For the past 22 years (going on 23) I have been Bengals fan… and what a painful 22 years those have been. The last time we went to the Super Bowl was when I was born, so basically my entire life I’ve supported a losing team. My father has had season tickets with the Bengals since before I was born and did go to that ‘88 Super Bowl. I started going with my dad in ‘94 when the Bengals were so pathetic that he couldn’t get anyone else to go besides his 6 year old daughter. I was young, dumb, and naive and went because it was exciting for a 6 year old… and because of my loyalty – I’ve stuck around. I guess I’m still young dumb and naive. Sometimes I have to think that I’m a jinx to a team, but then I realize it’s not me… its you.
For almost my entire life you have run this team (since ’91)… run it into the ground. It’s safe to say I think your father would be ashamed of how you have brought the team to this point, this place of desperation. Your father was a great man who understood football… you don’t. You understand business, that’s clear, and you understand how to make money off the little guy. But is that what’s football about? Is that what your father would’ve wanted? No. He enjoyed winning; he enjoyed seeing a city happy and the stadium full.
I bet your father would ask you: Why do you refuse to sign top-notch talent? Why do you refuse to bring in a GM who understands how to ACTUALLY run a team? This is not about your wallet, and if you truly sat and crunched those numbers, you would see how winning would bring MORE money to your pocket. Don’t you want a town that fights to be in those seats on Sundays? Don’t you want to see the city flourish? Our city is actually going deeper into debt because of you and your choices. You have one of the sweetest deals in the NFL, getting the actual county to PAY for your stadium and upgrades. We pay for those tickets every Sunday and THEN end up paying taxes for the stadium as well. Guess you’re laughing all the way to the bank.
I just hope you realize what you’ve done to this city. How you’ve sucked the life out of it and made us bitter fans. I truly think your father would be ashamed of you and rolling over in his grave to see where you are today. Please – do what’s best for the city, team, fans, and your father… and give it up.
Sincerely,
Allison Trimbell
