Larry Johnson News & Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

November 17

Tennessean

"The Titans worked out four running backs on Tuesday, including two-time Pro Bowler Larry Johnson. The 6–1, 235-pounder is in his eighth NFL season out of Penn State. He played in two games with the Redskins this season, totaling five carries for two yards. Johnson, 30, has 1,426 career carries for 6,221 yards (4.4-yard average) and 55 touchdowns."

Skins cut Johnson

September 22

Washington Examiner

"Larry Johnson was ecstatic to come home. But his time in Washington didn't last long; two games in fact. The Redskins cut the veteran running back Tuesday and signed Chad Simpson, who has experience on special teams, something Johnson does not. This also elevates Keiland Williams to the No. 2 job, though he has yet to carry the ball. He has caught four passes for 15 yards. Johnson, a Maryland native, won the No. 2 job in camp, edging Willie Parker. But in two games he managed just two yards on five carries. His last play in Washington was a 10-yard loss in which he tried to reverse field. The 30-year-old Johnson has rushed for 6,221 career yards, all but 206 with Kansas City."

Larry Johnson cut from Washington Redskins roster

September 22

Washington Post

"With their running game among the league's worst through two games, the Washington Redskins Tuesday made a minor move with a major name, cutting veteran Larry Johnson in advance of Sunday's game at St. Louis - a decision that makes undrafted rookie free agent Keiland Williams the primary backup to Clinton Portis. Though Johnson's contributions in the Redskins' first two games - five carries for two yards in limited playing time - were negligible, Johnson's agent said the Redskins told him that the move was made because the Redskins needed a player for the St. Louis game who could contribute on special teams. Johnson and Portis play only on offense, and two sources familiar with the"

Larry Johnson looking forward to Redskins-Cowboys rivalry

September 12

Washington Post

"On Sunday night, veteran running back Larry Johnson will experience the Washington-Dallas rivalry for the first time as a player. But to hear Johnson tell it, he already knows what Redskins-Cowboys is all about. "That's what it always was -- the Cowboys and Redskins in my household," said Johnson, who was born in Pomfret, Md. "My mom was a big Emmitt Smith fan, so the only time we watched the TV was when the Cowboys played the Redskins. "I've known that rivalry since I was young. And to be able to go through a rivalry with Kansas City against Oakland, I kind of know the sense of the blood feud that you have with one another. ... I know how that rivalry is, especially all the great players"

Larry Johnson struggles against the Ravens

August 22

Washington Post

"Larry Johnson has been eager all offseason to show not just Redskins coaches, but the entire league, that he's capable of matching the production of his early career. He'll have to wait at least one more week. Johnson's preseason debut was a disappointment. He managed only four yards on eight carries in the Redskins' ugly 23-3 loss Saturday night at FedEx Field. Johnson had impressed coaches in the offseason workouts and performed well in training camp. He said his performance Saturday's negates a lot of the progress he has shown. "I feel personally it set me back a lot," Johnson said. "I did go out there and practice hard every day and try to see if it could translate over to today."

Chief concerns remain for Johnson in last chance

August 19

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"It's Larry Johnson's turn to emerge from a crowded backfield and a troubled past. The running back will start for the Washington Redskins against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Rather than have his top three running backs share the job in every preseason game, coach Mike Shanahan plans to feature them one at a time. As a result — with Clinton Portis still the expected starter and Willie Parker and Ryan Torain pressing for carries — Johnson gets one chance to entrench himself as the No. 2. "I don't know anybody in football or not in football that comes in and wants to be third best," Johnson said. "Everybody comes in saying, 'Hopefully, one day I'll be that guy.' Me, Clinton and Willie"

Past means nothing to Redskins star running backs Portis, Parker and Johnson

August 5

Washington Post

"Clinton Portis doesn't look like an old man, and in virtually any other profession, he would be perceived to be on the rise rather than the decline. Corporate titans, master electricians, orchestra conductors - all would face questions about the promise of their futures, not the glory of their pasts. What Portis does every morning this time of year - banging into men who outweigh him by 100 pounds, then slipping loose and sprinting 25 more yards downfield - isn't for the aged. "I know what I've done," Portis said one day last week, "and I know what I can do - still." In Portis's new world, though, only half of that sentence matters: What can he still do? When he said it, he had just"

LJ laughs at KC justice

July 18

Kansas City Star

columnist Yael T. Abouhalkah

"No wonder so many professional athletes think they can get away with breaking the law. As The Star reported Saturday, KC Municipal Court Judge Joseph Locascio said Friday he was disappointed in former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. Johnson failed miserably to follow court-ordered punishment meted out for his two convictions on disturbing the peace from 2008. Johnson didn't come close to completing the community service handed down by the judge. Yet Locascio refused to do anything serious to punish Johnson for flouting the court's rules. He let Johnson go, just as the pampered Johnson probably thought would happen. And this was after Locascio talked tough about how he had put other"

