Larry Johnson News: Pro Sports Daily

Larry Johnson's role with Bengals depends on Cedric Benson

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November 19

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Although everyone continues to stress that everything is operating smoothly, it is looking more like Larry Johnson could be in the lineup for the Bengals Sunday in Oakland. Johnson practiced with the team for the first time Wednesday and did get a couple of snaps, but mostly tried to immerse himself in the playbook. Also on the field was Cedric Benson, but he did not practice as he continues to recover from a hip flexor injury. Thursday's practice will be key: If Benson is unable to go, it's almost certain he will miss the game since players who don't practice on Wednesday and Thursday usually do not play. That will give Johnson three practices and five days to prepare. "It's not easy for ..."

Signing Larry Johnson is a strange decision by the Bengals

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November 18

Cincinnati Enquirer

"It's too soon to say whether signing Larry Johnson is good or bad for the Cincinnati Bengals. It's just strange. Marvin Lewis has spent a couple years removing problem children from his locker room. The room is for grown-ups now. Where does Larry Johnson sit? Why do the 7-2, first-place-and-rolling Bengals still need to be the home office for career rehabilitation? It's a business, not a halfway house. Once you've cured the headache, you don't look for the nearest wall to slam. At least in other NFL places. The locker room is good. There is a vibe in there unlike any in Lewis' tenure. You have to go back to the '88 season to locate the same feeling. It's a reason for the winning. It's ..."

New Bengal LJ craves chance to play against Chiefs

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November 18

Kansas City Star

"Former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, the newest member of the Cincinnati Bengals, knows who's coming to town two days after Christmas. And it's not Santa Claus. Asked at an introductory news conference Tuesday about the Chiefs' visit to Cincinnati on Dec. 27, Johnson said: "I'd be lying if I said I ain't looking at that game (as one) I want to definitely play in … if that happens, it would be the best Christmas gift I could get." Johnson, released by the Chiefs last week in the aftermath of a suspension for several off-field issues, signed a one-year contract with the AFC North-leading Bengals as insurance for running back Cedric Benson, who suffered a hip injury in last Sunday's ..."

Larry Johnson inks deal to join the Cincinnati Bengals

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November 17

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Larry Johnson is a Bengal after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with the team this morning. The Bengals still have not made an official announcement since they still have to make a roster move to put Johnson on the 53-man roster. Johnson arrived on Monday night in Cincinnati and met with the coach Marvin Lewis and his staff. Since being released by the Chiefs last Monday, Johnson had talked but the Bengals will be the one to take a chance on the oft-troubled seven-year running back. Lewis spoke with Johnson last Thursday about possibly coming to the team. Lewis also said on Monday that Johnson would be the fourth running back and that the role of the three backs on the roster ..."

Larry Johnson to sign with Bengals

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November 17

Kansas City Star

"Larry Johnson has his second chance. The troubled former Chiefs running back will sign Tuesday morning with the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson's agent told The Star late Monday night. Peter Schaffer wrote in an e-mail that Johnson's deal would be finished early Tuesday, a day after Johnson reportedly was in Cincinnati to meet with Bengals coaches. Reports surfaced Monday that Johnson, who was released last week by the Chiefs after 6 seasons, was being courted by the Bengals after running back Cedric Benson suffered a hip injury in Sundays win against Pittsburgh. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis told local reporters Monday that, if his team signed Johnson, the 29-year-old rusher would be insurance ..."

Larry Johnson expected to sign with Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday

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November 17

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Barring any last-minute hiccups, the Bengals are expected to announce Tuesday that they have signed former Kansas City running back Larry Johnson as an insurance policy in case of injuries. Johnson arrived in town on Monday and met with the coaching staff. ESPN reported earlier in the day that the deal would be worth the prorated league minimum. If that's the case, then Johnson would earn $306,764.43 for the remaining seven games. Since being released by the Chiefs last Monday, Johnson has talked to other teams, but it appears as if the Bengals will be the one to take a chance on the oft-troubled seven-year running back. In order to address or quell rumors, coach Marvin Lewis said during ..."

Bengals-Johnson union imminent?

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November 16

ESPN.com

"Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was en route to Cincinnati on Monday and, barring a last-minute breakdown, he expects to sign with the AFC North-leading Bengals, a source familiar with the negotiations told ESPN's Michael Smith. A deal, if consummated, is expected to be for the prorated league minimum. The Bengals, along with several other teams, first expressed interest in Johnson last week as depth behind Cedric Benson, who suffered a hip injury in Sunday's 18-12 victory at Pittsburgh."

