Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

Cincinnati Reds Lose Another Potential Starter. Richard Pitino Xaviers New Head Coach | OTB 3.26.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. Yesterday, March 25, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds played an exhibition game against their top prospects at Day Air Ballpark in Dayton, Ohio, kicking off their pre-season preparations for the 2025 MLB season. The game showcased the Reds’ mix of emerging talent and established players as they gear up for Opening Day on March 27 against the San Francisco Giants. Matt McLain stole the spotlight early, launching a three-run homer in the second inning to give the Reds a commanding 4-0 lead, thrilling the crowd and signaling his readiness after missing all of 2024 due to injury. Elly De La Cruz also impressed, ripping an opposite-field single, further boosting optimism for the season ahead under new manager Terry Francona. However, the prospects fought back, with Will Benson tying the game at 4-4 with a two-run homer off Chase Petty. While full box scores remain unofficial for this exhibition, posts on X highlighted the Reds’ offensive firepower and the prospects’ resilience. The game served as a promising tune-up, with fans and analysts eager to see if Cincinnati’s young core can translate this energy into a playoff push after a disappointing 77-85 finish in 2024. Richard William Pitino, born September 16, 1982, is an American college basketball coach currently leading the Xavier Musketeers. The son of legendary coach Rick Pitino, Richard has carved his own path in the sport. After graduating from Providence College in 2005 with a history degree, he began his coaching career as an assistant at various schools, including Northeastern, Duquesne, and Louisville, where he worked under his father. Pitino’s head coaching journey started at Florida International University (FIU) in 2012, where he turned a struggling team into an 18-14 squad in one season. In 2013, he took over at Minnesota, leading the Golden Gophers to an NIT Championship in 2014 and earning Big Ten Coach of the Year honors in 2017 after a 16-win improvement. Despite an eight-year tenure, he was fired in 2021 following a 14-15 season. Days later, he joined New Mexico, revitalizing the Lobos with a 26-10 record in 2023-24, winning the Mountain West Tournament, and reaching the NCAA Tournament—his fourth as a head coach. Now at Xavier, hired in 2025, Pitino’s career record stands at 247-186 (.570). Known for high-pressure defense and roster turnarounds, he continues to build on his father’s legacy while establishing his own.

Cincinnati Reds Countdown to Opening Day! Cincinnati Bengals have become Indefensible | OTB 3.25.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 25, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds have wrapped up their spring training in Goodyear, Arizona, finishing with a 12-17-1 record in the Cactus League. Despite the losing tally, the focus was on preparation rather than results, culminating in a strong 13-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in their final game. Key performances highlighted the camp: shortstop Elly De La Cruz thrived, slashing .452/.553/.839 with six extra-base hits and six stolen bases, showcasing his superstar potential. Outfielder Austin Hays led the team with 14 RBIs and a .310 average, proving his value as a cleanup hitter. Pitching-wise, Hunter Greene, set to start Opening Day on March 27 against the San Francisco Giants, struck out six in four innings during his penultimate tune-up. Nick Lodolo also impressed in the finale, signaling rotation strength. However, injuries impacted the roster—Andrew Abbott, Spencer Steer, and Tyler Stephenson will start the season on the IL, opening spots for prospects like Jacob Hurtubise and Blake Dunn. Under new manager Terry Francona, the Reds emphasized farm system development and organizational unity, aiming to end their playoff drought since 2020 as they head back to Cincinnati. In March 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals secured their star wide receivers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, with lucrative long-term contracts, ensuring quarterback Joe Burrow’s top targets remain in place. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension, making him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback at $40.25 million annually, with $73.9 million fully guaranteed at signing and $112 million total guaranteed. His deal includes a $41.17 million base salary and roster bonuses for 2025, with cash flow structured to deliver $105 million over three years, heavily front-loaded for flexibility. Higgins, previously on a franchise tag, inked a four-year, $115 million contract, averaging $28.75 million per year, the highest for a No. 2 receiver. His deal features $30 million fully guaranteed at signing, including a $20 million roster bonus in 2025, though his $13.8 million 2025 base salary remains unguaranteed, offering the Bengals an out after one year if needed. The Bengals deviated from their traditional signing bonus-heavy structure, opting for significant guarantees to appease Burrow’s public push to retain both players. While this locks in their offensive core through 2029 (Chase) and 2028 (Higgins), critics note the team could have saved millions by acting earlier, as delays inflated costs amid a rising receiver market.