Larry Johnson gets scolding for poor effort on community service

July 17

Kansas City Star

"Former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson avoided jail but didn't escape the wrath of a judge who admonished him Friday for dropping the ball on his community service. Johnson, 30, was supposed to work with children at the Kansas City Police Athletic League for his 40 hours of court-ordered service. But Johnson refused to play sports with the children and instead told police officials he wanted to start an art program. The program didn't draw enough students and quickly fizzled out. He got credit for nine hours of service. Municipal Court Judge Joseph Locascio said his intention was for Johnson to play sports with the kids. "Children who go to PAL don't go there for art class," Locascio"

Parker, L.J. will push for playing time under Shanahan

April 3

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"I like what Mike Shanahan is doing in Washington right now-because he is engineering competition at the running back position. Earlier this off-season, Shanahan added former Chiefs and Bengals running back Larry Johnson. Yesterday, the 'Skins signed former Steeler Willie Parker to a one-year deal that reportedly will max out at $3.1 million dollars. The overall impact of both Johnson and Parker at this stage of their career is up for debate, and I even questioned the L.J. move previously because I don't see how his running style fits in the Shanahan scheme. With Parker, we will have to see what he can offer this summer when he puts the pads on, but there are doubts about his game as well."

Johnson, Portis are still question marks in new system

March 14

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

columnist Matt Bowen

"Now that former Chiefs and Bengals RB Larry Johnson is in Washington under Mike Shanahan, is there a plan for the Redskins backfield? This past week, I questioned the idea of bringing a player like L.J. over to Washington mainly due to his running style and the offensive system he is coming into. Johnson is a straight up and down runner, and when you have a player like that who is older, and on the downside of his career, it almost becomes target practice for safeties coming down as an eighth defender or a linebacker running through the hole. And, in Shanahan's system, will Johnson be able to generate enough quickness with his first step and get his shoulder pads squared to the line of"

Redskins sign ex-Chiefs, Bengals RB Larry Johnson

March 13

USA Today

"Larry Johnson is joining his third team in the last year. The former Chiefs and Bengals RB signed with the Redskins on Friday. That puts Johnson in a tandem with veteran Washington RB Clinton Portis. ESPN reported it's a three-year deal worth $3.5 million, with the potential to grow to $12 million in incentives. "It's a dream come true," Johnson said. "Being from the Maryland area, I grew up watching the Redskins." Said Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan, "We are excited to bring in a running back that has had so much success in this league. Larry is a physical runner who will be a great addition to our backfield.""

Redskins sign Johnson

March 13

Washington Examiner

"The Redskins needed speed and youth at running back.They added neither when they signed Larry Johnson today. But they might have bought themselves insurance if Clinton Portis does not respond to a bad, and ultimately injury-shortened, season. Washington signed Johnson to a three-year, $3.5-million deal, though numerous incentives could make it worth as much as $12 million. But Johnson, like Portis, is an aging back coming off a bad season. He averaged 2.9 yards per carry in seven games for Kansas City before being cut and signed by Cincinnati, for whom he averaged 4.4 yards on 46 carries. In eight seasons, he has rushed for 6,219 yards and averaged 4.4 yards a carry. He also has caught 154"

Redskins sign free agent running back Larry Johnson

March 13

Washington Post

"Making their biggest splash in a relatively quiet free agency period, the Redskins on Friday signed veteran running back Larry Johnson, whose off-the-field problems have at times overshadowed his on-field exploits. The team would not release terms of the deal, but a person with knowledge of the negotiations said Johnson signed a three-year contract that carries a base salary of $3.5 million and could be worth $12 million with incentives. The Redskins hope Johnson, 30, will complement running back Clinton Portis in their revamped offense and also push Portis on the practice field. Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowler, was released by the Kansas City Chiefs last year after making offensive"

Source: Redskins make time for LJ

March 10

ESPN.com

"The Washington Redskins market search for a veteran running back has brought them to Larry Johnson, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Two days after former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker visited with Washington, the Redskins are scheduled to host a visit Thursday with Johnson, formerly of the Chiefs and Bengals, the source said. The Redskins have made it known around the league that they would like to sign a veteran back."

Larry Johnson's workload could depend on score

December 27

Cincinnati Enquirer

"In late October we had the Benson Bowl. Sunday could be the Johnson Bowl, as Larry Johnson faces his former team for the first time, though the chances of that happening hinge on whether the Bengals can put away the Chiefs early. Coach Marvin Lewis has said he would like to get Johnson more carries over the last two weeks of the regular season, but the Bengals still do not have a playoff spot wrapped up. And Cedric Benson is still the Bengals' main back and figures to get most of the meaningful carries. If the Bengals get up by a couple of scores early, it could be Johnson's chance to get revenge in the same way Benson did against the Bears. After signing with the Bengals on Nov. 17,"

Larry Johnson's role with Bengals depends on Cedric Benson

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

November 13

Philly.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"