Chiefs LJ quagmire, not such an easy out

LaChapelle · 10-30-2009, 03:44 PM

League, union handling Johnson talks

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on October 30, 2009 12:59 PM ET

We wrote earlier Friday about the settlement talks currently underway regarding Larry Johnson's future with the Chiefs.

The assumption was that the talks were happening between the Chiefs and Johnson's agent, but PFT's Mike Florio has learned that the discussion has reached higher levels of the sport.

The NFL and the NFLPA have been discussing how to handle the issue because this is a potential precedent-setting case. A player hasn't been suspended for comments on Twitter before, and we're reporting that both sides fear the possibility of a bad outcome.

For example, the league could lose the hearing outright. There are potential first amendment questions that could be raised. Essentially, how far can a team go in restricting what a player says in the current collective bargaining agreement?

From the union's perspective, Larry Johnson's long history as a turd could influence the outcome. Johnson has been suspended by the league before, so he could be viewed as a repeat offender. The union risks losing a precedent-setting case because the player whose rights they are trying to advance is a royal pain.

The quandary brings to mind Terrell Owens' case against the Eagles in 2005. There was a belief at the time that Owens had a strong case when the NFLPA fought for him, but ultimately Owens' history of misbehavior cost him. And future players.

Another repercussion is that a binding decision on how Twitter is handled at the league level could be a bargaining chip in the next round of CBA negotiations. Neither side wants to get a bad ruling, then potentially have to fix it when the CBA comes up. The thinking is that the union and the league would rather control their fate now.

Johnson's appeal is expected to be filed Friday, and a hearing was expected Tuesday.

It sounds like the league and union will be working hard in the meantime to come up with a solution that could have far-reaching effects for NFL players and teams.

Christofire · 10-30-2009, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaChapelle

From the union's perspective, Larry Johnson's long history as a turd could influence the outcome.

LOL. What site is that from? It sounded like such an official article until the guy dropped the line above.

LaChapelle · 10-30-2009, 03:49 PM

"Pioli looks weak not just cutting him"

ChiefMojo · 10-30-2009, 03:54 PM

Eff looking weak!!! That is what Larry wants us to do! We cut him before the end of the season, he wins. He gets out of KC and gets to play for someone else this year. We can't let him off that easily. Let his arse rot in HELLLL!!!!

**Rausch** · 10-30-2009, 04:09 PM

Trade him to the 49'rs in the offseason for a 7th.

It'd be friggen sweet for the irony alone...

**Skip Towne** · 10-30-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefMojo

Eff looking weak!!! That is what Larry wants us to do! We cut him before the end of the season, he wins. He gets out of KC and gets to play for someone else this year. We can't let him off that easily. Let his arse rot in HELLLL!!!!

This

GoHuge · 10-30-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefMojo

Eff looking weak!!! That is what Larry wants us to do! We cut him before the end of the season, he wins. He gets out of KC and gets to play for someone else this year. We can't let him off that easily. Let his arse rot in HELLLL!!!!

Couldn't agree more. Deactivate him and let him stew until his head pops off.

Chiefnj2 · 10-30-2009, 04:28 PM

If they want to make the decision easier then punish him for the comments in the lockerroom and not what he said on twitter.

I don't quite grasp the 1st amendment concerns since players don't have full 1st amendment rights (without getting fined) anyway. If a player or coach comes out and criticizes officiating they get fined. Have the same rules that apply to post game comments apply to twitter.

InChiefsHeaven · 10-30-2009, 04:28 PM

Wow. Precedent setting. The Chiefs once again have a HUGE impact on the league...

InChiefsHeaven · 10-30-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

If they want to make the decision easier then punish him for the comments in the lockerroom and not what he said on twitter.

I don't quite grasp the 1st amendment concerns since players don't have full 1st amendment rights (without getting fined) anyway. If a player or coach comes out and criticizes officiating they get fined. Have the same rules that apply to post game comments apply to twitter.

Exactly! WTF difference is there between being an asshole on TV or the Radio and being an asshole on Twitter? Either way...he's still an ASSHOLE!

Micjones · 10-30-2009, 04:40 PM

I personally don't like the idea of him going to a contending team, but at this point it's not worth the distraction. Walk his ass and let's move on. This team needs to be worried about how to maneuver out of this tailspin not pending litigation over a player who will never play another down for this organization.

Psyko Tek · 10-30-2009, 05:05 PM

what contending team would take him?

I have no idea who needs 2.7 ypc

HMc · 10-30-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psyko Tek

what NFL team would take him?

I have no idea who needs 2.7 ypc

fyp

jidar · 10-30-2009, 05:25 PM

As much as I don't want LJ here I think he could be an okay back for a team with a decent to good O-Line who is in need of a RB upgrade to finish their ground game.
He's not worth a crap behind a bad O-Line though, I'd rather have a quick shifty guy who has a chance to get around the end or make some guys miss.

