Source: http://assets.espn.go.com/media/motion/2009/1026/dm_091026_nfl_ochocinco_int.jpg
Chad Ochocinco is one of those players that you either love him or you hate him. He's one of the flashiest receivers in the league and outrageous is probably an understatement to describe his personality. He calls the NFL the "No Fun League", for not allowing him to perform his extravagant celebrations after he scores a touchdown. He blatantly blasts other players on his Twitter page, and on camera, about what he's going to do to them each and every Sunday. Generally he backs his play up with all the smack that he talks, but that's what the media loves about him. He isn't afraid to express himself and take risks that could drastically affect his image.
Chad is currently in the offseason and has found a new way to occupy his time other than playing Call of Duty and eating McDonald's all the time. He has come out with the OchoCinco News Network. He has assembled a team of superfans, one of whom is Amir from collegehumor.com, and professional players, Ray Rice, Darnell Dockett, and Chris Cooley, to go around like normal media personalities, ask the tough questions, add some entertainment, and get answers.
They previewed OCNN on Youtube with a video that will literally have you laughing out loud. As silly as this idea may sound, they actually have to deal with all the pressures of being a media personality. Their first assignment was Superbowl Media Day on Tuesday, and needless to say it wasn't easy. Chris Cooley complained because it was so hard for him to ask Dallas Clark a question, and they are both fellow tight ends in the NFL. Ochocinco still had to deal with security personnel closing off certain areas of the gathering, something he thought he'd never experience. The whole team seemed to struggle with not being able to always ask their questions completely and have answers to report on.
It seems like a big joke, but I think it's a clever idea to get the players involved in something new and fresh. The Onion is a fictional, yet satirical sports news show that adds humor to the somewhat serious world of sports. OCNN doesn't want to be in this category, but they want to have some similar elements. A lot of NFL players when they retire, look to try and stay in the game any way that they can. There are loads of former players that get a journalism/broadcasting degree just to cover the NFL on NFL Network, ESPN, CBS, FOX, etc. This is a minor step for these players and gives them something to do stress free, fun, and enjoyable in the offseason. If you don't like it, "Child Please!"