Somewhere, a team for Larry Johnson

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November 13

Philadelphia Inquirer

columnist Ashley Fox

"The rumors pop up like weeds in the grass, one after another after another. Someone will take Larry Johnson. Someone will be so desperate for a running back, even one that appears used up, that they'll take on Johnson's unstable and unpredictable personality. It'll probably only cost them the veteran minimum. Johnson, the former Nittany LionS running back, will get another chance, because that's what happens in the National Football League. You're not done until the worst team doesn't want you. And yes, the Washington Redskins are in need of a running back because Clinton Portis suffered a concussion last week. So the rumors are there. Maybe Pittsburgh. Possibly Washington. Perhaps New ..."

Source: No team claimed Larry Johnson

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November 11

ESPN.com

"No team claimed running back Larry Johnson off waivers, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, which means Johnson now is free to sign with any team and the Kansas City Chiefs must pay him the balance of the $2.1 million left on his contract this season. The Chiefs released Johnson on Monday, the day he was due back from his second suspension in the past 12 months. Johnson was suspended for posting a gay slur on his Twitter account and questioning the competence of head coach Todd Haley. The 29-year-old was also fined for his actions. Last week, an online fan petition was started asking the Chiefs not to let Johnson become the team's all-time leading rusher -- a record he's ..."

Texans not pursuing free agent RB Johnson

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November 11

Houston Chronicle

"After evaluating Larry Johnson for the last two days, the Texans have decided not to pursue the free agent running back. Johnson, who turns 30 next week, was placed on waivers by Kansas City on Monday, the day he returned from a two-week suspension for using anti-gay slurs and for criticizing Chiefs coach Todd Haley. Johnson, who also was suspended in 2008, cleared waivers, making him an unrestricted free agent. The Texans were considering Johnson because they're trying to improve a disappointing running game that ranks 27th with an average of 90.8 yards a game. The Texans evaluated running back Edgerrin James last week after Seattle released him. They ruled out James and now Johnson, ..."

Johnson tells radio show he'd like to return to Chiefs someday

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November 11

Kansas City Star

"Larry Johnson is a Kansas City outsider now, even if he does still say "we" when he's referring to the Chiefs. He's part of the past, even if he does want to someday return and break the team's career rushing record. Whether his release was what Johnson wanted or what he needed, that's the way it is for the 29-year-old running back. And in his first public comments since a series of Twitter posts began a career-changing mess, Johnson told a syndicated radio show Tuesday that he didn't want out of Kansas City — but that he thought it was time to move on. "It just felt like it was just time," Johnson said on the Dan Patrick Show. "I just felt like I gave Kansas City all that I had as far as ..."

Chiefs will probably use running-back committee to replace Johnson

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November 10

Kansas City Star

"When he wasn't suspended or injured, Larry Johnson constituted almost the whole of the Chiefs' running game the last four years. The Chiefs seem almost certain to split that role into two or more parts now that he's gone. "It will probably be more of running back by committee," said Kolby Smith, who will be a member of that committee. "It won't be solely on one person's shoulders." The Chiefs got a glimpse of life without Johnson for the first time this season in Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Jaguars in Jacksonville. The Chiefs split the work among Smith, Jamaal Charles and Dantrell Savage, and appeared pleased with the results. Charles and Smith averaged better than 4 yards per carry, and ..."

Johnson's legacy with Chiefs not the one he wanted

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November 10

Kansas City Star

"Dick Vermeil recalls a running back who ran with a vengeance. A young man who wanted his coaches and teammates to do more than just notice. Larry Johnson wanted them to remember. Johnson would take the ball, run toward the opening at the line and target a defensive player. They wouldn't forget this. "He knocked the hell out of them," Vermeil, a former Chiefs coach, said Monday. But Vermeil also remembers a player who wasn't always in control of his emotions, who occasionally practiced poor judgment, whose unfiltered words and deeds made those outstanding things he did on a football field seem secondary. Johnson's time in Kansas City came to an end Monday morning when the Chiefs released ..."