March Madness Sweet Sixteen! Cincinnati Bengals have become Indefensible... | OTB 3.24.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. The March Madness weekend of March 21-23, 2025, delivered thrilling action as the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament kicked off its first and second rounds. On Friday, top seeds like Auburn, Duke, Florida, and Houston asserted dominance, rolling past opponents, while the ACC struggled, with only Duke advancing past the first round. The Big Ten and SEC shone brightly, combining for half the second-round field, highlighted by Purdue’s surgical win over High Point and Tennessee’s knockout blow to Southern Illinois. Saturday saw upsets, including No. 10 Arkansas stunning No. 2 St. John’s, ending Rick Pitino’s run, while Auburn and Houston secured Sweet 16 spots with strong finishes against Creighton and Gonzaga. Sunday brought more drama: No. 1 Florida edged UConn 77-75, halting the Huskies’ three-peat bid in a gritty battle, and No. 1 Duke crushed Baylor 89-66, fueled by a decisive first-half run. No. 4 Maryland stole the spotlight with a buzzer-beater to upset No. 12 Colorado State, while Arizona, led by Caleb Love’s 29 points, rallied past Oregon 87-83. Kentucky also advanced, topping Illinois 84-75, setting up a Sweet 16 clash with Tennessee. The stage is set for an electrifying next round. In March 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals secured their star wide receivers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, with lucrative long-term contracts, ensuring quarterback Joe Burrow’s top targets remain in place. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension, making him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback at $40.25 million annually, with $73.9 million fully guaranteed at signing and $112 million total guaranteed. His deal includes a $41.17 million base salary and roster bonuses for 2025, with cash flow structured to deliver $105 million over three years, heavily front-loaded for flexibility. Higgins, previously on a franchise tag, inked a four-year, $115 million contract, averaging $28.75 million per year, the highest for a No. 2 receiver. His deal features $30 million fully guaranteed at signing, including a $20 million roster bonus in 2025, though his $13.8 million 2025 base salary remains unguaranteed, offering the Bengals an out after one year if needed. The Bengals deviated from their traditional signing bonus-heavy structure, opting for significant guarantees to appease Burrow’s public push to retain both players. While this locks in their offensive core through 2029 (Chase) and 2028 (Higgins), critics note the team could have saved millions by acting earlier, as delays inflated costs amid a rising receiver market.

March Madness Day 1 Reactions! Brackets are Busted! Cincinnati Bengals Search for Help | OTB 3.21.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. Yesterday, March 20, 2025, marked the exciting kickoff of the Round of 64 in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, delivering a thrilling start to March Madness. With the current date being March 21, 2025, we can reflect on a day filled with blowouts, upsets, and nail-biting finishes that set the tone for this year’s tournament. The day began with a slate of 16 games, and while several contests ended in lopsided victories, the unpredictability of March Madness shone through in key moments. Six games concluded with margins of 19 points or more, showcasing the dominance of higher seeds in some matchups. However, the real buzz came from the upsets that reminded fans why this tournament is so beloved. McNeese State pulled off a stunning victory over Clemson, a result that echoed their upset potential from the previous year’s tournament. Arkansas also made waves by toppling Kansas in a closely contested battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, Drake outlasted Missouri in a game that saw the Bulldogs surge ahead, only for Mizzou to mount a late comeback that ultimately fell short. One of the standout games was UC San Diego versus Michigan, a late-night thriller that nearly saw the Tritons complete a dramatic comeback. Michigan held on to survive the scare, but the game underscored the fine margins that define March Madness. Elsewhere, VCU and BYU delivered a competitive showdown, while Kansas and Arkansas produced a matchup that lived up to the hype as a true “game” amidst a day of blowouts. Social media posts on X captured the day’s sentiment, with users like @RhodyVault noting the mix of upsets and blowouts, and @ryanjosephgonz highlighting McNeese’s triumph and the heart-pounding UCSD-Michigan finish. A notable moment beyond the scores came when a coach—identified as Wade in some posts—used a press conference to call out other programs’ coaching searches, adding an off-court storyline to the day’s drama. With 48 teams now remaining after yesterday’s action, the tournament is already living up to its reputation for chaos and excitement. As the Round of 64 continues today, March 21, 2025, fans can expect more surprises, buzzer-beaters, and memorable moments that make March Madness a cultural phenomenon. Yesterday was just the beginning, and the madness is far from over.

