Chiefs release tainted, fading rushing star Larry Johnson has 1 comments

Nov 9th 2009, 17:05 | FFN-Score: 2 points

KANSAS CITY -- The Kansas City Chiefs released fading backfield star and trouble magnet Larry Johnson on Monday.

Johnson has put together 30 100-yard rushing games and 5,996 yards and 55 touchdowns on the ground with Kansas City since being their No. 1 draft pick in 2003 out of Penn State. But Johnson has also been involved in off-field trouble and was suspended from Sunday's game, a 24-21 loss in Jacksonville.

Johnson apparently caused the Chiefs to run out of patience after his latest brush with controversy. He questioned coach Todd Haley's credentials, insulted fans and used a gay slur on his twitter account two weeks ago. He then repeated the slur to reporters the next day.

Johnson needed 75 yards to breaking the team's career rushing mark.

Johnson, who turns 30 on Nov. 19, rushed for a franchise record 1,789 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2006. His productions has plunged since then with injuries and Kansas City involved in long-term rebuilding mode. Johnson had only 358 yards rushing (2.7 average) in seven games this season.