Next stop for Johnson could be NFC East

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November 10

Kansas City Star

"If Larry Johnson has any immediate future in the NFL, it could be in the NFC East. Both Philadelphia and Washington have issues at running back. The Eagles' Brian Westbrook has missed two straight games because of a concussion and an ankle injury, while Washington's Clinton Portis left Sunday's game at Atlanta because of a concussion. Washington coach Jim Zorn said Monday that Portis is doubtful for this week's game against Denver and the team has had internal discussions about Johnson. "I talked to Clinton Portis (on Monday morning), and he has a headache," Zorn said. "We have to be very cautious with a concussion." The Eagles have taken a cautious approach with Westbrook as well. ..."

Released Chiefs' running back isn't Seahawks solution

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November 10

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Before it even becomes a discussion, let's end this one. Yes, the Seattle Seahawks running game needs help. But, no, the Seahawks do not need Larry Johnson, the former Kansas City Chiefs standout who was released Monday morning. Johnson was cut Monday after Chiefs management ran out of patience. Johnson criticized Chiefs coach Todd Haley two weeks ago, then used a gay slur first on his Twitter page and then to a group of reporters. Johnson is a two-time Pro Bowl running back in 2005 and '06, but has a history of off-field problems that include assault charges and contract conflicts."

Texans to look at ex-Chiefs running back Johnson

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November 10

Houston Chronicle

"The Texans' running game is so bad they are interested in signing former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. The Texans, who are 5-4 and averaging only 90.8 yards rushing, are one of several teams showing interest in Johnson, who was placed on waivers Monday. "We're going to do our homework on him just like we did our homework on Edgerrin James last week," coach Gary Kubiak said. "Obviously, I think when a name like that (Johnson) comes on the free-agent market like today, we'll take a look at him just like any other player. "He's been a good player in this league, and I'm sure he'll get a lot of interest from a lot of people." Johnson, who turns 30 on Nov. 16, will be an ..."

Chiefs release Larry Johnson

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November 9

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs released running back Larry Johnson on Monday, his first day back from a two-week suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. Johnson called out coach Todd Haley two weeks ago in a Twitter post before using a pair of gay slurs on his Twitter profile and, a day later, to a group of reporters. He missed Sunday’s game at Jacksonville, and the suspension cost him about $330,000. He also ended his Chiefs career 74 yards short of the franchise rushing record, set by Priest Holmes. Johnson’s high point with the Chiefs was in 2006, when he established an NFL single-season record with 416 rushing attempts and a franchise single-season mark with 1,789 rushing yards. He was the Chiefs’ ..."

Signs, LJ suspension a coincidence

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November 6

Kansas City Star

"It's a good thing Larry Johnson sent out those tweets questioning Chiefs coach Todd Haley's coaching credentials. They've given context and meaning to the signs posted outside the Chiefs locker room suggesting, among other things, that "losers assemble in small groups and complain about the coaches and other players." Haley, asked about the signs for the first time on Thursday, said it was a coincidence the signs were placed shortly after Johnson was suspended because of his now-infamous tweets. The signs, Haley said, have been planned for some time. "I have a coach assigned to signage and posters and he's just been slow," Haley said. "I won't say who it is. "Just words I think are ..."

Messages from team and fans directed at Larry Johnson

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November 5

Kansas City Star

"Larry Johnson isn't eligible to rejoin the Chiefs until Monday, but in his absence, the messages directed at him are mounting. The team and thousands of fans sent pointed messages this week that Johnson's misdeeds of the past did not come without consequences. Near the Chiefs locker room, signs have been placed this week with words about unity, discretion and judgment. The most telling sign hung Wednesday near a hallway used frequently by players, coaches, reporters and organization officials. It stated: "Losers assemble in small groups and complain about the coaches and other players. Winners assemble as a team and find ways to win." That message seemed clearly directed at Johnson, who ..."

Chiefs will give Charles a chance to run against Jacksonville

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November 3

Kansas City Star

"Sooner or later, the day will come when the Chiefs no longer build their running game around the talents of Larry Johnson. That being the case, Jamaal Charles might be wise to consider Sunday's game against the Jaguars an audition of sorts. Chiefs coach Todd Haley might be looking at it that way. The game in Jacksonville will be their first of the season without Johnson, who is suspended. The Chiefs confirmed Monday they have reached a settlement with Johnson that will keep him out of Sunday's game. It also will be the Chiefs' first look at Charles as their featured back. He's been mostly a third-down back since joining the team as a rookie last year. "I think this is an opportunity for ..."

