BadMoFo

September 27, 2007
Chad checks in
FOXBOROUGH -- Bengals receiver Chad Johnson held a conference call with the New England media today (1:15 p.m.). Unlike last year, when he asked the media to pass along some playful, trash-talking messages to safety Rodney Harrison and cornerback Asante Samuel, he kept things low key.

"Rodney is not playing?" Johnson asked. "Then I don't have any messages."

Yet Johnson did have one message for Bill Belichick.

"Tell Coach I said I love him, and that I'm looking forward to a great challenge," he said. "This is more than a football game. This is going to be a chess match. I don't really think it's between the players. This is a chess match for the coaches, who is going to make the right moves at the right time."

Johnson shared some strong feelings on the NFL's investigation into the Patriots' videotaping procedures.

"That videotaping thing, it doesn't matter," he said passionately. "OK, say you do know the signals. You still have to go out and execute the defense. Forget that. Take the cameras away -- you're talking about a great football team that has great coaches. Throw that camera bull out the window. They'd be 3-0 right now regardless of that damn camera."

Told he might be in the minority based on other comments made by players around the league, Johnson said: "Be for real. Be for real. They're a great team offensively and defensively. They are a great team and there is a reason why they are where they are. It's not because of no damn camera."

Johnson said he didn't have any celebrations planned, because the Bengals are 1-2 and it's not a time for celebrations.

Near the end of the 16-minute call, Johnson was asked his thoughts on playing Monday night. The bright lights and nationally televised audience seemed made for him, he was told.

"Most definitely," he said playfully. "It's one thing to already love the game, but to give me the spotlight on Monday night to play, you just don't do those things."

Nitro

Whens he a free agent? maybe its just me but it seems like the guy wants to play for NE or something.

Cramden

Was just going to post this, great stuff.

Dragda

I seem to hold unpopular opinions, but I have always liked Chad Johnson. His trash talk is just for entertainment purposes. I'm glad he has a very good QB to throw him the ball.

Caspir

He's signed through the 2011 season after restructuring his existing contract in 2006 which ran through 2009. He got a two year extension to that original deal that added more than $10m to the existing deal which was for over $25m. It's now a 6 year $35m and some change contract. His 2010 and 2011 base salaries are $5.375m per year.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

FreeTedWilliams

Chad and BB have always had great respect for each other. Chad used to, he may still, actually sleep at the Bengals complex on Thrusday nights, to spend more time getting prepared.

Nobody thought to ask him what he thought about Papelbon referring to himself as "cinco-ocho"

__________________
The Jets look like a Super Bowl contender right now about as much as Rosie O’Donnell looks like a threat for the Miss America crown. -NY Post 12/19/2011


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

PatsRI

It's hard not to like the guy.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

MoLewisrocks

Really smart talented players absolutely do. BB coached him in the Pro Bowl last February. That opened a lot of eyes about his coaching personality. These guys want to be put in a position to win. If they aren't all the talent in the world doesn't get them where they want to go. Talent doesn't fear accountability, it fears being held accountable for the mismanagement of others. Ask Randy.

Talent made a big splash for Marvin Lewis in 2005 when it appeared the Bungles were finally developing into Bengals (or even the Colts...). Even got him a plum appointment to the competition committee. His inability to manage that talent and get it to exhibit discipline on or off the field, has seen them slip backwards over the last season and a quarter. I don't see a lot of management accountability in a lot of organizations. I watch Marvin turning inside out from good play to bad play frustrated with the erratic undisciplined performance players he is responsible for fielding and coaching turn in. And I gotta wonder, whose fault do you think that is Marvin?

I still don't like the silly celebrations. Sure they're harmless in the grand scheme, but he's right that 1-2 is no time to be acting silly and calling attention to yourself.

Krugman

I'm with you Dragda,Chad's end zone celebrations and the "Ocho Cinco" thing are hilarious,and never seem to be aimed at the opposing team ,or mean-spirited.When he jumped into the dog pound at Cleveland that was a hoot!How can you not like this guy?

__________________
In Belichick we trust....
"Crush your enemies,see them driven before you,hear the lamentation of the women." Arnold Schwartzenegger doing his BB impression.

Mainefan

I think he's one of the most likeable and talented people in the league. Also, very entertaining. He might be a bit stifled if he were a Patriot, however.