Larry Johnson Petition Pretty Clear Proof How Much Chiefs Fans Hate Him

Larry Johnson is a mere 80 yards away from passing Priest Holmes as the all-time leading rusher in KC history, but if the fans who put together an online petition have their way, he won't get there.

You see, it turns out that LJ's recent actions -- tweeting at coach Todd Haley, calling reporters homophobic names, being suspended by the team -- combined with his past transgressions -- police problems, being suspended by the team (again) -- have created a sort of pent-up anger within the fanbase.

You can read the entire (and quite lengthy) petition here: petitiononline.com/StopLJ, but for those of you who don't care to parse through (deservedly) bitter, Midwestern ranting, here's the skinny: fans of the Chiefs are loyal, which is true, and they care deeply about and want to support their team, even when the Chiefs stink.

The petition seems to insinuate they realize that 12-win seasons aren't happening every year and they're not around the corner -- meaning they're cool with GM Scott Pioli rebuilding -- but that allowing Johnson to permanently etch his name atop a pretty important team record is simply unacceptable.

And you know what? I completely agree with them, at least in the sense that if I were a Chiefs fan, I would have wanted Johnson gone a long time ago, and I would be none too happy (particularly considering his production this season, which they cite in the petition) if he were still on the team despite his repeated efforts to not be a part of it.

Additionally, I salute these fans for taking a stand that doesn't involve eBay or craigslist -- as much as I would enjoy seeing Johnson up for purchase online, it's pretty inspiring to see a downtrodden group of fans take a stand on a moral level.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)

11-04-2009 @ 8:07PM

southrange said...

Way too many NFL players and way too many NFL teams are out of control!

11-05-2009 @ 9:37AM

sfield4026 said...

Too bad outraged fans could not getMichael Vic out of football.

11-04-2009 @ 8:23PM

swaindaddy1 said...

Maybe if fans would stop paying those HIGH prices for tickets and BOYCOTT a few games it would get the message across to those OVERPAID free riders. But as long as colleges like Flordia (Spikes situation)let those athletes do what they do without serve punishment this will continue to happen in colleges and carry over to the PROS. Especially after they get the BIG money deals.

11-05-2009 @ 12:06AM

jesus child said...

right! Because they help create those monsters.

11-05-2009 @ 8:50AM

swamp3887 said...

i agree with you.most athelts .for get they only have job. because of the fans.if know one showed up on sunday .are for any baseball or basket ball.any sporting event.how much would they be worth.

11-05-2009 @ 9:27AM

joehennes said...

I am no sports fan (I had to google to find out what you were talking about), but of all the examples you can think of you come up with Spikes? Even the guy who was fouled didn't think it was a big deal... what about the ones who like go to jail and stuff?

11-05-2009 @ 9:39AM

tlctrav said...

You never played football before swain you sir are a freakin IDIOT

11-04-2009 @ 8:32PM

zodiacspeaking1 said...

I agree with you Swain, but the trend shows that it will continue. I have little use for sports anymore. I am busting my ass trying to save for retirement.

11-05-2009 @ 12:07AM

i KNOW THAT'S RIGHT!

11-05-2009 @ 9:52AM

yardworker63 said...

I know how you feel, my friend. Professional sports, especially football and basketball, are all about FRANCHISES these days...not about TEAMS.
It's just a race to see how much wealthy owners are willing to spend on athletes who play less than 6 months a year, while making more in one season than you and I will ever make in our lifetimes.
My only interest in sports is college baseball...a game played by great kids and great athletes who play just for their love of the game. Baseball at the college level requires a lot more skill than football or basketball at ANY level.
I'm a Tulane Baseball fan; and here in New Orleans, they give you a lot to cheer about.

11-04-2009 @ 10:11PM

rcaguy1115 said...

The reason i dont go to any sports arenas or cheer for any professional team is because some of these players make more in one game then any teacher or any of us make in a single year or in our whole lifetime.

I say boycott all teams and sports.

11-05-2009 @ 9:33AM

kevincooldad said...

I work like a dog on my jod .just to make my bill every week. they play one game and make more money i can make in a year.the fan need to said that is a anough .the fan need to still home and watch the game on tv.

11-05-2009 @ 10:03AM

Amen to that. I worked for 24.5 years for our flagship university system; and I could never have earned in a lifetime what these guys earn in a year...to stay in shape for 6 months out of the year and play for a minimum of $1 million for those 6 months.
As they say on ESPN...come on, man.

11-05-2009 @ 10:04AM

misterright1313 said...

I can tell you people are really not former athletes or don't know any personally. I am a white man and I believe if these sports were majority white there wouldn't be any outrage. Where was the outrage in the 60's 70's and 80's? Athletes have always made more than teachers, and while you are at it there are some church pastors like Mr. Osteen who do too. Where is your outrage when the NCAA makes billions off of amateur athletes? Oh how about the NFL who makes billions off of their athletes and so on and so on. It seems you havee your outrage directed at the wrong people. Also players don't decide their salaries. The players are just a notch above the fans in the grand scheme of things. You really don't get to upset with the owners do you? So let me get this straight you are upset with the players who work for the owners who pay their salaries. Lol, Before sports were integrated there wasn't this much anger ever. We all know what this is about but are just to "PC" to do so.

11-05-2009 @ 10:26AM

tangilct said...

Get off your high horse. While I do agree that some sports players are overpaid (mostly big names in basketball and most baseball players), football is not one of them. These guys make more in a year than you'll make your whole life, right? Well, they put themselves at risk every time they go to work. Does your job have the potential to kill you? How about leave you disabled? Can you only do your job for a max of 10 years before you're seen as too old to compete? At least you get retirement, because most football players, especially the ones that are critically injured and have to leave the game prematurely, don't have a 401K provided by their bosses. So yes, they make a lot - but they do it out of love for the game and for your entertainment. They take the big hits for their team and their fans. And just because one player is being an a$$ and has a ridiculous salary doesn't mean they all are. Most players in any league are freelance players who never see those big bucks.

11-05-2009 @ 12:10PM

maugustine13 said...

So I assume you don't go to movies because the actors make more in one film than you do all year? And I assume you don't buy any products because the owners (or CEOs) of those companies make more....
Jealousy will kill you. Let it go.

11-05-2009 @ 12:48PM

gobluespartyon said...

I like to watch sports and I wouldn't boycott which is dumb and stupid. Just because they make more than anyone does in year or a life time I don't lose sleep over that. Plus it is entertaining to watch NFL, NBA, College Football & Basketball, NHL etc.

11-04-2009 @ 10:54PM

Mr Brown said...

Said it last week and again.....Good-bye Larry

ferdry said...

THEY PROTEST A MAN FOR SPEAKING HIS MIND..BUT WE DON'T PROTEST A COACH FOR CHEATING AND HE IS THE SO CALLED HEAD OF THE TEAM WHY ARE SOME NOT SO BAD AS OTHERS THEY ARE BOTH SUPOSED TO BE PROS.SO YOU TELL ME...THE WHOLE LEAGUE NEEDS SOME WORK IN THAT AREA