Cincy Sports Journal is introducing a new feature called Nerone’s notes. Featuring thoughts on the stories of a particular week. This week’s notes delve into the Cincinnati Bengals, college sports and the French Open.

Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow’s day off and Justin Jefferson’s payday

Much of the Bengals-related discourse this week surrounds who’s absent from Organized Team Activities (OTA’s). One of Tuesday’s headlines concerned Joe Burrow getting a day off. He was back at OTA’s on Wednesday. Wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins absences from OTA’s have also garnered attention. As both face contract negotiations with the Bengals.

Higgins’ absence is thought to be a protest of the Bengals using the franchise tag on him earlier this year. Meaning he will be with the Bengals this coming season. Higgins will be an unrestricted free agent next year. Chase is heading into his fourth season with the Bengals. He has a fifth-year club option next season; then becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

Developments in the league this week have also put a spotlight on the Chase and Higgins contract negotiations. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson agreed to contract extension this week. Jefferson’s deal with Minnesota is reportedly valued at $140 million over four years. While Jefferson’s extension is a big deal for Vikings fans. The Bengals shouldn’t feel rushed into making decisions about Chase and Higgins’ contracts because of it.

There’s plenty of time for the Bengals to work out a deal with Chase. Given how much he has helped the Bengals and his rapport with Burrow. The Bengals will likely work out a deal with Chase. Meanwhile, Higgins will spend this season trying to showcase that he merits a lucrative deal. With either the Bengals or another team.

Three Cincinnati Bearcats compete in Tracktown U.S.A.

Three Cincinnati Bearcats are competing in this week’s NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The championships will conclude Saturday in Eugene, OR. Juniors Dominique Hall, Abby Knouff and freshman Juliette Laracuente-Huebner are Cincinnati’s representatives. Hall competed in the men’s decathlon competition. Placing 15th out of 23 competitors with 7,464 points. Texas’ Leo Neugebauer won his second-consecutive decathlon NCAA title. The German national won with a U.S. collegiate and German record of 8,961 points.

Knouff competed in the women’s pole vault competition on Thursday. She placed 15th with a personal best of 4.30 meters. Rutgers junior Chloe Timberg won the title with a personal best of 4.71 meters. Juliette Laracuente-Huebner will compete in the women’s heptathlon event. That event will be held on Friday and Saturday. Broadcasting information on this event can be found in this week’s CSJ Weekly Preview.

Xavier University renames Veterans Center for former athletic director

Thursday was the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. A pivotal moment that turned World War II in the allied powers favor. 1936 Xavier graduate Captain Phil H. Bucklew took part in the D-Day invasion. Earning two Navy Crosses for extraordinary heroism. In honor of his service, Xavier renamed its veterans center in Bucklew’s honor on Thursday. Bucklew is known as the Father of U.S. Naval Special Warfare. Being a founding member of the modern-day elite Navy SEALs.

Bucklew played for Xavier’s football and basketball teams. After graduating, Bucklew was a professional football player and coach. He joined the Navy shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. After the war, Bucklew served as Xavier’s head football coach and athletic director in 1946. He passed away in 1992 and is now at rest in Arlington National Cemetary.

French Open: Mirra Andreeva’s concludes historic run

Thursday featured the women’s singles semifinals at the French Open. In the first semifinal, Iga Swiatek swept defending Cincinnati Open and U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff in two sets. Swiatek will strive for a third consecutive French Open title on Saturday. In the second semifinal, Mirra Andreeva was swept by Jasmine Paolini. Andreeva (17) is the youngest French Open semifinalist since 1997. She defeated Cincinnati area native Peyton Stearns in the third round.