Chad Ocho Cinco?
Maybe receiver Chad Johnson can go by the name that his head coach hates.
The Cincinnati Bengals receiver has legally changed his name to Chad Javon Ocho Cinco in Broward County, Fla., a switch that became official this week, according to several media reports. Johnson, who lives in Miami, didn’t return a message left on his cell phone Friday night.
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“It’s something I don’t think anyone has ever done before,” he told the team’s Web site. “Have I ever had a reason for why I do what I do? I’m having fun.”
Oddsmakers obviously don’t feel that the name change will help the Cincinnati Bengals’ Super Bowl chances this season. Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Bengals 65/1 long shots to win the 2009 Super Bowl.
Johnson has other issues besides changing his name. Reports surfaced last week that the wide receiver will play with a torn labrum this season. One hit and Johnson, err, Ocho Cinco, could be out for the season.
Two years ago, Johnson gave himself the moniker – a reference in Spanish to his No. 85 – and put it on the back of his uniform before a game. Quarterback Carson Palmer ripped it off before the kickoff. After the season, coach Marvin Lewis – who dislikes Johnson’s attention-getting stunts – referred to the receiver as “Ocho Psycho.”
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