NFL Week 17: It's the Final Countdown...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. Hell, he may end up assaulting the door and get yet another court appearance..........

LJ says he wants out of KC - Kansas City Star

LJ says he wants out of KC
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star


CINCINNATI | With a most disappointing season finally over, Larry Johnson couldn’t contain himself any longer. Johnson said after the Chiefs’ 16-6 season-ending loss to Cincinnati on Sunday what had been obvious for some time: He wants out of Kansas City.

“Hopefully, my future is not with this organization,” Johnson said after rushing 10 times for 18 yards. “The things that have been going around, I’m not saying it’s (all) their fault. Half of it is mine with off-the-field (stuff) and other things that go on.

“On the football field, my role definitely diminished once I got back. I felt like I wasn’t getting as much (work) as I thought I could and helped as much as I could. They shifted their powers to other players on this team offensively. You kind of feel your time is up in this city and with this team.”

The Chiefs are in the process of changing general managers. Carl Peterson is now out, and chairman Clark Hunt will soon be hiring his replacement.

The two will then decide on whether coach Herm Edwards is retained. But Johnson said he wants out regardless of what other changes the Chiefs might make.

“It’s the environment,” he said. “It’s got everything to do with the environment. It’s what everybody needs. The city is tired of me. The organization has kind of run its course (for him). It’s time to move on regardless of what kind of changes they could make. I’ve been here when they made other changes. It’s just time to let go.”

Johnson’s tumultuous season included a four-game midseason break. He was benched by the Chiefs for three games for being late to meetings and other team obligations. He was also suspended for one game by the NFL for a violation of its personal-conduct policy.

Johnson was charged twice recently with simple assault in separate incidents in Kansas City. In a February incident, Johnson allegedly shoved a woman using his open hand to push the side of her head in a nightclub.

In October, Johnson allegedly spat a drink on a woman at a Kansas City bar.

Johnson returned to a different world than the one he left. The Chiefs early in the season were built around Johnson and a power running game. When he came back, they were using the spread offense and were centered on the abilities of quarterback Tyler Thigpen.

Johnson was an odd fit. Only once in the seven games since his return did Johnson get the ball more than 20 times. Only three times did he get the ball more than 12 times.

There’s no guarantee the Chiefs will use the spread next season even if Edwards is retained.

“I’ve never been a seven-carry-a-game back and expect to break 200 yards,” Johnson said. “That’s never been my style. I wish it could be to help the team a lot more. It’s just not me. (I’m) more of a wear-a-team-down, get your yards in the third and fourth quarter when you just really pound on them.”

The problem, Johnson said, isn’t with his abilities. He’s 29 and took a physical beating during his league-record 416-carry season in 2006.

But Johnson indicated he’s the same player he was when he rushed for more than 1,700 yards in both 2005 and 2006.

“I’ve had two or three 65-yard runs, and I hadn’t had that when I was 21,” Johnson said. “There’s definitely nothing about me wearing down, After I came back, I was on point to get over 1,000. When you have 12 (rushes) for 108 (yards), that says a lot as far as I’ve still got a lot more left.”

[jeff061]

I think they jumped the gun on Mangini. But I'm not exactly upset.

[Thomkal]

yeah Johnson needs to go for sure but I believe he's got a big contract left, and in combination with his off the field stuff may make him difficult to trade and I'm not sure the Chiefs would just outright release him.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Thomkal

yeah Johnson needs to go for sure but I believe he's got a big contract left, and in combination with his off the field stuff may make him difficult to trade and I'm not sure the Chiefs would just outright release him.

They were ready to trade him last year. Salary isn't an issue as the Chiefs have a HUGE cap surplus at this point. They could eat the contract and still have plenty of salary available for next year.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

They were ready to trade him last year. Salary isn't an issue as the Chiefs have a HUGE cap surplus at this point. They could eat the contract and still have plenty of salary available for next year.

Ah I was under the impression from the KC blog I read that it was unlikely they would be able to get out from under his contract.

[Kodos]

Johnson is an asshat, no doubt. Sad to see a Penn State guy be such a jerk.

