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Bengals sign troubled running back Larry Johnson
Troubled running back Larry Johnson has officially signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a press release from the team.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis indicated in his Monday press conference that if Johnson was signed he would be the team’s insurance policy. Lewis said Johnson would be fourth on the depth chart behind starter Cedric Benson, rookie Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard.
Johnson was reportedly released by the Kansas City Chiefs for making gay slurs on his Twitter account and questioning the abilities of his head coach.
Johnson, who turns 30 Nov. 19, brings a strong football resume to the Bengals. He is a former All-Pro who broke Kansas City’s rushing record in both 2005 and 2006.
To make room for Johnson on the roster, the Bengals have waived second-year DT Orien Harris of Miami (Fla.). Harris was signed Oct. 20 as a free agent and has played in one game (no statistics).
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Comments
By Bengal Fan
November 17, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this
Very Smart Move! Just in case we need him, he’s a stud. I don’t really give a crap about the situation in KC. We are going to the Super Bowl and NOBODY will stop us. Larry is one more insurance policy - at league minimum it’s a no-brainer. Good Job!
By Smilin' Dave
November 17, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this
Hey Bengal fan….He WAS a stud, check his numbers. He’s also an idiot.
By Brian
November 17, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this
Hey Smilin’ Dave… He WAS a stud when he had a line that could block for him.. he….he hasnt had that the past couple seasons…he may be an idiot, but guess what cures that… WINNING.. and I LOVVVEEEE WINNNINNGG!! WHO DEY!
By billy
November 17, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this
They said Randy Moss WAS a stud when he left Oakland after a subpar stay.. How did that work out for New England?
By Bob540
November 17, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this
The Bengals were reading my mind. The first thing I thought when I heard Johnson was released (and before Benson was hurt) was, “The Bengals should sign him.” Running back has been a thin part of the Bengals’ roster, so shoring it up with a back the caliber of Johnson is a smart move. As for the slur, if everyone who ever uttered some sort of slur were executed, this would be a sparsely populated planet. Quit acting like Johnson is unique in that regard.
By Bengals Fan
November 17, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
Looks like you LOSE “Smilin Dave” - must be a Browns fan! lol or Squeelers!
By Notafanatall
November 17, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this
another criminal on the roster. I wonder if he minds the “N” slur? Bench warmer at best.
By Cave Man
November 17, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this
Could be good move. Hope he left his female problems in KC. Must make all those Mapplethorpe lovers in Cincy nervous he’s in town and not afraid to speak up.
By Notafanatall is a moron
November 17, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this
It’s obvious you don’t know what you’re talking about. What a lonely loser you are to post about something you know nothing about. If you arent embarrased - you should be.
By Andrew
November 17, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this
Just when the Bengals were starting to earn a hint of respect in the league, they go and sign a guy with a list of problems and criminal activity. Bengals may be having a better year than the Steelers, but the Steelers will always hold one thing over the Bengals and thats CLASS! Oh, and six super bowls….
By Crizbot
November 17, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this
Andrew, stop it. 0-2 this season. How’s the steelers’ running game? Anemic. I’d sign a 6’1” all pro running back for $255,000 any day even if they just keep him on the scout team to prepare for Adrian Peterson and the vikes.
By Randy
November 17, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this
This is a smart move at this time. I can see LJ pounding the defense in the 4th quarter. He just needed a team who understands him and can stroke his ego. Now, let’s see if Brown can get Marvin into the front office and make Zimmer head coach next season. He’ll make someone a good head coach.
By Godsboyoh07
November 17, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this
Out here in Arizona we(ohioians)don’t have much to cheer for,until this year…Buckeyes,after a rough start have righted the ship,and what the hell is going on in Cincy??THE BearCats,with a Texas upset,could be playing for a National Championship,and my Bengels,having another magical year that comes along ever so often(oh yeah,I remember Ickey..)We pick up Cedrick Benson,when others thought he was a malcontent,and see what we got,a grown-a*s man,better than 80% of all the backs in the leauge.He can attest to Mr. Johnson that Cincy fans will give him a fair shake,just produce baby…C’mon Larry,lets go win a damned Super Bowl and shut them all up…
By notafanatall is right on
November 17, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this
We will see. I’m betting that he can’t possibly stay out of trouble. Same as Mr. number man.
By Boxter
November 17, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this
Beat women and call your coach a racial slur and the Bengals welcome you with open arms. I hope they lose every game from now on.
By 0_o?
November 17, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this
He’s been brought in as insurance at league minimum. My bet is Lewis sat him down and set some guidelines. He has an opportunity to be one a team that looks to be playoff bound. I doubt that he will rock the boat. Now that he has a line he can prove he can play and possibly make a case to stay in the league next you. It’s win win for us and himself (redemption).
By 0_o?
November 17, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this
Also just wanted to point out that, yes the Bengals have had a history of picking up the troubled of the league. However, they have imposed a pretty strict policy of this is your second chance, screw up and you are gone. Find something else to complain about.
By Brandad4
November 17, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this
I hope his first encounter with the infamous Cincinnati police, is with a gay cop.
By adam
November 17, 2009 8:28 PM | Link to this
How about them Bengals?!?! This is a good move if someone puts Larry in his place. No more hitting women, no more gay slurs, and no trashing the coach. If he acts like a professional, we won’t have any problems. I see a super bowl in the Bengals near future. Can I get a WHO DEY?
By Bengals fan is a super moron
November 19, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this
We will see who is and who is not in the super bowl. Your comments should qualify you as a sportscaster, but
By bengal fan is a super moron
November 19, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this
the facts are clearly not within your grasp.