Angry Young Runner - Page 2

Hammock Parties · 03-16-2007, 06:32 AM

http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/16915995.htm

Angry young runner

Former Penn State and NFL star Larry Johnson had his game face on at charity dinner Thursday.

JERRY KELLAR jkellar@timesleader.com

READING – He walked into the historic Abraham Lincoln Wyndham Hotel late Thursday afternoon wearing a spiffy warmup and a menacing scowl. That frown has become as much a Larry Johnson trademark as the former Penn State football star’s fierce rushing style.

With L.J., some things never change. Only, his angry young man act is playing on Sundays these days – and playing quite well at that.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ All-Pro running back was the featured celebrity at the 8th annual Second Mile Kick-Off dinner. Run by former Nittany Lion defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, the Second Mile helps children who are dealing with “challenging circumstances.”

Johnson, who rushed for more than 1,700 yards the last two seasons for the Chiefs, was accompanied by his parents, Larry and Christine. Mom and dad looked happy to be on hand.

L.J. … well, he was typical L.J.

After changing into an expensive-looking suit, he signed his name to a few dozen items that were to be auctioned off for the charity later in the evening. He chatted with dinner officials and posed for autographs with fans, never once displaying even a hint of a smile.

During a 15-minute interview with newspaper reporters, L.J. appeared disinterested, continually fiddling with his Blackberry and staring at the floor.

He looked up occasionally, especially when asked if he is misunderstood as a human being.

“I really don’t care anymore,” he said. “I play football. That’s what I was born to do and that’s what I’m doing.”

It’s fitting that the 27-year-old Pomfret. Md., native places controversial NFL legend Jim Brown at the top of his football idols list. L.J. can appear every bit as cold and unapproachable.

“I think that’s what makes him who he is,” Larry Johnson Sr. said of his oldest son. “He likes to have a mystique. Larry likes to be intimidating. He likes to walk into a room and get your attention. ‘Wow, should we stay away or should we approach him?’ That’s the way he is.”

L.J. isn’t sure if he’s among the most disliked players in the Chiefs locker room, as was written recently by a Kansas City columnist.

“Guys think what they want to think. Not everybody gets along,” he said. “Like I said, I don’t really care what anybody else thinks. I do what I was born to do. That’s the only thing people expect of me. I show up on Sundays and I play.”

As for the writer’s comparison of Johnson to Terrell Owens and Randy Moss, L.J. responded: “I do what I’m gonna do on a normal basis and he wakes up and dreams to be me on a normal basis. So it doesn’t bother me.”

He has heard other such unflattering comparisons before.

“They also said that Penn State running backs won’t be able to do anything (in the NFL) either. … Basically, the way I look at it, I really wasn’t supposed to do anything.”

Unlike most of his recent Nittany Lion predecessors, L.J.’s career has taken off at the highest level. Last season, he carried the ball an NFL-record 416 times and gained 1,789 yards. That topped his personal-best of 1,750 yards, set in the previous year.

“Every opportunity that came his way, he went running through the door,” said Johnson Sr., Penn State’s veteran defensive line coach. “At Penn State he did it. Kansas City, he’s doing it, too. There’s something in his makeup that makes him who he is. So why change it? I’d like to see him smile all the time and be happy. But that’s not who he is right now.”

Although L.J. was never considered a bad teammate while at Penn State, that perception apparently has changed with the Chiefs, according to reports.

“At Penn State, we didn’t play for money, either,” L.J. explains. “So that’s usually a different situation. Guys get jealous. First year (in the NFL), you weren’t doing anything and (nobody) expected anything and now you’re the talk of the town. There’s a lot of jealously. It’s something that can’t be ignored, something that doesn’t go away. You just gotta accept it for what it is and keep moving.”

His goal is to make a mark on the sport he loves before giving it up.

“I want to win two or three Super Bowls and, hopefully, get into the Hall of Fame,” L.J. said. “I won’t say I can be the best-ever, but I do want to be mentioned as one of the best.”

mikey23545 · 03-16-2007, 10:29 AM

Poor black Superman...