Chiefs will keep an eye on LJ

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November 2

Kansas City Star

"Seven tumultuous days ago, Larry Johnson walked into the Chiefs locker room with a firm grip on his job. He got himself in further trouble with the team, and a day later was told to go home. As the 1-6 Chiefs enter another game week with plenty on their minds, the team will also decide if it would be better off with or without Johnson. According to an industry source, the team considered releasing Johnson - who has a history of misbehavior - but was cautious of the precedent it might set. The Chiefs didn't want to send the message that, if a player wants out of Kansas City, all he has to do is speak out or act up to get his way. The Chiefs have spent most of the past seven days trying to ..."

Larry Johnson's fine is cut in half

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November 1

Kansas City Star

"Larry Johnson recouped some money Saturday, but his "settlement" with the Chiefs didn't answer questions about his long-term job security with the team. Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer, told The Star on Saturday night that his client and the Chiefs had agreed in principle that Johnson would remain suspended for two weeks but that he would be paid for one of those weeks. The original suspension, which was handed down by the team Wednesday night, would have cost Johnson more than $600,000. Now it will cost him about half that, and it will keep the sides out of a grievance hearing next week. "We have nothing signed," Schaffer said. "I don't think anybody is going to go back on their word. ..."

Chiefs can learn from LJs mistakes

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October 31

Kansas City Star

"Chiefs players packed up Thursday and went their separate ways for a long weekend free of football and distractions, but they took with them a warning. And perhaps the undisturbed locker in the heart of the locker room delivered it best: Don't forget that good judgment and smart choices are part of the job. The players walked past running back Larry Johnson's locker after practice, before setting off on their bye-weekend plans. Coach Todd Haley gave them three days off before practice resumes Monday. Linebacker Mike Vrabel said he's going to Ohio. Cornerback Brandon Flowers posted on his Twitter page that he's throwing a party in south Florida. Whatever they do, the Chiefs hope that their ..."

Chiefs, LJ working on a settlement

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October 30

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs and running back Larry Johnson are working on a settlement that could affect his future, Johnson's agent told The Star on Thursday. Peter Schaffer, who has represented Johnson for about a year, said in an e-mail that he was working on an appeal of Johnson's two-week suspension at the same time as he and the Chiefs are discussing a settlement. "Full bore on both," Schaffer wrote. Asked whether that settlement could involve Johnson's separation from the team, Schaffer wrote: "Not necessarily." Schaffer was later reached by phone Thursday night. When asked whether he expects Johnson to play with the Chiefs again, Schaffer said: "Larry Johnson is a member of the Chiefs right now." ..."

Hear Larry Johnson's controversial comment

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October 29

Kansas City Star

"The Kansas City Star is releasing audio this afternoon of a controversial comment made Monday by Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. Readers should listen carefully and turn up the volume since the comment is whispered quickly under Johnson's breath in a busy locker room. The controversy began when, approached by media in the Chiefs' locker room on Monday, Johnson initially said, "I'm not talking till Thursday," his usual day to speak with reporters. However, after someone remarked that the running back has often talked on Mondays as well, Johnson turned his head slightly and said, "Get your faggot ass out of here.""

Chiefs suspend Johnson for detrimental conduct

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October 29

Washington Times

"The Kansas City Chiefs suspended running back Larry Johnson until Nov. 9. The club is on its bye week so Johnson will miss one game at Jacksonville on Nov. 8. The three-sentence news release issued Wednesday night said only that Johnson, who turns 30 in a few weeks, was suspended for conduct detrimental to the club. Johnson used a gay slur twice within a 24-hour period Sunday night and Monday, first on his Twitter account and then again Monday morning after telling reporters he was not talking. The Chiefs said they would have no further comment on Johnson's status "at this time." PANTHERS: Jake Delhomme will remain Carolina's starting quarterback despite an NFL-high 13 interceptions in six ..."

Chiefs suspend Larry Johnson for two weeks

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October 29

Kansas City Star

"Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith split most of the practice time Wednesday as the Chiefs' running backs, both of them trying to prove they're ready for a more significant role. Charles caught passes during practice, and Smith tested his surgically repaired knee at the team's indoor facility. Both appeared capable of handling a greater load. "If they need me," Smith said Wednesday, "I can be used." They do. Starting running back Larry Johnson was issued a two-week suspension by the Chiefs on Wednesday night for conduct detrimental to the team. He will not be permitted at team headquarters or allowed to participate in team activities before Nov. 9, the day after the Chiefs play at ..."

