Checking in on Larry Johnson

After his release from the Kansas City Chiefs, many experts expected that Larry Johnson could be waiting for some time before another team would take a chance on him.

However, Johnson's wait was much shorter than expected. The running back who was forced out of Kansas City for his off-putting behavior signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday. The AFC North-leader made the move in an attempt to add depth to its backfield.

NFL veteran contracts are guaranteed at the start of the regular season, so Johnson will still collect $4 million from his Chiefs' contract and an additional $255,290 -- the veteran minimum for the remainder of the season -- from the Bengals.

Chiefs release Johnson after suspension

In what might be the best thing to happen to the Kansas City Chiefs in a long time, running back Larry Johnson was officially released from his contract with the team today. His release ends his tenure with the National Football League franchise in Kansas City.

The roster move was announced in a post on the team's Web site (check out the two-paragraph news release).

Johnson, who is less than 2 weeks shy of turning 30, was told by team officials to stay away from the team on Oct. 27 after making a less-than-adequate apology for homophobic slurs on his Twitter account. Johnson also questioned Chiefs coach Todd Haley's credentials via Twitter.

Johnson was just 75 yards away from breaking Priest Holmes' team rushing record.

As reported by Yahoo! Sports  Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer, told the Associated Press, "A part of him is excited and a part of him is very regretful. There's a lot of feelings going on right now. It's analogous to breaking up with a girlfriend. Maybe you saw it coming, but it still hurts when it happens."

Johnson update

As expected, Larry Johnson issued a formal apology. On Oct. 26, Johnson stated, "I regret my actions. The words were used by me in frustration, and they were not appropriate... I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said."

You didn't mean to offend anyone? Really?!? You reverted to childish name calling and disrespected not only the people you chose to reply to but also the thousands of ticket-buying fans who help pay your salary. Yes, you make a lot of money and your hard work on the field in a couple of seasons earned it, but not everyone is lucky enough to be given the opportunities that were presented to you.

What about your friends back home who aren't so lucky? Would you publicly disgrace them for making $5 dollars an hour? I really don't think so. You are an adult and should step back and take a look at how you are portraying yourself.

I have a great idea -- go work at a McDonald's for a week and tell me those people don't work hard (the link will take you right to its employment opportunities).

McDonald's employees EARN every penny they make. Don't disrespect hardworking Americans trying to support a family in a bad economy. You should thank God everyday for the opportunities you have.

ESPN reported that Johnson, who has yet to be officially suspended, was asked by the Chiefs organization to "stay way from the team pending a probe into his use of a gay slur."

Larry Johnson attacks coach, fans via Twitter

If being a Kansas City Chiefs fan wasn't already depressing enough (notice the 1-8 record), Chiefs (now former) running back Larry Johnson had to run his mouth again -- this time via Twitter.


The one-time all-everything first round pick out of Penn State has fallen completely fallen off his rocker this time.


After a Week 7 loss to the San Diego Chargers, Johnson turned to Twitter to insult head coach Todd Haley. The comments made by the running back ignited a backlash from several fans on Twitter including @jaredlaunius who brought up a nightclub incident that Johnson plead guilty to. Johnson responded with a very direct homophobic slur.


I am without a doubt a huge believer in First Amendment rights, but Johnson's classless statements were uncalled for.


Below are the first few tweets Johnson chose to post that resulted in a heated Twitter-ment (as reported by Yahoo Sports):


"my father got more credentials than most of these pro coaches... google my father!!!!!!!


My father player for the coach from "remember the titans". Our coach played golf. My father player for redskins briefley. Our coach. Nuthn"

@jaredlaunius responded to Johnson's comments with this (his tweets are still public):

“Interesting comments by Larry Johnson ( @toonlcon ) about “coaches.” Hey LJ, is it Haley’s fault you fall when D-Linemen blow on you?

Apologies. His Twitter alias is @toonicon whatever the hell that means. Probably something about spitting in women’s faces.”

Johnson then continued his outburst and directed it at others fans who had commented

It seems obvious to state, but this is the point where Johnson went too far as seen in the screenshot above from Kansas City News Blog . When Johnson's responses turn to homophobic slurs, the line of ignorance is crossed. 

Yes, everyone involved chose to take the childish route, but these fans are the ones who make it possible for Johnson to earn so much money despite being a less-than-phenomenal piece to the Chiefs puzzle (check out Johnson's career stats). Also, Johnson has his team and the commissioner of the NFL to answer to. Obviously, there will be some sort of punishment handed down by someone.

Hopefully, Johnson will regret his statements at some point, but for now we are left to ponder -- what the hell was he thinking?