The Longest Yard

Here in Cincy, the sports buzz is all about just how good the Bengals' Chad Ochocinco's fake law degree is against the NFL's actual legal eagles, and just how long he's going to get suspended when this all blows up in his face.

Chad Ochocinco is working on a tweet surprise for the NFL.

He promised something new for the Cincinnati Bengals opener Sunday against the Denver Broncos at Paul Brown Stadium. What exactly? He wouldn't say. But it's likely to get a review from the NFL, which has banned players' use of social networks during games.

Ochocinco thinks he's found a way around it.

"The Twitter world, they don't need a signal," he said Wednesday. "They'll know. It's the quiet before the storm. Just watch."

Leave it to the receiver to try an end around.

Ochocinco became immersed in social networking sites in the offseason, enjoying the chance to connect with fans. A company formed by backup Bengals quarterback Jordan Palmer and two of his California friends has designed an iPhone application for him. The company, Rock Software, Inc., is awaiting approval for the app, which would include a Twitter feed.

Perhaps that's part of the plan.

Near the end of training camp, the league established guidelines for using Twitter, Facebook and other social networks. Players, coaches and football operations personnel can use them for up to 90 minutes before kickoff, and again after they've done media interviews following the game.

The league said that no player or anyone representing him can provide in-game updates on the player's personal Twitter, Facebook or other networking accounts.

Ochocinco, who is one of the most prolific tweeters among NFL players, thinks he's found a way around it.

"I've been really, really quiet, and there's a storm coming Sunday," he said. "That's one of the things that I do when I'm back: I have something. I keep you on the edge of your seat.

The anticipation factor of EPIC FAIL here is palpable, yet subtle. But he's right, the city can't wait to see how screwed up this one gets.