NFL: Chad Johnson Can Wear 'Ochocinco' on Jersey Next Season

First the huge news that HBO's "Hard Knocks" will be documenting the travails of the Cincinnati Bengals this summer, and now this: Chad Javon Ocho Cinco will be allowed to wear his NFL Network-given name on the back of his jersey. Finally.

Last September, Chad Johnson, who sports No. 85 for his day job, legally changed his name to "Ochocinco." Never mind that "Ocho Cinco" translated from Spanish means "Eight Five," or that Johnson wrote it as one word -- "Ochocinco" -- which translates to, well, "Ochocinco." What's important is that, according to the final judgment awarding him the name change, Johnson had no "ulterior purpose" for going with "Ochocinco."

Of course he didn't.

The NFL was unconvinced. After initially giving Mr. Ochocinco permission to wear his new name on the back of his jersey, they promptly reversed course, explaining that, "... the league informed the Bengals today that certain issues remain to be resolved before Ocho Cinco will be permitted to wear his new surname on his jersey. He will wear the name Johnson on his jersey today and will be referred to as Chad Johnson on the official play-by-play sheet. Further questions should be directed to the league office."

As MDS pointed out at the time, the league was worried that allowing Johnson to change his name willy-nilly would set a bad precedent. Because Chris YouWalkBailBonds.com, WR, makes too much sense for Chris Henry not to do it after his next cuffing and stuffing.

But now it seems Henry may have that chance if (when) the opportunity presents itself. According to the Associated Press, the NFL will now allow Johnson to wear his legally changed name on the back of his jersey.

...There's one catch for the receiver: It's not exactly how he wanted it. Instead of Ocho Cinco, he'll be "Ochocinco" because that's how he wrote it when he submitted his name-change form last August in Florida.

"It's his legal name," AFC information manager Corry Rush said Thursday.

it'll be just like the XFL ... but lamer! Sounds about right.