Video: Chad Johnson Rips David Tepper, Panthers for 'Bulls--t' Bryce Young Benching

Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson didn't mince words regarding his thoughts on the Carolina Panthers' benching of 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young.

On his Nightcap show with Shannon Sharpe, Johnson called it "bulls--t" and said "you don't do nobody like that." The six-time Pro Bowler had strong opinions on Panthers owner David Tepper.

"He's the higher-up and that's the problem because now you're pointing the fingers at Bryce Young like Bryce Young is the issue," Johnson said. "That's not the issue. Look at the quarterbacks before Bryce Young got there. I thought they were the problem."

Young threw for 245 yards and three interceptions in Carolina's first two games, and he had a rookie campaign that left a lot to be desired. Nobody will argue the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner is performing up to expectations.

Still, fans were left stunned to see the Panthers demote a player they bet their future on just one year ago.

Only days after telling reporters that "Bryce is our quarterback," head coach Dave Canales did an about-face and said backup Andy Dalton "gives us our best chance going forward."

It's possible that Canales, who won't feel all that wedded to Young since he wasn't responsible for drafting him, is simply out on the second-year signal-caller. There's the perception, however, that Tepper is once again meddling in the team's affairs.

Even assuming Tepper was merely a bystander during these deliberations or out of the loop entirely, he did reportedly influence the original decision to take Young in the draft. The Panthers' on-field futility coupled with their revolving door at quarterback and head coach raise serious concerns about whether they can stick to any long-term vision.

Johnson's comments aren't any different from those of many Panthers partisans and even neutral observers as Carolina continues to spiral organizationally.