More Preferential Treatment???

[*psychdoctor*]

It comes down to this:

The Bengals will always be hated and caught in some sort of time warp until they win a playoff game, or better, championship. 

I hate ESPN.  Nevertheless, the statement made reflects the prevalent view that the Bengal's Front Office (Mike Brown) has tolerated years of athletes displaying boundary issues and disregard for either for violating laws or rules of the game.  It is the culture of tolerance the team's Head Coach and Owner that makes members of the media, hell even draft sites, rub people the wrong way. 

If the Bengals were to cut let's say Burfict or Adam Jones for some violation, then the team would gain some respect.  If the players would not fall apart during the playoffs and self-destruct, then the organization would gain some respect.  People outside the fan-base of the Bengals will distance him or her self from the team to avoid sharing perceived weakness.  It is the way defensiveness works.