Chad Johnson Wants Out of Cincinnati

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Chad Johnson is a piece of work. You’ve most certainly heard that he is refusing to play for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008 even though he’s under contract to do so through 2011. (He already missed the team’s first offseason “optional” OTA.) I haven’t written anything about Chad’s displeasure yet, but in a nutshell, he feels underappreciated or betrayed or something and he wants a fresh start somewhere else. Apparently, when the going gets tough (as last season most certainly was for Cincinnati), Chad wants to get going — out of town.

Chad’s one of the best wide receivers in the National Football League — no doubt — but he’s turned into a high-maintenance prima donna. I’ve always liked Chad. He’s a likeable guy. And his celebratory antics have been harmless and entertaining. But his recent crybaby attitude is too much. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis says the team isn’t going to trade him and that if Chad wants to play in the NFL, he’ll have to do it in Cincinnati. Both sides appear determined to stay their course, so we’re at a standoff.

I would encourage the Bengals to trade Chad. At least listen to some offers because they’re out there. If he doesn’t want to be in Cincinnati, he’s good enough that the Bengals could get a boatload for him. Since he’s still under contract, heavy fines will eventually start to take their toll on Chad’s pocket book once training camp begins, so he’ll probably be forced to return or lose a ton of cash. But his heart won’t be in his work and he’ll be a cancer in the locker room. I say get rid of the guy while the getting’s good and assemble a team that wants to play and win in Cincinnati. Both sides will be better off.

Anyway, Chad’s obviously having trouble filling the hours, so he’s warmed to a new career. Acting. Or attempting to act. He’s done some “webisodes” for Degree deodorant (one of his endorsement deals) and most recently is guest-starring in the idiotic CW show “The Game.” Not to knock what he’s trying to do (you gotta start somewhere), but he’s under contract to play football and that’s what he should be doing. His teammates (that care) are working back in Cincinnati. Meanwhile, Chad is in Hollywood and seems to think he’s the next Denzel Washington. Watch this video. Confident is good. Arrogant is bad. And Chad is no longer confident and fun. He’s just arrogant and annoying.