Xavier Musketeers Beat The SEC and March Madness is Underway | OTB 3.20.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, launching on March 18, promises another thrilling March Madness with its blend of powerhouse programs, emerging mid-majors, and inevitable surprises. The 68-team field, finalized on Selection Sunday, March 16, features 31 automatic qualifiers from conference tournaments and 37 at-large bids selected by the NCAA committee. With Selection Sunday now behind us, the bracket is set, and the First Four kicks off the action in Dayton, Ohio, on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 18-19, narrowing the field to 64. The tournament culminates at the Alamodome in San Antonio on April 7, but the opening days will shape the narrative. In the 2025 NCAA First Four, Xavier faced Texas on Wednesday, March 19, in a thrilling matchup. Xavier trailed by as much as 13 points but mounted a furious second-half comeback, fueled by hot shooting and a supportive Dayton crowd. The Musketeers erased the deficit, tying the game at 65 with eight minutes left, and finished with an 86-80 victory, led by Zach Freemantle’s clutch scoring (15 points, including six in the final two minutes). Texas’ Tre Johnson (18 points) couldn’t stop the collapse, and Xavier advanced to face Illinois. On Tuesday, March 18, North Carolina dominated San Diego State in a lopsided 95-68 blowout. The Tar Heels, a controversial at-large pick, silenced doubters early, building a 24-point halftime lead. RJ Davis was unstoppable, going 6-for-6 from three-point range, while San Diego State never found its rhythm, trailing by as much as 33 in the second half. North Carolina moved on to play Ole Miss, proving they belonged in the field of 64. Thursday, March 20, 2025, marks the start of the NCAA Tournament’s First Round, a 16-game marathon that ignites March Madness with wall-to-wall action. Across eight host cities—Lexington, Providence, Wichita, Denver, and more—top seeds like Duke and Florida take on No. 16 underdogs, while volatile 8-9 and 7-10 matchups promise drama. Fresh off Tuesday’s First Four upset, where Alabama State stunned Saint Francis (PA) with an 85-foot pass and a game-winning layup, the day carries upset potential—watch for a 12-seed like McNeese State to challenge a 5-seed like Clemson. Games tip off around noon EDT and run late, broadcast across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with fans glued to screens for buzzer-beaters and bracket chaos.

Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson Contract Re-Open?!? First Four NCAA Basketball | OTB 3.18.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. On March 17, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals made a bold statement by securing massive contract extensions for their star wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, ensuring their dynamic offensive core remains intact alongside quarterback Joe Burrow. Chase, a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s elite talents, signed a record-breaking four-year, $161 million deal with $112 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. Higgins, a reliable and explosive No. 2 receiver, inked a four-year, $115 million contract, with the first two years fully guaranteed, cementing his status as the highest-paid WR2 in the NFL. Together, these deals total $276 million, a significant investment reflecting the Bengals’ commitment to building around their passing attack. Chase’s extension comes after a historic 2024 season where he led the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro honors and a top-10 finish in MVP voting. His chemistry with Burrow, dating back to their LSU days, has been a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s offense, and this deal ensures that partnership thrives through 2029. Higgins, meanwhile, has been a consistent force since being drafted in 2020, amassing 330 receptions for 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns over five (-five seasons. Despite injuries limiting him to 12 games in 2024, he still posted 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, proving his value as a big-play threat. His new contract ends speculation about his future after two years on the franchise tag, securing his long-term role in Cincinnati. These extensions signal a shift for the Bengals, a franchise historically cautious with spending, now prioritizing offensive firepower. With Burrow already on a $275 million deal, the trio’s combined salaries could consume nearly 40% of the 2025 cap, raising questions about defensive investment—especially with edge rusher Trey Hendrickson’s extension still unresolved. Hendrickson, coming off a 17.5-sack season, seeks a raise, but the Bengals’ focus on Chase and Higgins might limit their flexibility. For Bengals fans, this is a thrilling commitment to contention, locking in two of the league’s top receivers. Chase and Higgins celebrated the news with identical handshake emojis on social media, a nod to their brotherhood and shared triumph. As Cincinnati aims to reclaim AFC supremacy after missing the playoffs in 2024, these deals solidify an offense poised to dominate for years.

