This week’s review features student-athlete charitable endeavors. The departure of a Cincinnati Bengals first round draft pick. Plus, a moment to reflect on some classic Cincinnati sports moments.

Xavier student-athletes help Freestore Foodbank during pandemic

Charity endures in the midst of this pandemic. Two Xavier University student-athletes are helping raise funds for the Freestore Foodbank. Through setting up a Go Fund Me page for donations to the food pantry. Stepping up at an uncertain time financially for many charities and others. More information is included in this Fox 19 article from Joe Danneman and Jennifer Edwards Baker.

Cincinnati Bengals release Dre Kirkpatrick

The Bengals bid farewell to cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick last week. Kirkpatrick was drafted in the first round by the Bengals in 2012. Spending his entire career so far with the Bengals. Playing in 99 games in his eight seasons in the Queen City. Snagging ten interceptions, returning two for touchdowns and making 302 combined tackles.

Kirkpatrick’s performances in the last two seasons frustrated many Bengals fans. With no interceptions, touchdowns or forced fumbles. Plus, many flashes of glory derailed by penalties. This after two of his best seasons in 2016 and 2017. Featuring a career-long 101 yard interception recovery among other achievements. Kirkpatrick was preparing to enter his third season of a five-year deal. A deal worth $52.5 million, for the national championship winning Alabama Football alum.

Rerun-a-rama: Cincinnati professional sports edition

With live sports effectively on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Broadcast TV networks and sports cable channels have gone to the vault. Re-broadcasting classic games to make up for the lack of live events. For example, Fox Sports Ohio re-aired Cincinnati Reds victories in the 1975 World Series. Along with classic Reds games from last season. This presents an opportunity to reflect on memorable Cincinnati sports moments. Here are some classic games this writer would love to see re-broadcast.

From a Cincinnati Reds perspective, Game Two of the 1990 World Series tops the list. This game was memorable for several reasons. One of which had next to nothing to do with baseball. For starters, it’s currently the last Reds World Series home win. An extra inning thriller that ended with an RBI from catcher Joe Oliver.

Another highlight from that game was a noteworthy birth. Reds pitcher Tom Browning left the game; when his wife went into labor. The Reds were concerned that they would need Browning to pitch in the game. Putting out an APB to have Browning return to Riverfront Stadium.

The 1989 AFC Championship Game is another game worth re-broadcasting. Sure, Cincinnati’s victory in the 1982 Freezer Bowl was more memorable. However, that’s a major reason why the ’89 game is a worthy choice. The 1989 game is also currently the Bengals most recent conference title. It also featured one of many memorable quotes from the late Sam Wyche. During the postgame celebrations, Wyche exclaimed “I’m going to Kings Island.” A shout out to the local amusement park over Disney.

FC Cincinnati’s 2017 US Open Cup victory over the Chicago Fire is another worthy choice. Ending with FC Cincinnati surviving a penalty shootout. FCC’s win against the Columbus Crew earlier in that tournament is another worthy choice. The Cincinnati Cyclones 2008 Kelly Cup clinching game is another worthy choice. Although, I’m not even sure if that game was televised.

Next week’s review will examine local college sports classics worth rebroadcasting.