Father says he's among those hurt by Larry Johnson's remarks

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October 28

Kansas City Star

"His voice comes through soft but pointed. He remembers his childhood in the Jim Crow South and understands the daggers of inequality and the tarnish of discrimination. "I went through that," he said. "My generation." Larry Johnson Sr. said that he vowed so many years ago that he would teach his children to treat everyone with compassion. He said he raised them to consider everyone equal, regardless of race, gender, beliefs or sexual orientation. He said it hurts that his son, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, used gay slurs in public two times in 24 hours. "That's just not who we are and not what we believe," said the elder Johnson, 56. "It's not how he was raised. "It's tough for me as a ..."

Larry Johnson apologizes; Chiefs ask him to stay away

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October 27

Kansas City Star

"Chiefs running back Larry Johnson issued an apology today but has been asked to stay away from team activities, and he is not at team headquarters as the Chiefs returned to practice during their off week. It is not a suspension but is similar to the punishment Johnson faced after last year's bye week, when the Chiefs benched him after a series of arrests. A team statement stated that the Chiefs are "continuing to investigate the alleged comments made by Larry Johnson. Until that review is complete, the Chiefs have instructed Larry to refrain from practicing with the Chiefs or participating in other team activities." Johnson posted demeaning comments, directed at Chiefs coach Todd Haley, on ..."

Pioli, Haley need the LJ distraction

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October 27

Kansas City Star

"There's no way I release Larry Johnson. No way. He's Scott Pioli's and Todd Haley's most valuable player. Within hours of the Chiefs turning in a Three Stoogeslike performance that called into question Haley's competency to lead an NFL team and Pioli's sanity as it relates to Matt Cassel, Larry Johnson created a distraction that took the spotlight off KC's rookie coach and GM. Hell, I'd give Johnson a bonus, a laptop to carry to practice and the green light to tweet 24/7. Short of Michael Jackson returning from the grave and announcing he'd sing the national anthem at the Chiefs' next home game, LJ's tweet smack talk and locker-room F-bomb are the best thing that could happen to Pioli and ..."

Larry Johnson's latest words add to controversy

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October 27

Kansas City Star

"Larry Johnson didn't say much, but those few words Monday from the Kansas City Chiefs running back further stoked a fire that had been ignited the night before. Hours after the Chiefs lost 37-7 to San Diego on Sunday, Johnson made several controversial remarks on Twitter directed toward his coach, Todd Haley, and Haley's lack of football-playing experience. A message posted on Johnson's Twitter profile about 7 p.m. stated: "My father played for the coach from 'rememeber the titans'. Our coach played golf. My father played for redskins briefley. Our coach. Nuthn." Johnson continued the postings and, in later responses directed toward his Twitter followers, included inflammatory remarks ..."

LJ drama continues with locker-room scene

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October 26

Kansas City Star

"Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, less than 24 hours after taking on coach Todd Haley on his Twitter profile, maintained an edge Monday when approached by reporters in the team's locker room. Hours after Kansas City's 37-7 loss to San Diego on Sunday, Johnson tweeted several controversial remarks directed toward Haley and the coach's lack of football experience. Haley, who is in his first season as a head coach at any level, never played football in high school, college or the pros. A message posted on Johnson's profile, whose username Sunday about 7 p.m. stated: "My father played for the coach from 'rememeber the titans'. Our coach played golf. My father played for redskins briefley. Our ..."

LJ's Twitter page rips Haley, uses homophobic slur

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October 26

Yahoo! Sports

"A few months ago, social media analysts wondered aloud who would be the first highly visible athlete to take a major public misstep with his Twitter account. Sunday night, Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson appeared to answer that question in a big way. In a string of messages that could carry serious repercussions from his team and potentially the NFL, the oft-troubled and mercurial star used his Twitter account (@ToonIcon) to call out the professional pedigree of head coach Todd Haley shortly after the Chiefs' 37-3 home loss to the San Diego Chargers. That message was followed up with an exchange with another Twitter user, in which a homophobic slur was used. In his first ..."