Demonpenz · 03-16-2007, 10:31 AM

Later on in the event the crowd enjoyed a deja vu moment when guest speaker scott fujita walked around larry johnson to get to the microphone.

Brock · 03-16-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Kings

As soon as his play starts slipping he is getting booed by his home town team, and the fans are calling for him to be traded. I can understand the trade, but booing a man like Trent Green is as reeruned as all of the jerks that constantly boo Mike Sweeney. We, as the fans in general, treat the players as a product, then go all up in arms when they start acting like a product.

This is what KC fans do. They used to boo Len Dawson all the time.

kcxiv · 03-16-2007, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Kings

If Larry was white, this wouldn't be an issue. I am talking about his attitude because obviously white guys don't make good NFL RB's, but if any other player has this attitude and is other than black, it would not be a story. I could name a lot of Chiefs players that are self centered, rude, jerks, that we were more than happy to keep here. Nick Lowery was the biggest jerk I have ever met. Tony G tries to act polite, but when the cameras aren't on him I've seen him act like a jerk.

Larry isn't here to make us smile. He is here to play ball, and that is what he is going to do. Why should he care what the fans think? Trent Green is a perfect example. He came here, played his tail off, played through injuries, and played very well leading this team to the top of many offensive catagories. As soon as his play starts slipping he is getting booed by his home town team, and the fans are calling for him to be traded. I can understand the trade, but booing a man like Trent Green is as reeruned as all of the jerks that constantly boo Mike Sweeney. We, as the fans in general, treat the players as a product, then go all up in arms when they start acting like a product.

Thread over, you win this thread.

NewChief · 03-16-2007, 10:38 AM

I somewhat agree with the race issue.

That being said, I don't think his race has anything to do with the fact that Jason Whitlock reported that the team doesn't like him. I also don't think his race has anything to do with the fact that his teammates went to the coach and asked him to do something about LJ. Whether you're black or white, many fans will be turned off by this sort of thing. He also makes himself an easy target with his gangster thug act as well as the fact that he brought race into the equation in the interview where he talked about relating to a white coach. I guarantee if he was white and throwing out this kind of gangster mentality or saying he had a hard time relating to a black coach, people would be making fun of him too.

leviw · 03-16-2007, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewChief

I somewhat agree with the race issue.

That being said, I don't think his race has anything to do with the fact that Jason Whitlock reported that the team doesn't like him. I also don't think his race has anything to do with the fact that his teammates went to the coach and asked him to do something about LJ. Whether you're black or white, many fans will be turned off by this sort of thing. He also makes himself an easy target with his gangster thug act as well as the fact that he brought race into the equation in the interview where he talked about relating to a white coach. I guarantee if he was white and throwing out this kind of gangster mentality or saying he had a hard time relating to a black coach, people would be making fun of him too.

It's stupid, because it doesn't have to have anything to do with race.

The guy obviously has terrible social skills, and his public relations skills are even worse. He doesn't know how to handle himself in an interview, or at PR events. He didn't bring up the white/black coach in that interview. Chris Carter did, and LJ answered it poorly, because LJ doesn't have the aforementioned PR skills to side-step it.

You'll have to explain the "ganster-thug act" to me. With my job, I've been around hundreds of athletes a few years now, and aside from the poor PR and social skills, LJ appears to be just like the rest of them --white or black.

Hammock Parties · 03-16-2007, 11:03 AM

Words are bullshit.

Molitoth · 03-16-2007, 11:18 AM

Quote:

The guy obviously has terrible social skills, and his public relations skills are even worse. He doesn't know how to handle himself in an interview, or at PR events. He didn't bring up the white/black coach in that interview. Chris Carter did, and LJ answered it poorly, because LJ doesn't have the aforementioned PR skills to side-step it.

Larry isn't getting paid to suck fans dicks, he's here to rush for 1700+ yards, and he's doing fine at it.

already about what he does in his free time.

Hammock Parties · 03-16-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molitoth

Larry isn't getting paid to suck fans dicks, he's here to rush for 1700+ yards, and he's doing fine at it.

already about what he does in his free time.

