Chiefs RB Johnson to appeal suspension over gay slurs
Fri. October 30, 2009 12:00 AM by OnTopMag.com
larry johnson
photo credit // kcchiefs.com
Kansas City, MO -
Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson says he will appeal a suspension over gay slurs, the AP reported.
The Chiefs announced Wednesday night that Johnson would be suspended until Wednesday, November 9, leaving Johnson out of play from a single November 8 game against Jacksonville.
Johnson allegedly used gay slurs twice during a 24-hour period and belittled coach Todd Haley. In a Sunday Twitter post, Johnson said his father "played for the coach from 'remember the titans'" and Haley "played golf." He went on to insult a follower, calling his profile picture a "fag pic" and the person a "Christopher street boy," a reference to being gay.
The next day, while refusing to answer questions from reporters in the locker room, Johnson said, "I'm not talking till Thursday," then whispered, "Get your faggot ass out of here," according to The Kansas City Star. Thursday is the team's scheduled press day.
Johnson has apologized to everyone involved – from coach Haley to the youth who view him as a role model – except the gay community. "I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said," Johnson said.
Agent Pete Schaffer told the AP that his client would appeal the decision, saying Johnson disagreed with the punishment. Schaffer said the penalty amounted to a $600,000 loss.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for the team to cut him, leaving Johnson's future with the Chiefs less certain.
"Let's face it, he's nothing but a problem maker," 39-year legendary Kansas City sportscaster Jack Harry said in his call for Johnson to be sacked. "He really crossed the line," he added.
Johnson has been arrested four times since 2003 on various assault charges against women. He's currently serving two years probation from two incidents in 2008. One woman claims Johnson threw a drink at her, while another says he pushed her head at a nightclub.
The Chiefs announced Wednesday night that Johnson would be suspended until Wednesday, November 9, leaving Johnson out of play from a single November 8 game against Jacksonville.
Johnson allegedly used gay slurs twice during a 24-hour period and belittled coach Todd Haley. In a Sunday Twitter post, Johnson said his father "played for the coach from 'remember the titans'" and Haley "played golf." He went on to insult a follower, calling his profile picture a "fag pic" and the person a "Christopher street boy," a reference to being gay.
The next day, while refusing to answer questions from reporters in the locker room, Johnson said, "I'm not talking till Thursday," then whispered, "Get your faggot ass out of here," according to The Kansas City Star. Thursday is the team's scheduled press day.
Johnson has apologized to everyone involved – from coach Haley to the youth who view him as a role model – except the gay community. "I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said," Johnson said.
Agent Pete Schaffer told the AP that his client would appeal the decision, saying Johnson disagreed with the punishment. Schaffer said the penalty amounted to a $600,000 loss.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for the team to cut him, leaving Johnson's future with the Chiefs less certain.
"Let's face it, he's nothing but a problem maker," 39-year legendary Kansas City sportscaster Jack Harry said in his call for Johnson to be sacked. "He really crossed the line," he added.
Johnson has been arrested four times since 2003 on various assault charges against women. He's currently serving two years probation from two incidents in 2008. One woman claims Johnson threw a drink at her, while another says he pushed her head at a nightclub.
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