Chad Johnson refuses to report to any mandatory team functions, demands trade

[StL FinFan]

I don't want Chad Johnson, no way, no how. 

[bsfins]

^^I thought that's what I was saying.... but I guess it didn't come out that way....

[Defense54]

The only pick I'd consider is a swap with the Bengals.  They get our #1 and we get their #9

Thats what I'm talking about. And we save Millions under the cap not paying #1 overall Money......   Look how good we did last year at #9! 

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Thats what I'm talking about. And we save Millions under the cap not paying #1 overall Money......   Look how good we did last year at #9! 

We didn't have the Tuna drafting for us last year.

[Defense54]

We didn't have the Tuna drafting for us last year.

Understatement of the week............

[fyo]

The Bengals have turned down an offer from the Redskins for Chad Johnson. Their 1st round pick this year (21st overall) and a conditional pick next year - 3rd round minimum, up to 1st round depending on performance.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3358557

[simeon]

You got love Marvin Lewis reply to Chad Johnson today, this post is from nfl.com



CINCINNATI -- The Bengals are calling Chad Johnson's bluff.

Tired of the receiver's posturing for a trade, coach Marvin Lewis said Tuesday that Johnson should keep his word and sit out the season -- the strongest comment yet from an organization that is reluctant to let him go.

 Chad Johnson, WR
Cincinnati Bengals

2007 Statistics:
REC: 93
YDS: 1,440
AVG: 15.5
TDS: 8

Lewis also said that linebacker David Pollack is leaning toward retirement. The former first-round draft pick broke a bone in his neck while making a tackle during the 2006 season and went through months of difficult healing and rehabilitation.

Pollack's decision isn't a surprise. He has said all along that he doubted he would return if there was a chance he could injure his neck again.

Lewis was pointed in his comments about Johnson. The Pro Bowl receiver has been disgruntled since the middle of last season, when his look-at-me antics came under criticism.

He became the epitome of Cincinnati's 7-9 season when he sniped at quarterback Carson Palmer during a loss to New England. Johnson ran the wrong route on a pass play, resulting in a game-turning interception. He initially blamed Palmer for the problem.

Since the end of last season, Johnson has been lobbying for a trade even though he agreed to a long-term deal with the Bengals two years ago. Johnson's contract would pay him $3 million next season and extends through 2010, with a club option for 2011.

Although Johnson stopped talking to reporters in Cincinnati, he has done numerous national interviews during which he threatened to sit out the season if he's not traded. Lewis responded Tuesday by saying he should follow through with his threat.

"I've stated our case with Chad," Lewis said. "He has a contract through 2011. He's stated without an opportunity to go to a different team and a new contract, he wasn't going to play. I think he's a man of his word and says he's not going to play, so don't play."

Lewis said the Bengals haven't received a trade offer for Johnson. The club has been consistent in saying it won't trade him.

Lewis said an ESPN report that Washington had offered draft picks for Johnson was "a little errant."

Other teams have traded away stars when they started becoming divisive. Bengals owner Mike Brown has a history of refusing to give in to player demands. When running back Corey Dillon tried to force the team to trade him in 2003, the Bengals waited until after the season to send him to New England.

In that case, it was more about getting rid of a player they no longer needed -- Rudi Johnson had emerged as the starter -- than it was about satisfying Dillon.

The Bengals need Johnson in the short-term. No. 3 receiver Chris Henry was released after yet another arrest earlier this month, leaving the Bengals with little depth at the position. They might take a receiver high in the draft this weekend.

Johnson didn't return a phone message Tuesday. Last week, when Palmer told reporters that Johnson had assured him he would show up for mandatory team activities, the receiver took issue with him.

On Tuesday, Palmer declined to discuss it further.

"I take it with a grain of salt," said Palmer, who is working out with the team in Cincinnati. "I've moved on and I'm over it. I'm not really going to comment on it much more."

 

[Pats2006]

I would like to see him next to Moss?  May be  get him like we got Moss!!

[bsmooth]

I hope the Bengals stick to their guns and make him play or sit on his own accord. There is no way he sits out an entire season without the ability to show off on tv.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

The Bengals turned down TWO potential first rounders for Ocho Cinco?   Wow. 

[Guru-In-Vegas]

^ Now thats just plain silly!  Why the hell would you turn that down?  The Bungles are looking to be shit on like the Lions for what happened to Barry....

[Sunstroke]

According to Marvin, the report about the Skins' trade offer wasn't accurate.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

BUMP

He showed up at minicamp, but practiced only when he wanted to.  Funny thing is, Plaxico Burress did the same thing because he wants more money from the Giants.  Both are clients of Drew Rosenhaus.

http://www.miamiherald.com/858/story/567773.html