LJ understands LT's slow start

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October 23

Kansas City Star

"It was only three seasons ago that LaDainian Tomlinson and Larry Johnson were at the top of the pile of NFL running backs. Neither will be anywhere close to that Sunday when Tomlinson's Chargers and Johnson's Chiefs meet at Arrowhead Stadium. Johnson is 22nd in the league with 309 yards but is averaging a feeble 2.7 yards per carry and doesn't have a touchdown. Tomlinson has been held back by injuries and with 140 yards isn't among the league's top 50 rushers. He has only one touchdown. "His experience is a little bit different," Johnson said." He's been hurt, he's been nicked up. "He always started slow sometimes. The next thing you know he's down for five touchdowns, six touchdowns. It ..."

Giants still respect Larry Johnson

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October 3

Kansas City Star

"Larry Johnson might be advancing past his dominant years, but New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce said Friday that Johnson still presents enough of a threat that the Giants are taking him seriously. Pierce said Johnson's 2.5-yard rushing average is "misleading" because of one bad game, last week's loss at Philadelphia. "He still has a lot of missed tackles going on with him," Pierce said. "The guy still has downhill speed and power. "We still have our hands full, obviously, (with) a very explosive and powerful back." Haley undecided on starting right tackle Chiefs coach Todd Haley said he would wait to pick a starting right tackle for Sunday's game. Ikechuku Ndukwe started each of ..."

Johnson says changes show team serious about winning

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October 2

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs are 0-3 for the second straight season after starting 0-2 the previous two years. So Larry Johnson has seen a lot of recent September defeats. This year is different, Johnson said, because the recent flurry of player moves indicates the Chiefs are serious about improving. "The last couple (of years), nobody would do anything about it," Johnson said. "I swear I was just sitting next to Monty Beisel, and I'm not sitting next to him anymore. There were a lot of guys I was sitting next to, seen, said hi to and they're not here any more. "They're dedicated to always making this team better day in and day out. You always see this team changing. This from my perspective is the first ..."

LJ once again a happy camper

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August 1

Kansas City Star

"Chiefs training camp has started, and that means running back Larry Johnson is optimistic and happy again. The possibilities are exciting to him, and he sees the new season as a fresh start. He says he has changed. That there is a new LJ lining up in the backfield this season. The thing is, he said a similar thing at this time last year. He declared that the 2007 season, when he missed half the Chiefs' games because of a broken foot, was behind him. He was looking ahead, and he saw nothing but good things on the horizon. Then he had some legal problems last year, a benching and suspension, and the Chiefs ran an offense that made it clear that Johnson was an afterthought. He was angry ..."

What Chiefs decide on LJ could have impact on their draft

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April 25

Kansas City Star

"He walks in late, focused and quiet, approaching the disorganized locker that wasn't large or angular enough to contain his workout gear, most of it spilling to the floor. His presence isn't pretty, but Larry Johnson is here. He's in the building for the Chiefs' three-day, voluntary minicamp. But he doesn't want to talk about it. Johnson shakes his head when a reporter asks whether he's talking today. It's a standard question, and with Johnson, it's the standard response. There is so much to explain. Johnson's public declarations in December and February that he wanted out of Kansas City. That he wasn't happy here, and the community didn't seem happy with him, either. His first impressions ..."

Chiefs need to get this right: Boot LJ, keep Waters

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April 12

Kansas City Star

columnist Jason Whitlock

"There's no reason to believe Larry Johnson or his new agent. The moody running back, in the pursuit of the remaining millions left on his contract, claims - through his agent - he wants nothing more than to be a productive runner for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009. He made the same claims before the start of the 2007 season, when he was trying to secure a lucrative contract extension. Carl Peterson fell for Johnson's kind words and made Johnson the highest-paid Chief. Scott Pioli should go ahead and release Johnson now. If somehow Kansas City's new general manager is able to trade Johnson for anything - chinstrap, mouthpiece, blocking dummy, a jockstrap to be named later - Pioli would have ..."

Chiefs win first round in Larry Johnson grievance case

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April 6

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs prevailed in their grievance case against Larry Johnson today when a special master ruled that $3.75 million of his salary in 2009 and 2010 was no longer guaranteed. If the Chiefs decide to release or trade Johnson, the decision makes that move much easier on the Chiefs. His contract calls for $3.5 million of Johnson's 2009 salary and $250,000 of his 2010 salary to be guaranteed regardless of whether he plays for them or not. The special master ruled that Johnson forfeited his right to the guaranteed payments when he was suspended last year for one game by the NFL for a violation of the league's personal conduct policy. Johnson would still receive his full 2009 salary of $4.55 ..."

