In a recent report released by the NFLPA, the Cincinnati Bengals have once again fallen short in their treatment of players’ families. This marks the second consecutive season that the Bengals have been ranked the lowest in the NFL in this category.
According to the players’ union, the Bengals are the only team in the league that does not provide daycare or a family room during home games. This lack of accommodations has led to criticism from players, with one describing the situation as “almost disrespectful.”
The Bengals received a dismal grade of F- in this area, with players giving the postgame family area a measly rating of 4.69/10. The team was also reported to “rarely” organize events for families, further highlighting their shortcomings in this aspect.
This is not the first time the Bengals have come under fire for their treatment of families. Last year, players expressed their desire for better facilities, including a warmer gathering space for loved ones and daycare for their children during game days. Despite these concerns being raised in the past, the team has failed to make significant improvements.
On a slightly brighter note, the Bengals did see an overall improvement in the NFLPA survey rankings, moving up from No. 26 to No. 24. While the franchise received positive grades in several areas such as coaching, team travel, and training staff, they continue to struggle in providing adequate food and dining options as well as catering to the needs of players’ families.
It is clear that the Bengals still have work to do in ensuring that players and their families feel supported and valued. Hopefully, these findings will serve as a wake-up call for the organization to prioritize the well-being of their players and their loved ones in the seasons to come.