Thursday, August 16, 2001
LeBeau hopes alumni instill pride
By Bill Koch
Enquirer contributor
GEORGETOWN, Ky. Almost from the day he assumed the job as head coach, Dick LeBeau has talked about restoring pride in a Bengals history that includes two Super Bowls, a history that seems lost in the debris of a decade of losing seasons.
So Wednesday, LeBeau called in some of the Bengals from the glory days. He had one or two players from each position group meet with the current players. They talked on the auxiliary practice field for about a half-hour before the afternoon workout. The former Bengals then stayed around to have dinner with the current players.
I'm proud of the history of this franchise, LeBeau said. I think it's good for the current players to meet guys that are a part of that history. The pride of going to the Super Bowl twice and a lot of divisional championship teams here. I think it's good that they bridge that.
Among the returning Bengals and the groups they met with: David Fulcher (safeties), Louis Breeden and Eric Thomas (cornerbacks), Max Montoya (offensive linemen), Mike Martin (wide receivers), Jim Breech (kickers), Jimmy Corbett (tight ends), Eric Ball and Ickey Woods (running backs), and Kenny Anderson (quarterbacks). Dave Lapham, who played on the offensive line for the Bengals, met with the defensive line in the absence of Coy Bacon, who was a no-show.
Ray Horton (safeties coach) was saying that these guys are really eager in terms of trying to learn, Breeden said. After 10 years (of losing), you'd better want to learn. There are no huge egos. When you haven't won in a long time, you shouldn't have a real ego.
MEETING: The Bengals were summoned by LeBeau to an unscheduled, 10-minute meeting immediately after the morning practice.
LeBeau said the meeting primarily was to inform the players about the alumni visiting. But that wasn't all.
Discipline is usually mentioned in all my meetings, LeBeau said. A lot of it has to do with self-discipline.
POSITION SWITCH: Ramondo North has been switched from wide receiver to defensive back. His number was changed from 9 to 24.
Bengals Stories
Cardinals 8, Reds 4
Boone goes on DL again
Young to 3B, Clark to LF
Cromer gets reprieve
Edmonds' hitting picking up
Ballpark cost shrinking
Reds box, runs
Judge recuses self from Little case
Bonds Watch: No homers
XU, UC stars return for NBA exhibition
Olympic swimmers second in nationals
NKU women's soccer ranked No. 2
Cincinnati girls tennis preview
Cincinnati high school results
N.Ky. high school results
Return to Bengals front page...