Agent: Chiefs, Johnson have 'open mind'

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March 31

ESPN.com

"The agent for Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson said his client is open to staying with the Chiefs and all sides have an "open mind" about the oft-embattled player playing in Kansas City in 2009. Johnson had previously said he wanted to be traded. However, agent Peter Schaffer pointed out that Johnson is now interested in playing for the new Chiefs regime. Schaffer said, as an act of good faith, Johnson attended the Chiefs' offseason workout program that began Monday. New Chiefs coach Todd Haley told reporters Monday everyone on the team "has a clean slate." Johnson's grievance against the team is set to be heard Wednesday. It is over unpaid bonus money from last season. Still, ..."

Johnson, Gonzalez reiterate their unhappiness with the Chiefs

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February 5

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs couldn't expect to move toward a new chapter without a few old habits sticking around. Tight end Tony Gonzalez and running back Larry Johnson spent time this week campaigning to be put out of their Kansas City misery, whether that's by trade, release or team officials just changing the locks - anything that gets them out of a Chiefs uniform. "You just feel trapped," Johnson said Wednesday morning during a 23-minute appearance on radio station KCSP 610-AM. "Ever since I came to Kansas City, they've been trying to push me out the door. "We can do it the easy way." Hours earlier, a national sports Web site posted a story about Gonzalez's unhappiness and his desire to be traded if ..."

L.J. wants out: Kansas City ‘not a fit for me’

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February 4

NFL.com

"Larry Johnson wants a clean break. From the Chiefs, and from Kansas City. The running back cleared the air on a number of topics in a wide-ranging interview with KCSP 610 Sports Radio on Wednesday, reiterating he wants to play elsewhere next season but also saying that he ultimately would be open-minded to returning if the circumstances dictated. “I’d rather just play somewhere else,” Johnson told the station. “This is a rebuilding team. I dont’ really think that I belong on this rebuilding team. It’s just the way the league works. I’ve done what I’ve done for Kansas City. I’m not getting no younger, and the team is getting younger. So I’m not sure I fit in the scheme of things. I never ..."

LJ's trial date is set for March

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January 22

Kansas City Star

"A Kansas City municipal judge set a March 27 trial date Wednesday for both of the simple-assault cases pending against Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. The trials will run back-to-back starting at 1:30 p.m., according to Municipal Judge Joseph Locascio. Authorities charged Johnson with a municipal ordinance violation in October after a woman alleged that he had pushed her in a nightclub in February. Johnson also is accused of spitting drinks on a woman at a Kansas City nightspot in October. Johnson has denied doing anything wrong."

Trial dates set for Chiefs Johnson

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January 21

Kansas City Star

"A Kansas City municipal judge set a March 27 trial date Wednesday for both of the simple assault cases pending against Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. The trials will run back-to-back starting at 1:30 p.m., according to Municipal Judge Joseph Locascio. Authorities charged Johnson with a municipal ordinance violation in October after a woman alleged that he had pushed her in a nightclub in February. Johnson also is accused of spitting drinks on a woman at a Kansas City nightspot in October."

Larry Johnson files legal counterclaim

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December 18

Kansas City Star

"Chiefs running back Larry Johnson has alleged that a woman suing him for spitting a drink on her did the same thing to him and also screamed obscenities. In a response and counterclaim to a lawsuit filed in November by Ashley N. Stewart, Johnson's lawyers said he also would ask a jury for damages and legal fees."

Johnson talks about TD pass

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December 15

Kansas City Star

"Larry Johnson broke his silence after the game, if only to talk about the first touchdown pass of his career - a 4-yarder to Tony Gonzalez in the first quarter. It was also the first completion of Johnson's career in three pass attempts. "It's a real good honor throwing it to one of the best tight ends in history," Johnson said. "He made me look right. He was basically playing jump ball. He did a good job" Then, asked about the rest of the game, Johnson said, "I'm not going there," and walked away. •Johnson is the sixth player in Chiefs history to have scored touchdowns by rushing and receiving and also passed for one. The others: Marcus Allen, Bert Coan, Mike Garrett, Curtis McClinton ..."