PITTSBURGH — They endure frequent verbal abuse, though they can't help what they feel.

        They know they represent a minority, so whatever pain they suffer, they do so silently, or in the rare company of others like themselves.

        They're infielder Chris Sexton and right-hander Larry Luebbers, and they're Cincinnati Bengals fans.

        As Cincinnati natives, it's natural for Sexton and Luebbers to root for the Bengals. But this isn't a sentiment shared by many of their Reds teammates, who either follow another team or are shameless front-runners.

        With the Bengals poised to open their season today against the Cleveland Browns, Sexton and Luebbers are upbeat.

        “I catch some flak about being a Bengals fan,” said Sexton, who started his 11th game in a row at shortstop Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates. “But I'm optimistic. No one can accuse me of being a bandwagon guy. I go to games and I watch them. It'll be all that much better when they turn the corner.”

        Said Luebbers, explaining his faithfulness: “They're fun to watch. They've always been fun to watch. It's not like they usually get killed. You watch three quarters and go home happy.”

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