Cincinnati Bengals Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins Signed MASSIVE Deals! Paul Fritschner | OTB 3.17.25

On March 17, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals made a bold statement by securing massive contract extensions for their star wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, ensuring their dynamic offensive core remains intact alongside quarterback Joe Burrow. Chase, a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s elite talents, signed a record-breaking four-year, $161 million deal with $112 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. Higgins, a reliable and explosive No. 2 receiver, inked a four-year, $115 million contract, with the first two years fully guaranteed, cementing his status as the highest-paid WR2 in the NFL. Together, these deals total $276 million, a significant investment reflecting the Bengals’ commitment to building around their passing attack. Chase’s extension comes after a historic 2024 season where he led the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro honors and a top-10 finish in MVP voting. His chemistry with Burrow, dating back to their LSU days, has been a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s offense, and this deal ensures that partnership thrives through 2029. Higgins, meanwhile, has been a consistent force since being drafted in 2020, amassing 330 receptions for 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns over five (-five seasons. Despite injuries limiting him to 12 games in 2024, he still posted 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, proving his value as a big-play threat. His new contract ends speculation about his future after two years on the franchise tag, securing his long-term role in Cincinnati. These extensions signal a shift for the Bengals, a franchise historically cautious with spending, now prioritizing offensive firepower. With Burrow already on a $275 million deal, the trio’s combined salaries could consume nearly 40% of the 2025 cap, raising questions about defensive investment—especially with edge rusher Trey Hendrickson’s extension still unresolved. Hendrickson, coming off a 17.5-sack season, seeks a raise, but the Bengals’ focus on Chase and Higgins might limit their flexibility. For Bengals fans, this is a thrilling commitment to contention, locking in two of the league’s top receivers. Chase and Higgins celebrated the news with identical handshake emojis on social media, a nod to their brotherhood and shared triumph. As Cincinnati aims to reclaim AFC supremacy after missing the playoffs in 2024, these deals solidify an offense poised to dominate for years.

Cincinnati Bengals Done Making Moves? CIncinnati Reds Ranked Worst Franchise In MLB?!? | OTB 3.13.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 12, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals are entering the free agency period with a focus on bolstering their roster following a 2024 season that left them eager to improve both offensively and defensively. With the new NFL league year officially starting today at 4 p.m. ET, the Bengals have already made strategic moves in prior years and are poised to target key free agents to address lingering needs. The team currently has approximately $46 million in salary cap space, providing flexibility to pursue impactful additions while managing extensions for stars like Ja’Marr Chase and decisions regarding Tee Higgins, who has been franchise-tagged for the second consecutive year at $26.2 million. Looking back at last year’s free agency as a reference point, the Bengals added players like safety Geno Stone from Baltimore, running back Zack Moss from Indianapolis, tight end Mike Gesicki from New England, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins from Houston, and safety Vonn Bell from Carolina. They also retained key depth pieces such as tight end Drew Sample, offensive lineman Cody Ford, and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. These moves showcased a balanced approach, enhancing the offense around Joe Burrow while reinforcing a defense under new coordinator Al Golden. For 2025, the Bengals appear to be continuing this strategy, with an emphasis on fortifying the defensive line and secondary, areas that struggled in 2024. Posts on X and web sources suggest the Bengals have interest in several free agents this offseason. On the offensive line, names like Will Hernandez, Pat Mekari, Teven Jenkins, and Mekhi Becton have surfaced as potential targets to protect Burrow and improve the run game. Defensively, edge rushers such as Azeez Ojulari, Dre’Mont Jones, and Levi Onwuzurike are on the radar to complement or replace Trey Hendrickson, who has requested a trade. Veteran Calais Campbell could provide leadership and depth. With 23 pending free agents, including stars like Higgins, B.J. Hill, and Mike Hilton, the Bengals must balance re-signings with external additions. Their draft position (17th overall) and six picks offer further flexibility, but free agency will be critical in setting the tone for 2025. Expect Cincinnati to target versatile, high-impact players to elevate their contention window.