DumbHillbillies · 10-30-2009, 05:34 PM

fuck LJ. I say do whatever it takes to take as much money out of pocket as possible. Pioli should make an example out of his ass. I can't believe carl gave him the contract and traded away JA. fuck u carl, another instance where it is clear that he should have been go long before. I hope you have slow painful death, carl.

10-30-2009, 03:44 PM
LaChapelle Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	LJ quagmire, not such an easy out League, union handling Johnson talks Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on October 30, 2009 12:59 PM ET We wrote earlier Friday about the settlement talks currently underway regarding Larry Johnson's future with the Chiefs. The assumption was that the talks were happening between the Chiefs and Johnson's agent, but PFT's Mike Florio has learned that the discussion has reached higher levels of the sport. The NFL and the NFLPA have been discussing how to handle the issue because this is a potential precedent-setting case. A player hasn't been suspended for comments on Twitter before, and we're reporting that both sides fear the possibility of a bad outcome. For example, the league could lose the hearing outright. There are potential first amendment questions that could be raised. Essentially, how far can a team go in restricting what a player says in the current collective bargaining agreement? From the union's perspective, Larry Johnson's long history as a turd could influence the outcome. Johnson has been suspended by the league before, so he could be viewed as a repeat offender. The union risks losing a precedent-setting case because the player whose rights they are trying to advance is a royal pain. The quandary brings to mind Terrell Owens' case against the Eagles in 2005. There was a belief at the time that Owens had a strong case when the NFLPA fought for him, but ultimately Owens' history of misbehavior cost him. And future players. Another repercussion is that a binding decision on how Twitter is handled at the league level could be a bargaining chip in the next round of CBA negotiations. Neither side wants to get a bad ruling, then potentially have to fix it when the CBA comes up. The thinking is that the union and the league would rather control their fate now. Johnson's appeal is expected to be filed Friday, and a hearing was expected Tuesday. It sounds like the league and union will be working hard in the meantime to come up with a solution that could have far-reaching effects for NFL players and teams.
Posts: 8,588

10-30-2009, 03:49 PM	#3
LaChapelle Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	"Pioli looks weak not just cutting him"
Posts: 8,588

10-30-2009, 03:54 PM	#4
ChiefMojo Happy, Happy, Happy!!! Join Date: Jan 2009 Casino cash: $10004935	Eff looking weak!!! That is what Larry wants us to do! We cut him before the end of the season, he wins. He gets out of KC and gets to play for someone else this year. We can't let him off that easily. Let his arse rot in HELLLL!!!!
Posts: 2,283

10-30-2009, 04:28 PM	#8
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $7873688	If they want to make the decision easier then punish him for the comments in the lockerroom and not what he said on twitter. I don't quite grasp the 1st amendment concerns since players don't have full 1st amendment rights (without getting fined) anyway. If a player or coach comes out and criticizes officiating they get fined. Have the same rules that apply to post game comments apply to twitter. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,393

10-30-2009, 04:28 PM	#9
InChiefsHeaven Rockin' yer FACE OFF! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Casino cash: $3854937	Wow. Precedent setting. The Chiefs once again have a HUGE impact on the league... __________________ We have a million reasons for failure, but not one excuse... Die Donks, DIE!! Holy Crap fellas!!! We did it!!! THREE TIMES!!!
Posts: 25,735

10-30-2009, 04:40 PM	#11
Micjones Whose house? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $10005180	I personally don't like the idea of him going to a contending team, but at this point it's not worth the distraction. Walk his ass and let's move on. This team needs to be worried about how to maneuver out of this tailspin not pending litigation over a player who will never play another down for this organization. __________________ It's like when I'm right I'm right, when I'm wrong I could been right, so I'm still right cause I coulda been wrong.
Posts: 15,344

10-30-2009, 05:05 PM	#12
Psyko Tek special teams Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mesa AZ Casino cash: $10015665	what contending team would take him? I have no idea who needs 2.7 ypc __________________ Psyko Tek The keyboard has been drinking,
Posts: 12,018

10-30-2009, 05:25 PM	#14
jidar MVP Join Date: May 2005 Location: a Casino cash: $10004900	As much as I don't want LJ here I think he could be an okay back for a team with a decent to good O-Line who is in need of a RB upgrade to finish their ground game. He's not worth a crap behind a bad O-Line though, I'd rather have a quick shifty guy who has a chance to get around the end or make some guys miss.
Posts: 5,502

10-30-2009, 05:34 PM	#15
DumbHillbillies He-Haw ! He-Haw ! Join Date: Jul 2008 Casino cash: $10004925	fuck LJ. I say do whatever it takes to take as much money out of pocket as possible. Pioli should make an example out of his ass. I can't believe carl gave him the contract and traded away JA. fuck u carl, another instance where it is clear that he should have been go long before. I hope you have slow painful death, carl.
Posts: 1,038