[cuervo72]

This was quite a unique Sunday for me. Left Port Orange at 5:45AM, listened to a mix of 80s on 8 on XM and CDs until 1PM or so, then hopped between the ESPN and FSR game day shows. Gave up on the Eagles' chances when Chicago went up 10-0 (not to mention TBY just playing OAK). Suddenly HOU was up 14-10 and OAK was making a game of it. I couldn't believe it when the TBY/OAK game went final (I was outside Richmond about then). Even if the Eagles blew it, at least they had a chance.

When the Eagles game went 10-3 I decided to try to find some games on the AM, and tried WIP. The game was barely coming in, but I could make out that the score was 17-3 and the Cowboys were driving. Reception was good enough through the INT and the following TD, then I lost it at the KO, but could hear an excited Merrill Reese say something about ":05". I didn't know what exactly had happened until halftime. At that point, Reese was cautiously optimistic (sounded like he had been downright depressed before the 1PM games).

From there it was just unbelievable. I'd get nervous hearing that Dallas was driving and the reception would give out. Then I would hear just enough to hear Reese counting down "he's at the 50...the 45, the 40...". Enough to figure that somehow the Eagles had the ball. Twice (with a brief mention of Bills/Oilers in between). Then a near incredulous Reese declaring the game over, that if it were a fight it would be stopped. And the thought that it was possibly the wildest day in his 31 years of covering the Eagles. I'm agree. I think I was more spent from listening to what transpired than I was from the 13 1/2 hour drive.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Thomkal

Ah I was under the impression from the KC blog I read that it was unlikely they would be able to get out from under his contract.

They'll likely trade him and just take the bonus hit. Probably won't get anywhere near the draft pick they would have got for him 5 months ago, but at least they'll be able to offload him. There will be some GM that wants him to add a power running game. He's happy as long as you feed him 20-30 times a game. But he just quit on the team this year. You could see it in every single run.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

They'll likely trade him and just take the bonus hit. Probably won't get anywhere near the draft pick they would have got for him 5 months ago, but at least they'll be able to offload him. There will be some GM that wants him to add a power running game. He's happy as long as you feed him 20-30 times a game. But he just quit on the team this year. You could see it in every single run.

I'm sure the Raiders will take him...or maybe Dallas?

[gstelmack]

The Patriots typically have plenty of cap left over. I don't think franchising Cassel will kill them.

[kingfc22]

All I have to say is...

"How bout them Cowboys!"

HAHAHAH

[jeff061]

I've read rumors here and there that Brady is significantly behind in his rehab schedule. I'd expect Cassel to be franchised.

[JeeberD]

*sigh*

What a bunch of fucking underachieving slackers. Wade has GOT to go...

[Kodos]

But make sure to keep T.O.!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Saw an article stating that Stephen Jackson wants a trade. Chiefs should offer a straight up swap with Larry Johnson. We'll take your trash if you take ours.

[JAG]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

*sigh*

What a bunch of fucking underachieving slackers. Wade has GOT to go...

Yep, this turned out to be a pretty lousy season.

[Kodos]

Great news out of Dallas. Zach Thomas says he doesn't fit in a 3-4 scheme, and will likely not return to Dallas next year. Now I can root against the Cowboys without reservation!

[jeff061]

Jerry Jones likes to brag about having a team full of egos and characters. I don't think that works for beyond a year these days.

[molson]

Wade needs to go.

Romo ain't that great either, Dallas needs to let go of the illusion that he's a franchise QB.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Herm Edwards just had his end of season press conference. Outside of saying that he was not going to be back, I'm not sure he could have made it much clearer that he's not coming back next year. He said things like 'they are going to be able to bring in free agents.....' and 'they should be able to create a solid team off of this rebuilding year........'.

Uh, who is 'they', Herm?

[duckman]

Wade is a minor problem. The real problem is that they have Al Davis Lite running this zoo of a football organization.

[Sun Tzu]

I blame this thread for getting the song "The Final Countdown" by Europe stuck in my head.

[Kodos]

Coulda been worse. Coulda been "Rock The Night".

[Young Drachma]

Where will Crennel and Mangenius end up as assistants? After all, if Ted Cotrell could get jobs, why not them?

