them the respect they deserve.

If you're a fan enjoy the ride because it feels good now but bad when it ends because they're only two spots in Super Bowl 50.  And with five unbeaten teams, three will certainly not make it, giving this group a 40% chance to have two of them playing in Levi Stadium next February. The rest will say we started out like gangbusters! but we can all say it together "It's not how you start, it's how you finish."

I'm finished for today and we'll see how these five fare going down the stretch. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller

JEFF - RUSSELL - BLAKE - WILSON

When I watch Russell Wilson throw the football I'm reminded of a quarterback whose meteoric rise came as the result of two QB's getting injured in the same game. First Cincinnati Bengals leader Boomer Esiason went down in the Cleveland game on the road and if that wasn't good enough for the Browns they injured backup quarterback David Klingler leaving the faithful fearing destruction at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys upon their return to Riverfront Stadium. I mean this unknown QB released from the Jets named Jeff Blake wasn't given much of a chance and some were probably reading him his last football rights knowing the America's Team, The Dallas Cowboys, juggernaut was landing soon.

©Cincinnati Bengals

But it's sports and funny things happen when certainty is at the forefront of a yet to be played contest. No one knew how competitive Jeff Blake was; few knew his belief in self was authentic and even less were keenly aware of his skills throwing the ball deep. But we all found out that unforgettable October day in 1994 that the David vs. Goliath story became center stage not only in Cincinnati but the NFL as well.

Jeff threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns nearly leading the wounded Bengals to a improbable upset of the Dallas Cowboys. Although falling 23-20, he may not have won the game but he won the respect of the coaches, teammates and fans alike. He even introduced a new passing game with an aerial assault that saw the ball disappear into the stratosphere only to return and land in the waiting arms of Darnay Scott or Carl Pickens for six. Jeff Blake nearly revolutionize the position not only with his arms but his legs. As a highly successful signal caller at East Carolina he was a secret outside the state of North Carolina but no more and his 21,000 + yards and 134 Touchdowns proved he was no NFL fluke.

http://simplyadequate.com

And no more is his style of play an anomaly as this Jeff Blake 2.0 version Russell Wilson has emerged and taken his style of play to another level. Russell Wilson has the same aerial ball, the same legs and ironically was born in Cincinnati. Coincidence? Absolutely but I had to mention it giving credence to the fact that maybe Blake's skill were superimposed into Russell at birth. Thus you have Russell Blake or Jeff Wilson your pick.

Watching Russell Wilson is like watching a conductor with a broken baton; he still has to direct the orchestra but improvisation is constantly required. Plays break down in the NFL and defensive pressure is successful periodically in the NFL so without the mind, arm and legs you have given the advantage to the defense. Not Blake; not Russell. We only need to flash back to last Monday when Blake err Russell drove the Lions crazy not only recognizing and avoiding pressure but turning it into a highlight play and several lion deflating first downs. After a while you can only shake your head in amazement, as so many did with Blake. Blake may have been a little more animated after plays but Wilson is showing emotion on the sidelines. There are quite a few similarities and when the Bengals play the Seahawks this Sunday in Cincinnati albeit in a different arena, I can't help but imagine I'm watching Blake wearing the visitors uniform instead of the stripes. But this time I think the home team will win.

MLB playoffs have begun and the Cubs are in after dismantling the Pirate bats last night. Somewhere Harry Carey is, in his unmistakeable voice, drifting back and forth between the game and his surroundings is smiling. I'm not smiling at the fact that it's October 8th and the playoffs are just getting started. Anyone else see something wrong with this picture?

Speaking of pictures... Props to LeBron James for indulging all the fans, especially the kids with selfies and photos during the preseason games in Cincinnati vs. the Hawks. LeBron also gave kudos for the on and off the court wisdom given to him by the greatest to ever play the game Oscar Robertson, aka The Big O. When someone else averages a triple double for a season then we can talk.

That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat; I'm Wayne Box Miller

BOX FULL OF SPORTS

As I said in my previous blog, this time of year is a sports haven complete with multiple game options and this weekend undergirds my argument with a resounding case closed!