Well said. We've got a bunch of slack-jawed bundle of stickss around here. Man up and support Larry Johnson.

leviw · 03-16-2007, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molitoth

Larry isn't getting paid to suck fans dicks, he's here to rush for 1700+ yards, and he's doing fine at it.

already about what he does in his free time.

You fail to realize that he's also getting paid to represent the Chiefs organization.

crazycoffey · 03-16-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leviw

You fail to realize that he's also getting paid to represent the Chiefs organization.

yeah, and no bar fights, DWI's, not talking to the press demanding a new deal, I'd say he represents the Chiefs Organization swimmingly.

Hammock Parties · 03-16-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazycoffey

yeah, and no bar fights, DWI's, not talking to the press demanding a new deal, I'd say he represents the Chiefs Organization swimmingly.

This is the best post you've ever made.

leviw · 03-16-2007, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazycoffey

yeah, and no bar fights, DWI's, not talking to the press demanding a new deal, I'd say he represents the Chiefs Organization swimmingly.

I don't disagree. Just pointing out that he gets paid for more than just running for 1,700 yards.

crazycoffey · 03-16-2007, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

This is the best post you've ever made.

Do I hear sincerity or sarcasm, I can never tell.

I've talked about the possibilities of trading him, but I don't want him to be traded, I've bought a chief hat every year for the last ten years, this last year was the first time I bought a jersey, number 27.

ck_IN · 03-16-2007, 11:51 AM

It has a lot to do with race. But I guarentee ck_IN or anyone else who calls the guy a thug and says he needs to realize he's not in a gang doesn't have the balls to admit it.

What a total load of bullshit. I couldn't care less what the man's race is. He was born and bred in the suburbs, he has a father that's a coach at a Big 10 university and this idiot wants to portray himself as a gangsta, Jay-Z posse member and tell all of us how tough it is for a black man to play in the NFL. Bullshit

As for his social skills/PR abilities/whatever, it just isn't that hard to be civil when the occasion calls for it. Gonzo is a black man and he seems to pull it off. Green is a white man and he does just fine. Priest may or may not have those soft skills but he has the good sense to keep his mouth shut and not portray himself as something he clearly isn't.

Black, white, yellow or purple, LJ is a poser and not a good one at that.

