Void of Distractions, Ochocinco Reminisces Over Fallen Teammate

Despite a valiant effort and spirited last-minute comeback, the Cincinnati Bengals lost to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, 27-24, due to a last-second field goal by Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding. The team had been coping with the loss of their teammate, former wide receiver Chris Henry, late in the week due to his tragic death last Thursday. One of Henry’s closest friends on the team, wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, described how difficult the next few days would be since there is a temporary lack of distractions for the team.

Ochocinco, who shed tears as he knelt down to the ground and pointed up to the sky to honor his fallen teammate after scoring a touchdown on Sunday, told the media, “[To cope with the loss, I] Stay busy as much as I can. That’s all I can do. The more active I am, the easier it is to keep it off my mind. The flight going home is going to bother me. The funeral service is going to bother me. Any time it’s quiet and you have time to think, it’s going to bother me.”

The Pro Bowl wide receiver planned on wearing Henry’s jersey during the game to mourn his loss but opted not to out of fear that his act would be interpreted incorrectly by the media. Earlier in the week, the NFL’s Players Association offered to cover any fine handed down by the league if Ochocinco were to wear Henry’s jersey since league rules stated that it would have been a violation of league policy.