Chiefs cut out the cancer that was Larry Johnson

After two weeks of waiting and wondering, most Chiefs fans got their wish as the club released running back Larry Johnson.  

The seven year veteran, who’d been under suspension for the past two weeks thanks to his derogatory comments on Twitter about his coach and gays, was cut loose and now can be claimed off waivers.  With the money remaining on his contract that’s unlikely, but if he’s not claimed he’ll be free to sign with anyone.  

The release of Johnson means he won’t get a chance to become the all time leading rusher in a Chiefs uniform, ending 75 yards short of Priest Holmes mark.  That wasn’t lost on fans who started a petition last week asking for his release so he wouldn’t break the record.

When he met with the media, coach Todd Haley said the Chiefs had decided it was time to move on.

“It wasn’t any one thing,” said Haley.  “It was the totality of the situation.  At this time we felt that it was what was best for the Kansas City Chiefs as we move forward.” 

Veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel said the move wasn’t a surprise to him.  “Apparently he wasn’t fitting into the plans for the Chiefs.  That’s been the message since Scott (Pioli) and Todd have been here.  They want guys who are going to fit into what they want to do and their plans.”

The Chiefs will be moving to running back by committee with Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith taking the brunt of the load, but Haley as offensive coordinator needs to give them the ball more than the 10 times they got it against Jacksonville.  You don’t establish a running game when you don’t even attempt to run.  Today he admitted he should have called more runs against the Jags and it’s his job to find a way to win no matter what.

“There’s a way to win these games and we haven’t done it,” said Haley. “So as far as I’m concerned I’m not doing my job.”

Next up is Oakland.  Don’t put it past Al Davis that LJ will be wearing silver and black next Sunday.