[cuervo72]

This might be a good time to mention that I heard Turn Up the Radio during my drive yesterday, which pleased me.

[molson]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Where will Crennel and Mangenius end up as assistants? After all, if Ted Cotrell could get jobs, why not them?

Crennel's had three seperate tenures with Bellichick, another reunion wouldn't be surprising.

[Scoobz0202]

I'm still pissed off at the Dallas Cowboys (Huge Cowboys fan)

I still can't believe it. Next year was this year. Son of a fucking bitch. I will always be a cowboys fan but this season has tested my love for certain people. I don't understand how Wade Phillips still has a job, and to that certain to say that he will be there next year, Jerry Jones, kiss my ass. This team did not have a real coach this year, at all.

[flounder]

Originally Posted by duckman

Wade is a minor problem. The real problem is that they have Al Davis Lite running this zoo of a football organization.

I always knew the day was coming when we would turn into the Raiders. I just thought we had about 5-6 more years.

[remper]

Just be glad that you don't root for the Bears. Aside from the one magical run to the SB, this is yet another season where its hard to figure out which way this team is going. Most of the time I'm of the mind that they are a bad team that overachieves. But then they pull wins out of their ass enough times that it gives me hope, only to have them fall flat. They do just enough to win at times, and then look pathetic the rest of the time.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Scoobz0202

I'm still pissed off at the Dallas Cowboys (Huge Cowboys fan)

I still can't believe it. Next year was this year. Son of a fucking bitch. I will always be a cowboys fan but this season has tested my love for certain people. I don't understand how Wade Phillips still has a job, and to that certain to say that he will be there next year, Jerry Jones, kiss my ass. This team did not have a real coach this year, at all.

By any chance did you happen to run into Bradie James earlier today?

[Lathum]

I wonder where Roy Williams would rather be?

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Sal Paolantonio breaks down how the Eagles will make the playoffs on Saturday.

http://950espn.com/Audio/tabid/183/a...olantonio.aspx

I'll eagerly await his lottery numbers podcast.

[gstelmack]

ESPN - Wade Phillips: Things must change for Dallas Cowboys

Dallas LB grabs sign off fan protesting Cowboys, talking about how he doesn't go to other places of business and protest people. I call BS; don't you complain if you get lousy service at a restaurant? I bet you complain even louder if you'd spent a hundred bucks or several hundred bucks (depending on seats and how many people you took and how much beer you drank) and watched that stinker...

[MikeVic]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3800446

I don't think this is a great idea.

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3800446

I don't think this is a great idea.

And magically, every player on both Super Bowl teams that made the Pro Bowl will claim a mysterious injury that vanishes just in time for the real game.

[SirFozzie]

Players from the Super Bowl teams will obviously be excused from the Pro Bowl

[Coffee Warlord]

Which just makes the entire idea lame.

[DaddyTorgo]

lame idea

[Logan]

I actually think it makes plenty of sense. No one cares about the Pro Bowl anyway (rightfully so). I'd be much more likely to watch in the week preceding the SB than after, when I've officially ended my personal football-viewing season.

edit: I hope the media uses this as a way to have something else to cover besides the Super Bowl teams. I'm bored by the coverage by the middle weekend.

[miami_fan]

Actually playing the Pro Bowl is a lame idea.

[SFL Cat]

As a Cowboys fan, I'm officially flabbergasted. What a freakshow they have in Dallas.

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by Logan

I actually think it makes plenty of sense. No one cares about the Pro Bowl anyway (rightfully so). I'd be much more likely to watch in the week preceding the SB than after, when I've officially ended my personal football-viewing season.

edit: I hope the media uses this as a way to have something else to cover besides the Super Bowl teams. I'm bored by the coverage by the middle weekend.

Exactly. I think much more people will watch before "the end of the football season" and the extra eyeballs means extra $$.

[SFL Cat]

I'll tell you the game I miss. The old college all-star game in Chicago. The rookies vs. the defending super bowl champs. The rookies played hard, and unlike the Pro Bowl, where everyone is just punching the clock and going through the motions, the pro teams didn't want to be tagged with the stigma of getting beat by a team of rookies.