Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to send running back Larry Johnson home Tuesday is clearly a sign they are taking his latest public misstep seriously.
It would not be a shock if this decision leads to an eventual suspension or even a complete parting of the ways.
Johnson reportedly used a gay slur toward media members Monday. Sunday night, he made some questionable Twitter posts, including questioning the credentials of his coach, Todd Haley. Johnson had been on his best behavior this season until his recent outburst.
Last season, Johnson was suspended by both the Chiefs and the NFL for separate nightclub incidents involving women. Johnson was given new life in Kansas City this season by new general manager Scott Pioli and Haley, the team’s first-year coach. Johnson had been complimentary of both Pioli and Haley.
However, after the team’s 37-7 home loss to San Diego, Johnson clearly let his emotions get the best of him. The Chiefs are 1-6 as they start their bye week. Johnson has not been effective. He is averaging just 2.7 yards per carry.
It wouldn’t be out of the question for the Chiefs to decide to move away from Johnson, who will turn 30 next month. The combination of him creating more off-field problems and his lack of production could prompt Kansas City to make a move. Haley may have hinted at a potential post-Johnson world in Kansas City on Tuesday in his news conference when he lauded backup Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith, who is trying to come back from an injury.
Tuesday’s decision by the Chiefs to send him home and announce that they will make a decision about Johnson’s future, means Kansas City is thinking hard about what to do with the running back.
Tuesday may be just the first step of Johnson being separated from Kansas City.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to send running back Larry Johnson home Tuesday is clearly a sign they are taking his latest public misstep seriously.
It would not be a shock if this decision leads to an eventual suspension or even a complete parting of the ways.
Johnson reportedly used a gay slur toward media members Monday. Sunday night, he made some questionable Twitter posts, including questioning the credentials of his coach, Todd Haley. Johnson had been on his best behavior this season until his recent outburst.
Last season, Johnson was suspended by both the Chiefs and the NFL for separate nightclub incidents involving women. Johnson was given new life in Kansas City this season by new general manager Scott Pioli and Haley, the team’s first-year coach. Johnson had been complimentary of both Pioli and Haley.
However, after the team’s 37-7 home loss to San Diego, Johnson clearly let his emotions get the best of him. The Chiefs are 1-6 as they start their bye week. Johnson has not been effective. He is averaging just 2.7 yards per carry.
It wouldn’t be out of the question for the Chiefs to decide to move away from Johnson, who will turn 30 next month. The combination of him creating more off-field problems and his lack of production could prompt Kansas City to make a move. Haley may have hinted at a potential post-Johnson world in Kansas City on Tuesday in his news conference when he lauded backup Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith, who is trying to come back from an injury.
Tuesday’s decision by the Chiefs to send him home and announce that they will make a decision about Johnson’s future, means Kansas City is thinking hard about what to do with the running back.
Tuesday may be just the first step of Johnson being separated from Kansas City.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.