[Kansas City.com] 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.”
Here is the entire text of Johnson’s apology, which was issued this afternoon in a statement by his agent to The Kansas City Star.
“First of all, I want to apologize to the fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the NFL, Commissioner Goodell, the Chiefs organization, Coach Todd Haley, his staff, and my teammates for the words I used yesterday. I regret my actions. The words were used by me in frustration, and they were not appropriate. I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said.”
“I also want to apologize 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. I will do my best to learn from this one as I move toward becoming a better person, teammate, and member of the Kansas City Chiefs team and community.”
Really, Larry? You are sorry? Really? Your new name is LOLarry Johnson, because you are a big joke, a big baby, and a big domestic abuser. Tri-fecta buddy.
I miss Priest.
Comment by Erik Wahlberg — October 27, 2009 @ 6:42 pm
yes we miss priest (31)
Comment by cristian — October 27, 2009 @ 7:02 pm
Sorry never fixes anything. Especially after the third or forth time.
Comment by David in VA — October 27, 2009 @ 9:31 pm
Wow, what an apology. Can anyone really see LJ at a podium or on camera saying what is in that apology statement? Seriously does anyone buy this crap? Get rid of him, he’s washed up anyway. Trade him to the Redskins, they always overpay for players.
Comment by Brian in Hays — October 27, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
Hail to the Priest
Comment by kcshufflenaz — October 28, 2009 @ 12:16 am
I also miss #31, but would rather have Jamal Charles or anyone else run the ball before donkey. Addition by subtraction is what we need with him
Comment by Miles — October 28, 2009 @ 3:19 pm
I am not a Larry Johnson fan, and I do not agree with the things he says, but I am sick of athletes and celebrities being forced to apologize. Nobody is buying the apology and frankly there is the whole issue of freedom of speach. He shouldnt have said what he said, but really who cares. I have said the exact same things about Haley while watching the games this year. LJs time has run out in KC. He will be the all time kc chief rusher and that is all going to be tainted by his off the field issues. And please stop with the Jamal Charles praising. The guy goes down on first contact and has yet to stay healthy in the league. Look for a running back in free agency, because this upcoming draft should only focus on the offensive line.
Comment by Eric — October 28, 2009 @ 4:24 pm
Also, Priest Holmes was great, but any running back could have been great behind that offensive line. Our third string running back that year was rushing for 100 ypg when he got in. Priest was unable to stay healthy like Charles. I am just going to refer to Charles as a walking first aid kit.
Comment by Eric — October 28, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
Lets go out and get Shaun Alexander. He could possibly have success with the 30 draws up the middle we have each game.
Comment by JoeCJ — October 28, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
Just in addition to that. If we are going to do things the Patriot way Shaun Alexander fits that mold. Example Corey Dillon. Patriots have always went out and got older experienced guys. SO LETS DO THAT
Comment by JoeCJ — October 28, 2009 @ 5:13 pm
It is hard to guage or running backs with the worst offensive line in nfl history. Maybe Charles is the answer, but who knows how long it is going to take to see him with some protection. JoeCJ, I can sense the sarcasm in your last comments, which I think is fu%@ing funny. Pioli better understand that this team is far from the Patriots teams that he looked over. Right now, I could be the running back for the team and get my ass crushed behind the line of scrimmage.
Comment by Eric — October 28, 2009 @ 6:04 pm
This guy should ride the pine the rest of the year and see what he’s worth then. Hell he’s not worth much right now. I hate to see him get the record. He does not have 1/10 the class as Priest. I know we have a bad O line but come on my sons flag football team could shoestrig this wuss!!!!
Comment by WesternKsChief — October 28, 2009 @ 7:10 pm
What games have you been watching Eric? Johnson has been going down on first contact for the last 3 years! Yet you talk down Charles who averages 5.0 ypc so far. Even Kolby Smith was doing better than that piece of trash. Hes too slow, weak, and doesn’t have any heart whatsoever. Cut him.
Comment by Jonesy — October 28, 2009 @ 8:49 pm
Jonesy, you just brought up two running backs that have yet to play and compete in one full nfl season. I didnt know smith was still on the roster. Hasnt he only played in like four games since being drafted due to him having the body of a 40 year old. CHarles may be averaging 5 ypc, but that is only on 23 carries all year. Give Charles 20 carries per game and lets see his average. I guarantee it will not be 5 ypc. Of course LJ is getting knocked down the past three years. W/o any kind of offensive line, A Peterson would be getting his ass beat too. Lets focus on the real problem here instead of pinpointing our problems on a running back. No 1, we have no offensive line that even a hall of fame running back couldnt run through and No 2, our defense gives up about 10 plays each game that go bast 25 yards. The most recent one was a second string cowboys receiver that had a dallas cowboys record against us. LJ is easy to blame but look at the other flaws of the team too.
Comment by Eric — October 28, 2009 @ 10:22 pm
We should be thinking about cutting Bowe too. I cannot stand to see another easy pass being dropped by this bum. I dont care if he catches a couple hard td catches here and there, the guy does not work hard and under acheives. Trade him while we can.
