LJ Released!

Troubled and troublesome former Nittany Lion and two-time Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson, Jr. is no longer a member of the Kansas City Chiefs as of today, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN. This is his first day back from a two-week suspension.

In a tersely worded statement Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs announced that embattled running back Larry Johnson has been released.

Johnson on Sunday served a one-game suspension for making gay slurs. He was fewer than 80 yards from setting the franchise record for career rushing yards.

Thus ends a saga that should have never taken such a wrong turn. LJ will claim that he has been continually misunderstood, but it is he who misunderstands his place in this world. Whether he can pick up the pieces of his life and move on with a clean slate is doubtful. In the past, he was always a backslider when promising to shape up.

The Kansas City fans’ rebellion probably didn’t play a part in Johnson’s denouement, but if that gives them comfort, so be it. Recall that they had initiated a petition to the management of the Chiefs pleading with them to not let LJ break Priest Holmes’ rushing record because his behavior did not positively reflect on the Chiefs.

Now, this Turkey has to wonder who might want to buy into this train wreck of a running back. Miami is a place for recycling screwed up running backs, but they already have Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. What do you think will happen to Larry now?

Read the updated ESPN story here and see the Kansas City Star’s take on it here.