03-16-2007, 06:32 AM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $1000478	Angry Young Runner http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/16915995.htm Angry young runner Former Penn State and NFL star Larry Johnson had his game face on at charity dinner Thursday. JERRY KELLAR jkellar@timesleader.com READING – He walked into the historic Abraham Lincoln Wyndham Hotel late Thursday afternoon wearing a spiffy warmup and a menacing scowl. That frown has become as much a Larry Johnson trademark as the former Penn State football star’s fierce rushing style. With L.J., some things never change. Only, his angry young man act is playing on Sundays these days – and playing quite well at that. The Kansas City Chiefs’ All-Pro running back was the featured celebrity at the 8th annual Second Mile Kick-Off dinner. Run by former Nittany Lion defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, the Second Mile helps children who are dealing with “challenging circumstances.” Johnson, who rushed for more than 1,700 yards the last two seasons for the Chiefs, was accompanied by his parents, Larry and Christine. Mom and dad looked happy to be on hand. L.J. … well, he was typical L.J. After changing into an expensive-looking suit, he signed his name to a few dozen items that were to be auctioned off for the charity later in the evening. He chatted with dinner officials and posed for autographs with fans, never once displaying even a hint of a smile. During a 15-minute interview with newspaper reporters, L.J. appeared disinterested, continually fiddling with his Blackberry and staring at the floor. He looked up occasionally, especially when asked if he is misunderstood as a human being. “I really don’t care anymore,” he said. “I play football. That’s what I was born to do and that’s what I’m doing.” It’s fitting that the 27-year-old Pomfret. Md., native places controversial NFL legend Jim Brown at the top of his football idols list. L.J. can appear every bit as cold and unapproachable. “I think that’s what makes him who he is,” Larry Johnson Sr. said of his oldest son. “He likes to have a mystique. Larry likes to be intimidating. He likes to walk into a room and get your attention. ‘Wow, should we stay away or should we approach him?’ That’s the way he is.” L.J. isn’t sure if he’s among the most disliked players in the Chiefs locker room, as was written recently by a Kansas City columnist. “Guys think what they want to think. Not everybody gets along,” he said. “Like I said, I don’t really care what anybody else thinks. I do what I was born to do. That’s the only thing people expect of me. I show up on Sundays and I play.” As for the writer’s comparison of Johnson to Terrell Owens and Randy Moss, L.J. responded: “I do what I’m gonna do on a normal basis and he wakes up and dreams to be me on a normal basis. So it doesn’t bother me.” He has heard other such unflattering comparisons before. “They also said that Penn State running backs won’t be able to do anything (in the NFL) either. … Basically, the way I look at it, I really wasn’t supposed to do anything.” Unlike most of his recent Nittany Lion predecessors, L.J.’s career has taken off at the highest level. Last season, he carried the ball an NFL-record 416 times and gained 1,789 yards. That topped his personal-best of 1,750 yards, set in the previous year. “Every opportunity that came his way, he went running through the door,” said Johnson Sr., Penn State’s veteran defensive line coach. “At Penn State he did it. Kansas City, he’s doing it, too. There’s something in his makeup that makes him who he is. So why change it? I’d like to see him smile all the time and be happy. But that’s not who he is right now.” Although L.J. was never considered a bad teammate while at Penn State, that perception apparently has changed with the Chiefs, according to reports. “At Penn State, we didn’t play for money, either,” L.J. explains. “So that’s usually a different situation. Guys get jealous. First year (in the NFL), you weren’t doing anything and (nobody) expected anything and now you’re the talk of the town. There’s a lot of jealously. It’s something that can’t be ignored, something that doesn’t go away. You just gotta accept it for what it is and keep moving.” His goal is to make a mark on the sport he loves before giving it up. “I want to win two or three Super Bowls and, hopefully, get into the Hall of Fame,” L.J. said. “I won’t say I can be the best-ever, but I do want to be mentioned as one of the best.”
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03-16-2007, 10:29 AM	#16
mikey23545 MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10015321	Poor black Superman...
Posts: 12,314

03-16-2007, 10:31 AM	#17
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $-223864	Later on in the event the crowd enjoyed a deja vu moment when guest speaker scott fujita walked around larry johnson to get to the microphone. __________________
Posts: 54,943

03-16-2007, 10:38 AM	#20
NewChief In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Fayetteville, AR Casino cash: $7270204	I somewhat agree with the race issue. That being said, I don't think his race has anything to do with the fact that Jason Whitlock reported that the team doesn't like him. I also don't think his race has anything to do with the fact that his teammates went to the coach and asked him to do something about LJ. Whether you're black or white, many fans will be turned off by this sort of thing. He also makes himself an easy target with his gangster thug act as well as the fact that he brought race into the equation in the interview where he talked about relating to a white coach. I guarantee if he was white and throwing out this kind of gangster mentality or saying he had a hard time relating to a black coach, people would be making fun of him too. __________________ In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican. - H. L. Mencken
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03-16-2007, 11:03 AM	#22
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $1000478	Words are bullshit. __________________ Chiefs game films
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03-16-2007, 11:51 AM	#30
ck_IN Feels so good. Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10004900	It has a lot to do with race. But I guarentee ck_IN or anyone else who calls the guy a thug and says he needs to realize he's not in a gang doesn't have the balls to admit it. What a total load of bullshit. I couldn't care less what the man's race is. He was born and bred in the suburbs, he has a father that's a coach at a Big 10 university and this idiot wants to portray himself as a gangsta, Jay-Z posse member and tell all of us how tough it is for a black man to play in the NFL. Bullshit As for his social skills/PR abilities/whatever, it just isn't that hard to be civil when the occasion calls for it. Gonzo is a black man and he seems to pull it off. Green is a white man and he does just fine. Priest may or may not have those soft skills but he has the good sense to keep his mouth shut and not portray himself as something he clearly isn't. Black, white, yellow or purple, LJ is a poser and not a good one at that. __________________ As sweet as Tupelo Honey
Posts: 2,718