Larry Johnson

As I write this blog during my lunch break on Tuesday, I suspect the Chefs are getting ready to release their star running back Larry Johnson. Larry has always been a thuggish, loose cannon and has never been happy in KC. His past is fraut with stupid statements, run ins with the police and suspensions. It is time for him to move on.

There have been many embarrassing incidents over his KC career. Most recently, he dissed his coach and the front office with a single tweet. That alone was probably not enough to send him packing. He added to his indiscretion by calling a local media reporter a faggot, and following up with similar tweet. I think that was enough to seal his fate. The Chefs and the NFL can tolerate inside rants, but one minority degrading another is a sure ticket to irrelevance. They will soon drop him like a hot potato.

Ironically, this is what Larry has asked for going back at least 2 seasons. He just wants out. The surprise is that he picked this week, after such good behavior on his part all season. He will now get his wish, and will surely catch on with another team. He is still a workhorse running back with several productive years ahead of him. On just about any other team, he will be more successful than his 2 yards per carry average suggests. With the Chefs, he has no blocking. Every yard is earned. On another team, even a bad one, he will get more holes to run through that he gets with the Chefs.

I expect Larry will again become a star running back somewhere in the NFL. And I really cannot blame him for wanting his released from the Chefs.

Update late Tuesday afternoon: The Chefs have asked Larry to stay away until their investigation is complete. I suspect the investigation involves shopping him to other NFL teams. Maybe they can get a 7th round draft choice in 2015? The Chef''s official statement reads:

The Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League 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. A decision regarding Larry’s status will be made once the investigation has concluded.

By evening, a few sports blogs were reporting Larry's imminent release.




Update on 10/29: Maybe I am wrong, but I doubt it. The Chefs have officially suspended Johnson again. The statement released on their web site was:

The Kansas City Chiefs have suspended RB Larry Johnson for Conduct Detrimental to the Club effective immediately. Johnson will not be permitted to participate in any team activities or be on team premises until Monday, November 9th. The Chiefs will have no further comment on Johnson’s status at this time.

I still think they are looking to unload him.