Chiefs release controversial Johnson
Last Updated: Monday, November 9, 2009 | 9:30 PM ET
By Chris Iorfida, CBC Sports
Running back Larry Johnson has worn out his stay in Kansas City after playing seven seasons. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)Larry Johnson's seven-year tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs came to an end on Monday.
Peter Schaffer, Johnson's agent, told The Associated Press of the move, and the club confirmed it later.
Johnson, who turns 30 next week, was due to come off a two-week suspension Monday.
"A part of him is excited and a part of him is very regretful," Schaffer said. "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."
He earned the suspension after airing his grievances on Twitter following the team's loss to San Diego on Oct. 25. Johnson criticized first-year coach Todd Haley, and when questioned by a fan, used a gay slur.
He repeated the slur the next day when talking to reporters.
Johnson in the past has been arrested on four occasions in connection with incidents involving women. He was accused of waving a gun towards an ex-girlfriend in 2003, for which he was ordered into a domestic violence program.
He was sentenced to two years probation earlier this year in connection with separate incidents involving women at nightclubs in 2008. He was accused of pushing a woman in the first case and spitting a drink in a woman's face in the second, while allegedly threatening to kill her boyfriend.
Johnson was one of the top backs in the league during 2005 and 2006, rushing for over 3,500 yards and 37 touchdowns, but he paid a price for a heavy workload.
He hasn't reached over 1,000 yards since and has been slowed by injuries. The former Penn State player has averaged just 2.7 yards per carry while gaining 358 rushing yards through six games.
"He's a very good back," said running back Kolby Smith, one of Johnson's closest friends on the Chiefs. "He's a two-time Pro Bowler and he was only 75 yards rushing away from holding the all-time record here. I know teams will look at that. They've seen what he's done in the past and I think someone will pick him up."
Any team with a faltering running game is bound to be tempted by Johnson, despite his baggage and age.
"Any player that's available, we look at," said Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith. "That's been our standard policy throughout. That'll be the case with Larry."
Houston coach Gary Kubiak agreed.
"When a name like that comes on the free agent market like today, we'll obviously go back and take a look at him just like any other player," Kubiak said. "Obviously, 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."
The Seahawks have the league's 30th-ranked rushing offence. Starter Julius Jones has sputtered, and last week, Seattle released ineffective backup Edgerrin James, the NFL's active rushing leader.
Yet Seattle coach Jim Mora doesn't sound interested in adding a veteran running back.
"Right now, we'll just stick with what we've got," Mora said when asked about Johnson.
Kansas City (1-7) lost in Jacksonville on Sunday and will travel to Oakland next week.
With files from The Associated Press
