It is beyond comprehension that the Cincinnati Bengals, in previous years known as a holding cell for troubled players, has apparently not learned their lesson yet. In a season when the Bengals are legitimate contenders, the Bengals would be better off having their punter at running back than signing the troubled Johnson. Have the Bengals not learned their lesson yet? Have they forgotten what bringing in troubled draft picks did to their team?
While it is true that Larry Johnson could still have something left, the odds are much higher that he has a bunch of problems left. Every time he gets in trouble, he issues an empty apology and then repeats the same behavior (or something different in it’s place equally bad) The truth is, Larry Johnson could absolutely blow up the progress the Bengals have made. Adding him to the mix can only bring heartache to the franchise.
One might wonder what other options the Bengals have? Who says they need one? They are thin at the position and yes, Cedric Benson hurt himself the other day. Still, the injury is not supposed to keep Benson out for long if at all, so the bottom line is they have their running back. It has been said that Johnson would be a backup to the backup. That is exactly why I would not sign him. Johnson has shown that he will not accept being a backup. Oh sure, he will sign up and say all the right things. The minute that he has a foot hold on the team, however, he will show that famous temper and make waves.
It is hopeful that the Bengals will think better of this decision, but I fear they will not. They are not exactly known for their caution when it comes to signing folks of questionable character. I fully expect Johnson to sign with the Bengals. Somewhere the rest of the AFC is smiling.
It is hard to imagine anybody taking a chance on the much maligned running back Larry Johnson following is dumping in Kansas City. The truth is, Larry Johnson has not even been all that good of a running back since the days when he ran wild over the majority of the AFC.
Johnson was released today after mouthing off yet again about the organization leaders, and using a gay slur a couple of times. The episode was one of many over the last couple of years from the hardheaded running back. One would think that a player with his talent would have more sense, but that is not the case. Johnson has shown over and over that he has zero class. Fights with women, gay slurs, and numerous run ins with the law will cause someone to formulate such an opinion. Now, he is left looking for work. The question is, will anybody want Larry Johnson and his boat load of issues?
Sadly the answer to that question is yes. Most every team in the NFL needs depth at the running back position save for only a select few. That said, somebody will want to take a flyer on the guy. Whoever does had better prepare for a rocky road if his past is any clear indication. (See Pacman Jones)
Some teams that might give him a whirl include Seattle and Indianapolis according to ESPN.com. While this is a possibility in Seattle, I can not see Indy throwing their undefeated season into turmoil by bringing in Johnson. The guy simply can not keep his nose clean. It frustrates one beyond belief, because when he was good, he was very very good. When he is bad, he is very very bad.
Where Larry Johnson ends up might depend on Johnson himself. Money is sure to be an issue, and Johnson has not been exactly flexible in that area throughout his career. Do not expect him to do any favors.
