Kansas City News Blog

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Larry Johnson

​The Kansas City Chiefs are primed to release troubled running back Larry Johnson, according to a report on RealGM Football.

RealGM cites "a team source that spoke to RealGM's Jeff Risdon on Tuesday afternoon."

That same day, the Chiefs and the NFL sent LJ home, telling him to stay away from practice and team activities. This came in response to a pair of homophobic slurs uttered by Johnson to fans and reporters.

RealGM says of the ban on "King Pink":

This is a precursory move before the team formally releases Johnson before the end of the week, according to the source.

Part of the delay in releasing him involves going through the NFL's disciplinary investigation, but the source was adamant that Larry Johnson has played his last game in Kansas City.

After Sunday's loss to the San Diego Chargers, Johnson tweeted criticism of Chiefs coach Todd Haley and argued with fans, telling one guy that he had a "fag pic."

The Kansas City Star reported Monday that Johnson told reporters (in a whisper): "Get your faggot ass out of here."

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation called on the NFL to discipline the former Pro Bowler.

Johnson apologized Tuesday.

"I regret my actions. The words were used by me in frustration, and they were not appropriate," Johnson said. "I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said.

"I also want to apologize to all the kids who view athletes as role models. I was not a good role model yesterday and hopefully I can become a better role model."

Also Tuesday, the Chiefs released a statement saying Johnson's status with the team will be made at the conclusion of an investigation.

Here's the full statement:

The Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League are continuing to investigate the alleged comments made by Larry Johnson. Until that review is complete, the Chiefs have instructed Larry to refrain from practicing with the Chiefs or participating in other team activities. A decision regarding Larry's status will be made once the investigation has concluded.

The Kansas City Star reported last night that LJ had returned to Twitter, making a few humble tweets and telling one supporter, "Thanks. Sorry for the embarassement."