Flyers, Bengals and the NBA

The Philadelphia Flyers are back. Tied with the Habs at two apiece in Eastern Conference Semifinals. I'm officially back to watching hockey (after a one-year self-imposed NHL boycott following the strike and a year of the Flyers playing too poorly to even care).

The Cincinnati Bengals, meanwhile, appear to have drafted well. The Bengals, sorely in need of defensive help, chose Keith Rivers, an outside linebacker from Carson's alma mater USC, with their first pick (and 9th overall). He's a straight-shooting kid with strong fundamentals, which is just what the team needs.

Cincinnati's second pick is where intrigue came to play. Instead of opting for defensive tackle Trevor Laws (Notre Dame), defensive end Calais Campbell (Miami) or even Quentin Groves (DE-Auburn) to provide defensive depth, the Bengals chose wideout Jerome Simpson (from Coast Carolina)!

What's going on there?

I suspect it was a clear message to Chad Johnson: "We don't need you." Still, it remains to be seen whether a Chanticleer from the Big South Conference can match the numbers Chad Johnson's generated several years running.

Could it be a trade for defensive players for Ocho Cinco could be in the works? Let's hope so.

As for the NBA, I'm unexpectedly back to being a fan. I find myself searching game times to learn when the Cavaliers play next. LeBron's brought me back to the sport after a long hiatus. The last time I remember getting excited about an NBA game was when the Pistons were starting Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, John Salley and Dennis Rodman.

Since Cincinnati doesn't have an NBA team, and since my attempts to develop affinities with all the Detroit teams (Red Wings, Lions, Tigers and Pistons) always lacked a certain sincerity, I'm officially jumping the Cavaliers' bandwagon.

As for the Flyers, well, I've loved them since 1974. So take that to the bank.

For the record, here are my official affinities:

MLB
Cincinnati Reds

NFL
Cincinnati Bengals *

NBA
Cleveland Cavaliers

NHL
Philadelphia Flyers

International League
Louisville Bats

College Athletics
Louisville Cardinals

Honorable Mention: Bowling Green State University Falcons

NASCAR
Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

* I will warn my children of the folly of selecting any association with the Cincinnati Bengals

** UPDATE ** In addition to picking up several more assorted defensive players, the Bengals drafted Louisville's Mario Urrutia in Sunday's rounds. I'd love to see that kid make it big in the NFL, and even more so in Cincinnati. Here's hoping!