Comment by Eric — October 28, 2009 @ 10:23 pm
Sorry Eric I try hard not to lash out at people and you bring up good points. But you have to admit Johnson is not the same as he was those two solid years he had, good Oline or Bad. Look at old highlights. He used to go through the line as hard as he could and it worked great. Now all he does is dance up to the line every time like a finesse back trying to be Priest Holmes or something. Hes a power back that tries way to hard to look for holes when he should be running people over. Thats all Im trying to say. I just want to see something different.
Comment by Jonesy — October 28, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
People realize please that Jamal Charles isn’t the answer. Remember when we tried Dante Hall as a receiver because he was an electric returner. This reminds me of that. The more you see a player the more they game plan for him. Yes he averages 5 ypc but with only 20 some odd carries that number can be a little off with one big run. He falls on first contact and its obvious that he isn’t built to be the main guy. I like him as a 3rd down back such as Sproles(Go K State). You can’t just put a speed guy in a main role or all track stars would play football. I think we should go empty backfield and extra tight end and just throw it. quick slants and curls period. Nothing else to work on Cassell’s release to where if we do get a line he can play some ball.
Comment by JoeCJ — October 29, 2009 @ 8:25 am
I agree Johnson is not the same runner as he used to be. I just had to make my point the Charles is not the guy and JoeCj it looks like you agree with that. What do you think we should do, get a free agent this off season or try and draft a running back with one our second round picks?
Comment by Eric — October 29, 2009 @ 2:06 pm
DO NOT DRAFT A RUNNING BACK. The only time you draft running backs would be if you don’t really need much else or you have a chance to get a perfect back like Peterson. But once again if you look at Minnesota they went out and got Steve Hutchinson first with Chester Taylor. Go out and get a proven decent free agent along with a great lineman. That will take you further than drafting any back. First round lineman next year. And second round TE such at Jermaine Grisham, if he is healthy, or a WR. Once again DONT DRAFT A RUNNING BACK.
Comment by JoeCJ — October 29, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
With the way our defense has been playing I wouldnt even mind if they picked up Eric Berry, the safety from Tenessee. He is supposed to be the next Troy Polomalu and if the offensive lineman from OK State is off the draft board, I would think Berry would have to be there choice even though dbs really arent a need right now. It would be basically picking the best player at the time, and lets be honest, we can use an upgrade at almost every position. Look for big offseason moves in trades and free agency.
Comment by Eric — October 29, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
You know thats a great point. I am very ok with him. We need a momentum changer and a ball hog and thats exactly what he is. I would take him or the OK state lineman. Really best on board would probably be our best option. And he is the best player. It might not be popular but I would be ok with Suh from Nebraska also. He is a beast and could be our pressure and downright man our D needs. There are also going to be multiple great lineman available in the second round.
Comment by JoeCJ — October 29, 2009 @ 6:32 pm
I live in Omaha, NE and have been to a couple of NU football games this year. I am not a Husker fan, but Suh is definately fun to watch. I havent seen a defensive lineman like him in a long time. I would be fine with that pick as well.
Comment by Eric — October 29, 2009 @ 6:51 pm
Eric…..how was that Iowa state Nebraska game??
Comment by kcchiefs19692003 — October 29, 2009 @ 10:01 pm
Just an FYI. I am a huge K State fan and believe that he is the best player in the nation by far. Like I said before a beast.
Comment by JoeCJ — October 29, 2009 @ 10:26 pm
send the f*g to the raiders at lest he will be welcome by al davis lol a bad man in his own mind
Comment by michael diedrich — October 30, 2009 @ 12:35 am
long live 31 all hail to the king priest
Comment by michael diedrich — October 30, 2009 @ 12:38 am
The ISU and NU game was horrible football on both sides. I had to watch the chiefs on saturday and sunday. Besides, I am also a KSU fan. I cannot stand half of these husker fans up here. I had the privelege of sitting next to the most obnoxious human being at the Texas Tech game. Some middle aged house wife with 1990′s oakley sunglasses. She would drop f bombs all game and started picking fights with other fans. This is why I cannot like the Huskers even though I live in Omaha. Go Creighton basketball and KSU football!
Comment by Eric — October 30, 2009 @ 9:20 am
I agree totally. Thats so funny. I lived in Omaha for 7 months. Worse football days in my life. They worship them like a religion. Thats not fandom up there it is plain pathetic. Cats for life.
Comment by JoeCJ — October 30, 2009 @ 9:26 am
Its not only the fact that they are completely obsessed with this team, but when I was a police officer, domestic violence calls would go up after a Husker loss. Most of the Husker fans still think that the Power I formation is dominant and that they should go back to that one dimensional offense.
Comment by Eric — October 30, 2009 @ 12:51 pm
Wow thats nuts man. Its great to be a State fan along with our reasonable expectations and our morals.
Comment by JoeCJ — October 30, 2009 @ 7:26 pm