Years ago, Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was one of the premier players at his position. The guy could bulldoze through just about anyone. Then came injuries, aging, and a slew of off the field issues that have hampered his once Pro Bowl portfolio.

Let's take a look:

2005: 1,750 rushing yds, 20 TDs

2006: 1,789 rushing yds, 17 TDs

His production has sharply dropped since then:

2007: 559 rushing yds, 3 TDs (played only eight games)

2008: 874 rushing yds, 5 TDs (12 games played)

As you can see, his production has declined due to injuries and a horrendous offensive line. It also doesn't help Johnson's cause that he's shown to be Pacman Jones-esque off the field. Bring in the bullet points!

  • Arrested four times since 2003 on various assault charges against women
  • Arrested for assault when a woman accused Johnson of pushing her to the ground in 2005 (case dropped after woman didn't show up to court)
  • Arrested for assault in 2008 for allegedly pushing over a woman by the head at a nightclub
  • Arrested AGAIN in 2008 for non-aggravated assault via spitting a drink in a woman's face
  • Oct. 19, 2008, deactivated in a game against the Tennessee Titans for violating a team rule
  • Pleaded guilty to the two 2008 arrests in March and was sentenced to two years probation

So what have we learned here, besides keeping away from LJ at the club? Well, seeing as how he's plead guilty to pushing a woman's head and spitting in another's face, I don't think the guy is someone a father would introduce their daughter to.

Now, you might wonder why I've certified Johnson as an idiot when this has been public knowledge for quite some time. I'll tell you why. I logged on Twitter and ProFootballTalk.com and read something that put my dislike for Johnson's idiocy over the top.

Yes, rookie head coach Todd Haley is currently 1-6 with the Chiefs. Yes, he is a bit inexperienced. Keep in mind, Mr. Haley also has no offensive line, a quarterback that still needs to prove himself in terms of consistency, no big time receivers, and oh yeah—the ghost of Larry Johnson's career.

It's being reported that Johnson called out Coach Haley on his Twitter page. Keep in mind his page is not verified (yet), but I wouldn't be surprised by the comments knowing LJ's history (and the fact a number of outlets are reporting it is indeed his).

Here are some of the highlights of this ridiculous tirade (including terrible spelling):

"My father got more creditentials than most of these pro coaches," Johnson started innocently enough.  His dad is the defensive line coach at Penn State. Johnson's first tweet ended with "Google my father!!!!!!!"

"My father 3 or 4 state champs in Maryland. 3 or 4 1st rd picks Penn State. . Not including son!!!"

And my personal favorite:

"My father played for the coach from "rememeber the titans". Our coach played golf. My father played for redskins briefley. Our coach. Nuthn"

Okay. Let's start with obvious. One, you don't publicly call out your coach. That's one thing. Second of all, Larry Johnson hasn't been relevant in years. This season he's averaging under three yards per carry. Not great at all. 

If Larry Johnson was putting up Adrian Peterson-like numbers or close, I might not have as much of a problem with him saying something to the media at a press conference, since emotions run high after a bad loss. But The arrest-attracting, head-scratching, irrelevant ghost of Larry Johnson's career?

As John Stossel would say, "Give me a break!"

And the fact Johnson allegedly did this in such a fashion that buries the head coach on TWITTER makes this that much worse (and immature).

Oh, nothing says fan-friendly and professional responses like this:

  1. Make me regret it. Lmao. U don't stop my checks. Lmao. So "tweet" away.about 3 hours ago from UberTwitter
  2. @KD2407 then don't reply then. Still richer then u. Keep goin. Come play our game ooops forgot u can't.about 3 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to KD2407
  3. @DrewK30 got nuthn to do wit hiring my father. But u wouldn't know cuz u don't play either so keep on the sideline lil gril n cheer.about 3 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to DrewK30
  4. @DrewK30 sorry to tell u ur the reason y ur broke n dissn on twitter lmao.about 4 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to DrewK30
  5. @jaredlaunius think bout a clever diss then that wit ur [expleteive] pic. Christopher street boy. Is what us east coast cats call u.about 4 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to jaredlaunius
  6. @jaredlaunius. Sorry ur a cornball n ur mom birthed u broke. But I'm cakn patna. While u work or school for 5 dollas n hour. Ha!about 4 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to jaredlaunius

As far as Todd Haley's qualifications go, being the offensive coordinator of last year's NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals (famous for their high-powered offense) certainly qualifies him to be a head coach in the NFL. At this stage of Johnson's career, he doesn't qualify to be a starting running back or even have a roster spot on any team.

I know what Johnson does qualify for—a few tests. Perhaps a background check, drug test, sensitivity test, mental evaluation, etc.

Like I said before, maybe that really isn't the running back's Twitter page, despite numerous and credible news outlets reporting it. Either way, the fact that I wouldn't be surprised if it was his page and comments proves my point about his public perception.

Sorry, man. I wish I could give you the benefit of the doubt. Too bad your past tells me otherwise. Larry Johnson—You're an IDIOT.

 

 

Fred "The F-Bomb" Richani is an actor and columnist for BleacherReport.com and 411Mania.com. He has been featured on GOOGLE News, USA Today, and Sportsline.com and has interviewed Platinum selling bands Blue October and OneRepublic. Fred currently resides in Freehold, NJ with his family and cat Bella.