Twitter Dee, Twitter Dumb … Update
From the Truman Sports Complex
The Chiefs have suspended RB Larry Johnson without really suspending him.
Confused? Welcome to the world of L.J. and discipline. Call it a not so secret double-secret probation, or in this case a pre-suspension.
The team announced on Tuesday that until investigations by the Chiefs and the NFL of recent comments by Johnson are completed, they’ve asked him to “refrain from practicing with the Chiefs or participating in other team activities.”
Those activities include a bye week practice early Tuesday afternoon at the team’s facility.
On Tuesday, Johnson issued an apology for his use of the slur “fag” on his Tweeter page on Sunday night and on Monday infront of group of Kansas City media. The apology came out of the office of his agent Peter Schaeffer.
“I regret my actions,” the apology reads. “The words were used by me in frustration and they were not appropriate. I did not intend to offend anyone, but it is n o excuse for what I said.”
All this comes almost exactly a year after he was inactive and suspended last season by the Chiefs (three games) and the NFL (one game) for his behavior on and off the field. That ranged from an October 19 game against Tennessee through a November 9 game at San Diego.
Discipline could be imposed by the Chiefs and/or the NFL.
Please. LJ has not even seen that “released” apology. His agent wrote it and released it. LJ is sorry for nothing…as always.
I am thankful for the “quasi-suspension”. It sends a good message to the rest of the team. LJ “superstar” is going to pay a price for his conduct. The rules are for everyone. Of course, he is an easy target.
I just hope they hit him as hard as possible where he will feel it…in the wallet. Remember, he tweeted that the fans can’t stop his check. Well, true, but Pioli can. Hopefully, we get the last laugh. I’ll be sure and “tweet” him if we do.
Haley Press Conference starting any minute…
We’ll see what he says about it.
I agree, LJ probably read that apology on the internet like everyone else. Peter Shaefer is trying to protect his credibility as an agent, (and paycheck). I don’t see how a self-respecting sports agent can stand by a man like this, but I guess self-respecting sports agent is an oxymoron in itself.
The team should immediately issue a 4 game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, and then a league issued personal conduct suspension to follow. They can cut out nearly all of his pay for the rest of the season in that way.
He should then be released. It is very important that LJ is not allowed to break Priest Holmes record. Priest is truly deserving of a spot in Chief’s history. LJ will simply be the answer to a trivia question in 10 years. Good riddance!
If I were Todd Haley, I’d dress for the next game in a golfer’s hat, and some red and gold checkered pants.
I smell a breakout coming from Kolby Smith. He showed flashes of greatness when healthy, and he’s been chompin’ at the bit for an opportunity. He and Charles could make a respectable committee, with Savage on third downs.
Bye LJ, don’t let the doorknob hit ya on the way out.
“did not intend to offend anyone”. That’s funny. What he meant to say to the reporters was, “Have a nice day guys. Great job as always”
And to the twitter user, “nice picture, was that professionally taken?”
This 2009 Chiefs season is quickly morphing into a lower case version of the Falcon’s 2007 campaign with the Vick mess and subsequent Petrino defection back to the collegiate scene all happening during the season. “If it doesn’t kill you, it’ll make you stronger”.
You’ve heard that one? I’m waiting for that sound of the franchise hitting rock bottom and with this latest LJ mess, perhaps that thud was it? If it wasn’t, then what’s next?
I think we already hit rock bottom last year when Herm/Carl trotted out a 2-win season and weren’t trying to do anything about it but wait. At least we’re cleaning house and taking out the garbage now.
You didn’t include the best quote.
Johnson also apologized to “all the kids who view athletes as role models. I was not a good role model yesterday and hopefully I can become a better role model. We all make mistakes, and the challenge is to learn from them.”
Better role model? He was still making his back from spitting and slapping around women. Now he’s calling out coaches? Smart move.
Haley needs to quote Dick Vermiel, and tell him to “take diapers off” then play him as the backup RB behind Charles.
I don’t know who I should be more ashamed of, LJ or any kid who thinks an athlete is a role model for anything other than the ability to play the sport well.
Different point of view to take here…(not to take the man’s word selections lightly) but isn’t it kind of sad that so much attention has been paid to a single word posted to Twitter which might result in a suspension…but players do thuggish things all the time with little to no accountability in comparison?
Exactly SG. It’s pretty crazy how quick people jump on LJ for this “extremely hostile action”. It’s really not that deep. And I hope Haley’s feelings aren’t hurt too bad!
Come on Bob, Don’t be bent cause your fav Star reporter recorded your boy’s blunder, stick-up for him. You stated that most of us didn’t understand him several months back in your LJ article. Hope he is feeling the love by you not rippen him on your site.
I don’t think it is so much about just this latest incident, but the accumulation of incidents. Larry was already considered on thin ice before the season started (some thought he should have been released). Then he goes and has at least two acts of undermining the coach (”ego” and “golf coach”), while also repeatedly throwing around slurs.
Not to mention his (lack of) production, 2.7 yds/carry, almost warrants a release all of itself.
AMF! I supported u during the off season and was really hoping u would grow up and be a man but the real u has reared its ugly head again, I hope they cut you!