Mel PayneMel Payne

I am a sports enthusiast with a passion for my hometown teams in Cincinnati. When you can't find me at a game, you can find me on my couch watching one. I contribute to a couple of Bengals blog sites. I round myself out with the Bearcats, Musketeers, and Reds. Who Dey!

Latest Updates

Cincinnati’s Got 99 Problems, and a Championship IS One

With the NFL Divisional Playoff Round upon us later today, I couldn’t help but be disappointed that Cincinnati is once again left out in the cold in important sports moments. Why do the two professional…Read More

St. Johns Upsets Cincinnati In Men’s Basketball Action

The Bengals weren’t the only team breaking hearts around the Queen City on Saturday afternoon. When the 12-1 Bearcats took the court against the 8-5 Red Storm in Fifth Third Arena, everyone thought…Read More

Write For Riverfront Ball, Cover Cincinnati Sports, Be Seen on SI.com

Riverfront Ball, part of the FanSided network, is looking for passionate Cincinnati sports fans who love to express their knowledge and desire for the game by putting words to paper. We are currently…Read More

AFC North Preview and Predictions: Wild Card Weekend Style

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans – Saturday 4:30pm EST, NBC Don’t pinch yourself Bengals fans, it is real: Another matchup with the Houston Texans in the first round of the playoffs. It’s like…Read More

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans Injury Report

  Bengals Injury Report Player Position Injury Game Status Jason Allen Cornerback Hamstring Questionable Chris Crocker Safety Thigh Doubtful Wallace Gilberry Defensive End Illness Probable BenJarvus…Read More

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Riverfront Ball Wild Card Weekend Staff Picks

It’s that time of year again. The regular season has ended and the NFL Playoffs are kicking off this…Read More

Josh Brown: The Man, The Clutch, The AFC Player of the Month

On August 27, before the start of the 2012 regular NFL season, Josh Brown found himself out of work…Read More

Twelve Teams, One Championship: NFL Playoff Power Rankings

    In the NFL, you are only as good as your last game. This week starts the Wild Card Round…Read More

Another Blow To The Big East: Boise State Calls Off Move

The Big East is on fire and it seems to be every team for themselves as the conference moves forward.…Read More

A Look Back At 2012 in Cincinnati Sports

2012 was a big year for Cincinnati sports fans. We watched as our beloved RedLegs fought and climbed…Read More

Week 17 AFC North Wrap-Up: Bengals and Ravens Play Another Day

The week was fitting for the final AFC games of the year. The top two teams went head to head in a meaningless…Read More

Cashmere Wright Leads Cincinnati over Pitt In Big East Opener

Cincinnati took a big fall in the standings last week after losing for the first time in the season…Read More

Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens Injury Report

The Bengals are in and their players are healthier than ever for a round two matchup against the Ravens. Bengals…Read More

Riverfront Ball Week 17 NFL Staff Picks

It’s the last week of regular season action in the NFL. It is hard to believe that the season…Read More

Week 17 NFL Power Rankings: Time to Say Goodbye to the Regular NFL Season

It feels like the season just began, but like all good things, it is over already. The 2012 NFL season…Read More

New Mexico Hands Cincinnati Their First Lost

It was bound to happen, but no one could have expected to come the way it did. Cincinnati men’s basketball…Read More

Cincinnati Bearcats Kick Off Big East Bowl Action with a Win

Cincinnati kicked off the Big East College Bowl season in Charlotte, North Carolina in the Belk Bowl…Read More

Bengals Gave Fans the Best Christmas Present of All

Cincinnati’s beloved Bengals have been the laughing stock of the NFL for years, and for many, as long…Read More

NFL Playoff Picture

After week 16 of play in the NFL, the playoff picture is picking up its missing pieces from all over…Read More

AFC North Wrap-Up and Scores from Around the League

  The wide open AFC North slammed its doors on Sunday, leaving two teams out in the winter cold.…Read More