The Cincinnati Bengals opposed a vote that could change the NFL’s ownership structure. The Cincinnati Reds pitching staff struggles with injuries. Plus, Cincinnati area connections to the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Cincinnati Bengals ownership opposes NFL private equity plan

An intriguing Bengals headline flew under the radar this week. National Football League franchise owners approved a plan on Tuesday. Which will allow private equity firms to invest in teams. Firms can invest up to a ten percent stake in a franchise. According to a report from CNBC, select firms are investing up to $12 billion.

The Bengals were the only franchise to oppose this plan. Prior to this vote, the NFL was the only one of America’s four major leagues to not allow private equity investment. Other major leagues allow private equity firms to own up to 30 percent of a franchise. There are two factors that appear to be driving this decision. One is team valuations, which have skyrocketed to a point where getting a stake in an NFL franchise is difficult unless one is already massively wealthy.

Franchises having a new revenue stream is another factor. Which will be handy for teams eager to make improvements to their stadiums and the fan experience. Giving owners an option beyond going cap in hand to a county, city or state government. This move is part of a busy week of Bengals related news. The Bengals trimmed their roster down to 53 players. While wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s contract continues to generate headlines. Chase has only participated fully in one practice this preseason.

Cincinnati Reds face pitching staff injury issues

The Cincinnati Reds pitching staff is being stretched to their limits. Starting pitcher Nick Lodolo landed on the 15-day injured list this week. Due to a sprained finger on his pitching hand. 2024 is turning into a lost year for Lodolo. This is his fourth stint on the injured list this year.

Lodolo began the season with a left calf injury. He spent much of May dealing with a groin injury. Then from late June into early July, Lodolo dealt with a blister on his left index finger. All after having a 2023 season shortened to seven starts due to an injury. Along with this, the Reds are having to fare without starting pitcher Hunter Greene. He was added to the IL as a precaution earlier in August, due to elbow soreness.

Last week, Andrew Abbott was placed on the IL due to a left shoulder strain. Graham Ashcraft has been sidelined since early July due to a strained right elbow. While Brandon Williamson has missed the entire season so far with a left shoulder injury. After the Reds fared well with bullpen games last season. The Reds fizzled in a bullpen game on Wednesday, with a 9-6 loss to the Oakland Athletics.

The bullpen hasn’t come through in the clutch lately. Cincinnati’s bullpen struggled in game one against Oakland. Closer Alexis Diaz had a rare blown save last Sunday in Pittsburgh. These pitching struggles are prompting the Reds to make a major roster move. By calling up top prospect pitcher Rhett Lowder. He will make his major league debut on Friday. In game two of a home doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Cincinnati area connections to the 2024 Paris Paralympics

The 2024 Paralympics are underway in France. Two people with connections to the Cincinnati area will be part of the Paralympics. University of Cincinnati assistant professor MeMe Earnest-Stanley and wheelchair fencer Byron Branch. Earnest-Stanley is part of the medical staff for Team USA’s Wheelchair Rugby team. She’s a physical therapist and athletic trainer and teaches about both at UC.

Team USA are 1-1 so far in the wheelchair rugby tournament. Beating Canada 51-48 on Thursday and losing to Japan 45-42 on Friday. Team USA will face Germany Saturday at 5:30 AM Eastern, in their preliminary round finale. Bryon Branch is a Dayton, OH police officer. He lost a leg in the line of duty in 2016. Branch trains at a converted warehouse in Cincinnati called Salle du Lion. The men’s wheelchair fencing competition runs from September 3-7.