Q+a [carson Palmer]

USC's Heisman-winning quarterback, and the top pick in this year's draft, is now with the Bengals in Kentucky at his first NFL training camp.

SI: Any rookie hazing?

Palmer: Actually, I've been very lucky. But training camp is starting, and I'm going to have to get myself mentally focused for something crazy.

SI: What's the wackiest thing you've heard a rookie quarterback has had to endure lately?

Palmer: The Ravens make you sing a lot, and I've heard some teams tie you up naked to the goalposts or throw you into an ice bath.

SI: This will be the first time in many years you won't be a starting quarterback. How difficult will that be?

Palmer: It's going to be tough. I'm used to being on the field, in the middle of the action. But I think it'll be good to learn from the sideline and absorb as much as I can watching [first-stringer Jon] Kitna play.

SI: Now that you're a Cincinnati guy, you need to weigh in on Pete Rose. Does he belong in the Hall of Fame?

Palmer: Tough question, but I think he does. Whether he gambled or not, he was one of the greatest players.

SI: Do you believe there's a Heisman Trophy jinx?