No Ruling Yet in Larry Johnson's Grievance Hearing with the Chiefs

by Chris Thorman on Apr 2, 2009 7:46 AM CDT in 2009 Offseason Comment 21 comments

We've been waiting just over a week for yesterday's salary grievance hearing between Larry Johnson and the Kansas City Chiefs. Yesterday's hearing came and went quietly. Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star has the scoop:

The case between the Chiefs and running back Larry Johnson was heard Wednesday by a special master, but he made no ruling. Neither side was certain when a ruling would be given.

At issue is $3.75 million of guaranteed money Johnson is due from the Chiefs in the contract extension he signed in August 2007. The contract calls for $3.5 million of Johnson’s 2009 salary and $250,000 of his 2010 salary to be guaranteed regardless of whether he plays for them or not.

Teicher goes on to say for a second time what his sources are telling him about Larry's future in KC:

A source familiar with the situation has said the Chiefs would probably release Johnson if they prevail, suggesting the team wouldn’t be going through the trouble if it didn’t intend to free him from his contract.

Again, we wait to hear what Larry Johnson's fate is.

*You're probably wondering what a special master is too. It's a "a representative of the court appointed to hear a case involving difficult or specialized issues."

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So much for a clean slate ;)

But in all seriousness, I think they’re going to tell him this is what happens when you screw up. You can get over it, straighten up, run hard, and finish what you started, or we’re going to dump you where you stand.

My crystal ball says Jay Cutler cries himself to sleep every night.

by IISaiNtII on Apr 2, 2009 7:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm guessing the Chiefs haven't found any trade suitors

or else Teicher’s source wouldn’t be telling him that the Chiefs will likely release LJ.

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Apr 2, 2009 7:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Or they’re clearing the guaranteed money so they can trade him.

by Joel Thorman on Apr 2, 2009 7:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Double Agree

they haven’t found trade suitors and because of that they are clearing the guaranteed money so they can cut him.

Beat the Donkeys!!

by schraggyj on Apr 2, 2009 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We can't even trade him for some Krispy Kremes and some click clacks?

"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Apr 2, 2009 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But haven't looked at RBs in the draft

….that we know of anyway. No reports of players Chiefs have talked to, gone to Pro Days or had private workouts for. Or we just don’t know about it. Of course that could all change here in a week or so.

I think the Chiefs brass are open to keeping him and giving him a clean slate, if he accepts that. I think its in LJ’s court. His decision. LJ your actions will show us if you want to be here and play. Do your job and we will use you, run you and build our power running game around you. If you want that, you’ve got it. Do your job and produce. Stay out of trouble. Be all about football. Isn’t that what you really want?

by JBChiefs on Apr 2, 2009 8:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Actually rumored that Chiefs were at Iowa Pro Day

Could Chiefs be looking at Shonn Greene if LJ is cut or traded? Makes sense. Greene would seem perfect for the Chiefs featured RB if no LJ.

by JBChiefs on Apr 2, 2009 8:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Special Master

Where can I sign up to be a special master?

by timmer on Apr 2, 2009 8:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The full title is actually

Special Master Debater, in order to be a Master Debater you have to be able to see and respond to both sides of the argument, and find a conclusion that is both fitting, and justified. Also, you have to look really kick ass in a black robe.

My crystal ball says Jay Cutler cries himself to sleep every night.

by IISaiNtII on Apr 2, 2009 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is a Special Master Debater

different than a Special Master Bater? Just curious if the qualifications were the same or whether they were two different things.

by ksjhwk on Apr 2, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huge difference

This is the prime example of a Special Master Bater:

This is a Special Master Debater:

My crystal ball says Jay Cutler cries himself to sleep every night.

by IISaiNtII on Apr 2, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you

For the wonderful and visual example of the difference between a Special Master Bater and a Special Master Debater. Every thing is perfectly clear now!!!

by ksjhwk on Apr 2, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You mention Shonn Greene, take a look at his highlight reel, very impresive and would fill in very nicely in LJ’s departure, but where do we draft him, No. 1(nah) or No. 3(won’t be around), unless we trade down & possibly pick up a 2nd, even then I’m not sure this guy will be there!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Dwt2eCUuQ&feature=related

by T MO 5 on Apr 2, 2009 9:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Several mocks have Greene dropping into the 3rd round

by Helmets on Apr 2, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Greene would be great in Rd 3!

by stagdsp on Apr 2, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

At issue is $3.75 million of guaranteed money Johnson is due from the Chiefs in the contract extension he signed in August 2007.

regardless of whether he plays for them or not.

Well it pretty much says it all. If it’s guaranteed per the contract he’s going to get the money.

Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."

"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.

by THE_TRUTH on Apr 2, 2009 9:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

But if there's a conduct clause

the wording in that clause will be very dependent on if they’ll have to pay him the money or not.

My crystal ball says Jay Cutler cries himself to sleep every night.

by IISaiNtII on Apr 2, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and that's just it

it’s about the wording. The “regardless if he plays for them or not” could be the mitigating factor and trump the clause of conduct if the clause isn’t solid.

Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."

"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.

by THE_TRUTH on Apr 2, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs