penalties

Should Larry Johnson’s ‘Faggot’ Tweet Cost Him $600k?

ljchiefs

What’s two “faggots” gonna cost Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson? Oh, just a one game suspension — and $600,000. No wonder he wants to appeal the decision.

That’s the result of the Chiefs’ “investigation” into Johnson’s Twitter and in-person usage of the word. But six hundred large? Says his agent Peter Schaffer: “We will be filing an appeal on behalf of Larry tomorrow. While we respect the Chiefs’ ability to try to discipline a player, we disagree and respectfully disagree that the punishment they propose is warranted by the facts or allowable by the collective bargaining agreement. Hopefully, we will be able to work out a mutual and positive resolution with the Chiefs short of a hearing. If we don’t, then this will go to an arbitrator.”

Though, keep in mind: Johnson’s contract is worth at least $19 million, and up to $45 million over five years. And while even we think what amounts to a $600k penalty is a lot, professional athletes don’t walk into the league blind: they know what’s acceptable conduct and what’s not. And mouthing off to fans, and reporters, doesn’t get overlooked. Well, at least not anymore.

(NB: Even Johnson’s father can’t believe what his son did.)

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