Cincinnati Bengals Linked to Teven Jenkins?!? Who Should They Target Next? | OTB 3.11.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 12, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals are entering the free agency period with a focus on bolstering their roster following a 2024 season that left them eager to improve both offensively and defensively. With the new NFL league year officially starting today at 4 p.m. ET, the Bengals have already made strategic moves in prior years and are poised to target key free agents to address lingering needs. The team currently has approximately $46 million in salary cap space, providing flexibility to pursue impactful additions while managing extensions for stars like Ja’Marr Chase and decisions regarding Tee Higgins, who has been franchise-tagged for the second consecutive year at $26.2 million. Looking back at last year’s free agency as a reference point, the Bengals added players like safety Geno Stone from Baltimore, running back Zack Moss from Indianapolis, tight end Mike Gesicki from New England, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins from Houston, and safety Vonn Bell from Carolina. They also retained key depth pieces such as tight end Drew Sample, offensive lineman Cody Ford, and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. These moves showcased a balanced approach, enhancing the offense around Joe Burrow while reinforcing a defense under new coordinator Al Golden. For 2025, the Bengals appear to be continuing this strategy, with an emphasis on fortifying the defensive line and secondary, areas that struggled in 2024. Posts on X and web sources suggest the Bengals have interest in several free agents this offseason. On the offensive line, names like Will Hernandez, Pat Mekari, Teven Jenkins, and Mekhi Becton have surfaced as potential targets to protect Burrow and improve the run game. Defensively, edge rushers such as Azeez Ojulari, Dre’Mont Jones, and Levi Onwuzurike are on the radar to complement or replace Trey Hendrickson, who has requested a trade. Veteran Calais Campbell could provide leadership and depth. With 23 pending free agents, including stars like Higgins, B.J. Hill, and Mike Hilton, the Bengals must balance re-signings with external additions. Their draft position (17th overall) and six picks offer further flexibility, but free agency will be critical in setting the tone for 2025. Expect Cincinnati to target versatile, high-impact players to elevate their contention window.

Cincinnati Bengals Day One Free Agency Reactions! Is It Enough? Jay Morrison Join Us! | OTB 3.11.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 10, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals have kicked off the NFL free agency period with a strategic focus on retaining key contributors and bolstering their roster for the upcoming season. With the new league year set to begin on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, the Bengals are navigating a pivotal offseason, balancing the retention of core players with the need to address defensive and offensive line weaknesses. Here’s a look at their moves so far and the context surrounding them. One of the Bengals’ earliest confirmed moves was re-signing tight end Mike Gesicki to a three-year contract extension, announced on March 10. Gesicki, who had a standout 2024 season with the most receptions by a Bengals tight end in 43 years, provides quarterback Joe Burrow with a reliable target. This move underscores Cincinnati’s intent to maintain offensive continuity, especially with wide receiver Tee Higgins on the franchise tag ($26.17 million for 2025) and Ja’Marr Chase poised for a massive extension that could make him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback. The Gesicki signing ensures depth at a position that lacked stability last season. On the offensive line, the Bengals extended guard/tackle Cody Ford with a two-year deal on March 10. Ford, who signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract in 2024, offers versatility and depth. With the release of veteran guard Alex Cappa on March 3, freeing up cap space, Cincinnati is clearly prioritizing flexibility along the line. The team’s projected $53.1 million in cap space (ninth-most in the NFL) gives them room to pursue additional linemen, potentially targeting free agents like Kevin Zeitler or Morgan Moses to protect Burrow. Defensively, the Bengals made a splash by signing former Packers defensive tackle T.J. Slaton to a two-year, $15.1 million deal. Slaton, known for his run-stopping prowess (third in run stop win rate in 2024 per NFL Next Gen Stats), addresses a glaring need after Cincinnati ranked fourth-worst in expected points added against the run last season. With defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins released on February 21 and Trey Hendrickson seeking a trade, Slaton’s addition is a step toward rebuilding the interior line. The Bengals also re-signed defensive tackle B.J. Hill to a three-year, $33 million deal, signaling a commitment to continuity despite his age (30 in April). With $40-53 million in cap space, the Bengals are poised for more moves. Potential targets include edge rushers or linebackers to replace Hendrickson or Germaine Pratt (who requested a trade), ensuring a defense that faltered in 2024 doesn’t sink their playoff hopes again. Free agency is just beginning, and Cincinnati’s proactive start suggests a busy offseason ahead.