First and foremost lets put an end to this Cincinnati Reds baseball season at home and now the losing streak. We all have our opinions on what needs to happen and something should; on that we can all agree. One thing I know for sure is that it's easier to make bold moves and declarations when you're not in charge or writing checks. We as fans have that luxury and our second guessing won't have people blowing up our phone lines and calling radio stations saying Joe in the suburbs should be banned from the radio. I know this organization realizes they have to do something, even if it's laying out a solid where do we go from here plan. Something will be done but getting rid of the manager isn't part of that plan.

Fansided.com 

The UC Bearcats got an impressive win this past Thursday in Prime Time and no it wasn't the offense but the defense that set the tone and ensured the win. They never let Miami aka "The U" get into any real offensive rhythm and lets be honest the majority of you thought they were going to give the same performance that had us all questioning their abilities as evidenced in previous weeks. Now can we give credit where credit is due with the same expediency we do when it's not?

©2015 Wayne Box Miller Media

Speaking of UC I had a chance to watch the game from the new press box and the new Club Level seating and I have to say well done. There are plenty of TV monitors to watch not only The 'Cats but a few other games as well. With the cooler than desired weather and the majority of the people staying inside there was still ample room to move around and partake of all the food stations and watering holes. The food was pretty good with the basics as well as high end selections from which to choose. The seats are comfortable and a far cry from the steel padding of the past. Sitting near the ten yard line and end zone, the sight line was amazing! I can tell you any seat in the brand new Club Level or Suites is pretty good and for football fans you have the view you need to evaluate the plays.

Courtesy of Cleveland.com

For Boxing Fans and that is the majority of Cincinnati as boxing is part of this city's DNA, Adrien "The Problem" Broner was much improved and seemingly back to form in his WBA Super Lightweight Title victory last night over Khabib Allakhverdiev at US Bank Arena. While continuing to mix the sweet science with antics he still knows how to dangerously divide his time in the ring, but seemingly gained a renewed focus outside the square. As I say think of your younger self compared to now and you'll see a lot of reminders of your youth if you're honest. We all hope he continues to grow and his new business venture of promoting fights is equally successful. Following a trend that Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya have fine tuned, making money outside the ring, is a great next step.

Today the Cincinnati Bengals look to go 4-0 and put even more distance between them and the rest of the AFC North. After the Ravens beat the Steelers on Thursday Night, the Bengals are even better positioned to create more distance within the Division. Be reminded that this is a long season and after today there is still 75% of the season yet to be played. But clearly the Bengals won the first quarter of the season and Andy Dalton has looked better in doing so. So why am I hearing what happened last year ringing in my head? Say it with me: THAT WAS LAST YEAR LOL. 

The Bengals answered the call of the Ravens best, back agains the wall effort last week and will surely be tested again this week with a Chiefs team needing to keep pace in their Division early on. The reality is there is no off week in the NFL but with the home crowd and a highly respected offense and defense the Bengals can go 4-0 if they take care of the football. 

Sleeping with Bienemy is still one of the best monikers Chris Berman ever coined for now Kansas City Chief Running Back Coach Eric Bienemy. Pound for pound, heart vs heart there was no bigger player in the NFL than EB. When he played for the Bengals his heart and desire for the game and life was always on display. If you want to learn more about the man check out his article on the Chiefs Web Site. Props to you EB...

Side note: It was also a big football weekend including high school football, as several big teams clashed in Cincinnati; and in college with big games like Alabama and Georgia, where the Tide handed the Dawgs one embarrassment of a home game beat down for Georgia faithful. For all the trash talking, on the field jumping up and down between the two teams and confidence imagined, only one team showed up at game time; their reward? A nice ride back to Tuscaloosa...

Well I have to say hats off the Reds Community Fund for the 11th Annual Marty Brennaman Golf Classic Weekend at Belterra Casino Resort. One of the best golf outings in the business it's made even more impressive by the amount of money they've raised for the Community Fund. I can honestly say this is one of the best weekends of golf  annually in addition to The Marvin Lewis Community Fund because of how they both reinvest in our community. That means we all win. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat; I'm Wayne Box Miller.