If it isn't Mr. Ocho Cinco himself, the talk of Cincinnati, Chad Johnson.
Mr. "I'll catch 100 balls and not score touchdowns and complain about being criticized and demand a trade without saying it" Johnson.
Isn't it sad that this guy's ego is so overblown that he can't accept any part of the blame for the Cincinnati Bengals finishing 7-9, and missing the playoffs again?
Instead of accepting partial responsibility for his team's under-achievements, he commences finger pointing and whining—a misbehaved boy who can't have his way.
What makes it worse is that he is afraid to say what he really feels in the media. If you're going to create a circus, at least be man enough to speak up.
When asked by SportsCenter anchor Brian Kenny if he would "be willing to sit out next season if [he's] still in Cincinnati," Johnson did the right thing. He gave an ambiguous answer that isn't worth repeating.
How can you claim to be so outspoken and egotistical, yet not be man enough to make your point when asked?
If anyone watched his latest ESPN interview, it was an entire waste of time—sort of like UCLA stepping on the court this weekend against Memphis.
Nobody had a chance of understanding his points. When Brian Kenny decided to conclude the redundant interview, Johnson continued to lobby for media time by asking him, "That's it?"
Yes, Chad. That's it.
We're tired of your college-like behavior, and your team's mishaps and failures to reach potential.
While Carson Palmer, the best player on the team, keeps quiet and awaits next season, Johnson is in the media badmouthing the very organization that has coddled him. We're sick of it all.
Johnson had 93 receptions for 1440 yards, which was good for third best overall in the NFL. But he also only had eight touchdowns out of those 93 receptions.
To make matters worse, Johnson continued to keep the spotlight on himself. He was talking too much and acting like Matt Leinart did with his "hot tub" incident.
To be successful, players have to portray a more-than-perfect picture of talent. They must be determined adults who will stop at nothing to win.
We don't hear the likes of Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, or Tom Brady complaining in the media and lobbying for themselves.
Chad, grow up. Be a leader, and most importantly shut up!
Until then, Johnson will be considered just an overgrown baby who never even reached a conference final, let alone a Super Bowl.
Talent alone does not breed success. Consistency, persistence, and leadership do.
comments (6) write a comment »
write a new comment
6 months ago
Sam, lovely to see another article. Didn't see you in class on Friday. Well you know those comments you made about Georgetown that I got mad about?! Yea, I'm more mad right now ... lol. That makes a good writer though. Honestly, I'm highly impressed.
I still love Chad Johnson with everything I got. I will always defend him no matter what's going down. I will DEF. see you in class tomorrow to talk smack lol. Oh yea, bring me your mixtape tomorrow. I'm very interested.
6 months ago
I saw the interview too and was planning on writing about it but you beat me to the punch. It had to have been 5 of the most awkward moments ever shown on television. Chad's nebulous, rambling answers, Brian Kenney's awkward pauses. Why ESPN chose to run the interview in it's entirety I'll never understand.
6 months ago
The media is soooo two faced it's a shame. I don't blame Chad for wanting to go to another team. The Bengals criticized Johnson for being the same player he always been. The only thing is when the team was winning it wasn't a issue. He was considered entertaining. The fans loved it and the he was a media darling. They would often ask him what did he have plan for his next TD celebration. They couldn't wait to see what he was going to pull out of his bag of tricks next. Everyone eagerly anticipated to see what Chad was going to do next. However, once the team starts losing, he's a distraction??? Why wasn't he labeled a distraction when the Bengals were winning??? It just proves that the saying is true. "People will build you up, just to bring you down." I hope he gets his wish and is traded. DId his TD celebrations injure other players? Did his TD celebrations keep his O-line from blocking? Did the attention he draws to himself stop him from catching balls??? Even the person who wrote this article should really quit whining. You sound pathetic! If Chad is causing so many problems why aren't you lobbying for him to be traded??? Could it be because he is a hell of a receiver?? One of the best in the league? Lol! Bottom line....if the Bengals were still a dominant team no one would be calling him a distraction. Chad come to OAKLAND!!!! As long as you play ball we don't care how you celebrate.
6 months ago
I personally think the guy is a nut. I was listening to an interview with him on ESPN. There is seriously something wrong with that guy upstairs. The guy on ESPN told him that the interview was done, the Chad says, "That's it". The ESPN guy says, "What else do you want to say". Chad then said something unintelligible for a brief moment. The ESPN again says, "Alright that's it, thank for your time". Chad then says something stupid for a brief moment" Then the ESPN guy again says, "Alright Chad, thanks for you time. Chad does the same thing. The guy is desperate for attention. He's a freak.
6 months ago
Chad Johnson had a phenominal year during an absolutely terrible year for the Bengals, and specifically, a terrible INT year for Palmer.
You mention that "he only had 8 TD's"... but that's not Johnson's fault.
Lewis or the OC has 85 running clear out routes for Housh (12 TDs) quite a bit this year.
That being said, the Bengals offense scored 26 passing TDs... bringing in a little under 1/3 of the teams offensive production isn't too bad for any WR.
You mentioned that he was 3rd in overall yardage, but missed a more important stat.
He also tied for the league lead in passing 1st downs. (Tied with Randy Moss)
Anyone who watched the Bengals this year knows that they struggled just about every down...
... so lets give the guy a little bit of a break.
He more than did his part.
... and I'm sure its frustrating to be on a losing team when you're giving it your all.
Ps.
Larry Fitzgerald is a poor example of a self-less player. He refused to re-structure this year, preventing the Cardinals from having any available cap room to make FA moves.
In fact, the selfishness of the act was well noted on football commentary websites.
from 6 months ago
Thanks for commenting Rod...you make some good points, but I believe that some of the key points of the article were missed...I never said that Chad wasn't a superstar with great talent because he is...It was a terrible INT year for Palmer because the running game wasn't as threatening as in years past and they became a little one dimensional...I didn't fault him for only having 8 tds, I used it as leverage for hammering my point that he is talking too much right now...It's not that he didn't do his part or isn't talented or none of that...it's that the guy is all over the media talking bad about the organization and quasi-demanding trades when nobody understands what he's getting at...
Same response for Brian who commented above...Thanks for the comment but this isn't about Chad's TD celebrations...I just want the guy to be a man and say, "I want to be traded" or explain what his issue is...He's talking about going to the Jets like that's any better...Clemens and Pennington don't combine to be better than Palmer...he just needs to be quiet and get ready for next season unless he is going to air ALL of his feelings out instead of beating around the rumor bush...
write a new comment