If you may have not already heard, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson has been barred from practicing with the team or participating in team activities earlier today. This is a result of Johnsons recent remarks on Twitter about his head coach Todd Haley, as well as the use of a “gay slur” while addressing the media in the locker room.
This isn’t the first time Johnson has acted up or caused a scene. He threatened to sit out training camp prior to the 2007 season, in which he later received a hefty contract extension. In 2008 he complained about the number of carries he was getting. During that season he was suspended for a game by his team, then he was benched and then Roger Goodell suspended him for another game.
There is no denying the mans talent, even though he hasn’t seen the same productivity that caught everyones attention in ‘05 and ‘06. When he’s playing well he’s one of the best backs in the league. I think what needs to be questioned is his ability to deal with adversity. He is an obvious physical specimen, but his approach to the business side of things seems to be quite childish. He never seems to be satisfied with his situation, yet he keeps making it more difficult on himself by acting up.
Part of your responsibility when you’re hired by an employer, and making big bucks, is to shut up and do what your told. Larry needs to learn this. Larry also needs to learn that the league is becoming flooded with talent at the running back position, and that a lot of teams are choosing to rotate them. I can’t think of too many teams that would be willing to absorb his contract and have him split carries.
It appears that “Gridiron Insight” is telling it like it is. Refreshing considering that bias seems to influence so many accounts. Good job !