Series of trades by Bengals marks new start for franchise
By "Porsche Lynn Commode"

Off-Season 2242 (Cincinnati) - He has done it before, he will do it again.

Bengals GM 'Trader' Lee Remley sits in his golf cart at minicamp, dressed in his customary Panama Hat and Hawaiian shirt, his ancient eyes intense, watching intently as his young team goes through their paces.

Yes, Cincinnati is once again in rebuilding mode.

With seven rookies from the draft and more expected any day now as college free agents are signed around the league, 'Trader' Lee has his work cut out once more as he tries to keep up with the Buffalos and Minnesotas in his league, prolific Sundby Cup winners.

Three of his old players went to Minnesota to get a new start in DT Danny Pruitt, WR Ralph Hernandez and FB Bill Donovan. DT Dale Miles, LB Don Hooks, and WR Willie Rogers went to Pittsburgh, WR Kenny Hewitt and K Cris Kidd to Oakland. So around the league there will be a old Bengals presence on several teams, including the defending champs.

Long time fans have seen it before, tearing it down to build it back up. Sometimes it takes longer than others, depending on how the young players work out. But the fans are always confident it will happen since they know the track record.

'It's nice to see the young guys grow up every time this happens,' a fan with his face painted orange and black said. 'It's great to see a talent like Kenny Smith or Scott Gary come into their own and be all time greats.'

Those are two of the veterans who remain, showing the way for a new generation. Smith takes charge of the huddle, showing the new kids the way.

'Guys showed me how it was done when I came into the league,' Smith said. 'I'm just passing it on to the next generation.'

As it should be.