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Posted on Mon, Oct. 26, 2009 11:17 PM
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Larry Johnson’s latest words add to controversy

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Larry Johnson didn’t say much, but those few words Monday from the Kansas City Chiefs running back further stoked a fire that had been ignited the night before.

Hours after the Chiefs lost 37-7 to San Diego on Sunday, Johnson made several controversial remarks on Twitter directed toward his coach, Todd Haley, and Haley’s lack of football-playing experience.

A message posted on Johnson’s Twitter profile about 7 p.m. stated: “My father played for the coach from ‘rememeber the titans’. Our coach played golf. My father played for redskins briefley. Our coach. Nuthn.”

Johnson continued the postings and, in later responses directed toward his Twitter followers, included inflammatory remarks about gays. In a reference to someone’s profile picture, Johnson called it a “fag pic” and called the person a “Christopher street boy,” a reference to a predominantly gay and lesbian area in New York’s Greenwich Village.

Then Monday in the Chiefs locker room, Johnson used another slur after saying he wouldn’t speak to reporters.

Johnson, sitting down, told reporters that “I’m not talking till Thursday,” his usual day of speaking with the media.

Then Johnson turned away and whispered, “Get your faggot ass out of here.”

Haley was asked at his news conference later Monday about Johnson’s comments and said the matter was being investigated by the team.

“How our players conduct themselves with and through the media in a public setting is very important to us as an organization,” Haley said after being asked about Johnson’s use of the slur.

Jarrett Barrios, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, or GLAAD, reportedly called for National Football League officials to “take action.” The NFL, according to senior vice president of public relations Greg Aiello, is looking into Johnson’s comments as well.

The Star asked Chiefs officials to speak with Johnson after he said the slur, but he was not made available. Johnson’s agent, Peter Schaffer, told The Star that his client would issue an apology.

Schaffer said that Johnson’s first cousin is gay and that Johnson “is not a homophobe.”

“He just used a poor choice of words,” Schaffer said, “a politically incorrect choice of words, and he’s going to have to apologize for it. And he should.”

Past problems

Johnson’s latest actions follow other incidents since he joined the Chiefs. In 2003, Johnson was charged with aggravated assault and misdemeanor battery for allegedly brandishing a gun. Those charges were dropped after Johnson completed a domestic violence diversion agreement.

Last year, Johnson was arrested twice on assault charges but pleaded guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace and was sentenced to two years of probation. The convictions will be removed from Johnson’s record if he successfully completes probation.

He was granted a clean slate when Haley and general manager Scott Pioli joined the team earlier this year. Johnson, who turns 30 on Nov. 19, had been quiet, optimistic and loyal. He said during training camp that he was determined to distance himself from the “old LJ,” the irritable player who had become known more for his run-ins and mood swings than his considerable football talent.

Then Johnson delivered cryptic comments earlier this month after the Chiefs’ loss to the New York Giants. Johnson repeatedly used the word “ego” to describe the difference between the Chiefs and the Giants, later refusing to elaborate.

To reach Kent Babb, call 816-234-4386 or send e-mail to kbabb@kcstar.com.

Posted on Mon, Oct. 26, 2009 11:17 PM
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