Bengals star running back Corey Dillon has become a distraction to a team that is striving to become a winner and a National Football League power over the next few years.

Tuesday's Borgman cartoon. (ZOOM)

This was no more apparent than after Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns in the season finale at Paul Brown Stadium. Instead of joining his team to congratulate it for an impressive year-to-year turnaround, Dillon took off his helmet, his jersey and his shoulder pads. Then he wrongheadedly tossed the equipment into the stands. Dillon might have thought it to be a final gesture of appreciation to fans, but his actions were irresponsible.

Two fans fought over the pads, prompting police to retrieve them. What's more, Dillon could have injured fans with the equipment that is better suited for smashing linebackers and taking hits.

No one can dispute Dillon's talent. For seven years, he has been the best player on a hapless team. He is one of the best players in Bengals history, and until this year he held the National Football League single-game rushing record with 278 yards. But a groin injury slowed him this year, and he has become a selfish nuisance.

"I'm looking for a new home...," Dillon said immediately after Sunday's game. "Bottom line, I'm going to get to a happy place where I feel comfortable, I don't have to worry about all this madness and just play football, get back to doing the thing I love."

The Bengals need to grant him his wish.

Trading him or cutting him can make the team better more quickly. And fans can anticipate a more improved team next year that is focused, has better personnel and is ready to make another run for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, we commend the Bengals for a very good 8-8 season. Under the strong leadership of classy head coach Marvin Lewis, the Bengals have given fans a reason to be optimistic again and have even transcended sports, helping to improve the image of our battered city.