The Skinny Podcast

Local 12

Podcast by Local 12

  1. 5D AGO

    Why is Bengals exec VP Katie Blackburn skipping media availability at NFL owners meetings?

    Bengals executive VP Katie Blackburn’s decision to skip media availability at the NFL owners meetings became a talking point in Phoenix, where Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner and Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media said the silence reflects a larger communication problem for Cincinnati. Skinner said the annual meetings matter because owners and coaches are available to the media and the league’s competition committee votes on rule proposals. But he argued the Bengals’ reluctance to make Blackburn available leaves fans without answers on offseason decisions. “The problem with a lot of Bengals fans with the ownership is there’s no answer from ownership,” Skinner said. “I just don’t understand why Katie or Troy (Blackburn) or somebody from ownership doesn’t come forward and address it.” Petraglia agreed, saying the Bengals’ public posture creates frustration because fans want to know why the team did not do more in free agency to help obvious roster needs. He pointed to moves such as signing Joe Flacco and other additions as insufficient compared with a more aggressive push for linebacker help. “At least with words, you could say, we do care,” Petraglia said. “Here’s how we approached Joe Burrow (to restructure his contract), or here’s why we didn’t.” The two also discussed the Bengals’ broader offseason messaging, saying the club’s “all in” rhetoric did not match its moves. Skinner said the issue is not just the decisions themselves, but the optics and the lack of explanation. The conversation centered on a fan base that, in their view, wants more than silence when the team makes major personnel choices.

    29 min
  2. MAR 24

    Bengals offseason: Mismanaging NFL salary cap, questioning Burrow's decision

    Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner was joined by Mike Petraglia from CLNS Media to discuss recent happenings during the Cincinnati Bengals offseason, a month from the NFL Draft. Former Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson has retired at age 29, citing injuries and a diminished desire to continue playing. Wilson, a key contributor during Cincinnati’s 2021 Super Bowl run, was known for two pivotal postseason plays: an interception that helped set up a game-winning field goal against Tennessee and a forced fumble that led to a touchdown in the AFC wild-card round the following season. Injuries significantly impacted Wilson’s performance in recent years, limiting his speed and effectiveness. Despite his relatively short career peak, he was regarded as a reliable, well-prepared player and a strong presence in the locker room. The discussion also highlighted ongoing concerns about the Bengals’ current linebacker group. Rookies Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. have been identified by coaches as starters, but questions remain about their readiness. The team lacks a proven veteran presence at the position after missing opportunities in free agency. Criticism extended to the team’s broader roster-building strategy, particularly its conservative approach to salary cap management and reluctance to restructure contracts. That approach may limit the team’s ability to add experienced players and depth, raising concerns about repeating issues from last season. Additional roster needs include depth at cornerback, safety and wide receiver, with reliance on the draft viewed as a risky strategy for immediate improvement. The duo on the podcast also questioned quarterback Joe Burrow’s decision to participate in an offseason flag football game, citing injury risk given his contract and injury history.

    28 min
4.7
out of 5
67 Ratings

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Podcast by Local 12

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