T.O., Chad Johnson reverse roles
by Clifton Brown
Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson have done a role reversal.
A few seasons ago, Owens was a star wide receiver embroiled in controversy, while Johnson was the star wide receiver with the bright future. Now Owens has a fat new contract, happily playing for a Super Bowl contender, while Johnson is unhappy, saying little about the Bengals unless he has something bad to say.
Johnson is playing a dangerous game if he boycotts next week's mandatory Bengals minicamp, or if he makes a major stink after reporting. It's not just the potential fine money that Johnson could lose. He also risks further antagonizing Bengals fans, and perhaps some of his teammates.
We have heard Johnson's chirping for months and we get the point. He wants the Bengals to trade him. The problem is, he's signed through 2011, and the Bengals feel no obligation to accommodate him with so many years remaining.
For now, Johnson at least has to consider strengthening his position by reporting to next week's minicamp, and showing that he can act professionally even when he is unhappy. Brian Urlacher wants more money from the Bears, but he decided that coming to last week's minicamp was a better option that skipping it.
Being a rebel always comes with a price. It almost cost Owens his career, after his situation with the Eagles imploded and he was sent packing. Owens deserves credit for recapturing his place as one of the game's best receivers with the Cowboys. It took hard work and talent. But it also took some luck. Owens was lucky that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was willing to take a chance. He was very lucky to land with a contender. He was lucky that Tony Romo developed into a top tier quarterback. And Owens was probably lucky that Bill Parcells tired of coaching before their relationship became combustible.
Some of what Johnson has said about the Bengals rings true. Their defense has been dreadful the past two seasons. Too many Bengals have underachieved on the field, and landed in trouble off the field. The Bengals looked like a rising team after making the playoffs in 2005. But they haven't been back to the postseason since, only adding to Johnson's frustration level.
However, Johnson could be in worse situations. He is playing with one of the best passers in football, Carson Palmer. He is paired with one of the league's best receivers., T. J. Houshmandzadeh. The Bengals would readily admit they had a bad season last year, but they still went 7-9. They were a lot closer to the playoffs than the Dolphins, who needed a telescope to see the postseason after a 1-15 campaign.
Owens and Johnson have the same agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who is used to negotiating through controversial situations. Johnson probably looks at Owens with envy, and figures he could also get a fresh start and a fat contract with a new team.
But exactly how far is Johnson willing to go? We're about to find next week when Johnson either reports to minicamp and causes no problems, or takes his protest to the next level. Maybe Johnson should call Owens for advice. Because right now, Owens is a far more content with his career than Johnson.
Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson have done a role reversal.
A few seasons ago, Owens was a star wide receiver embroiled in controversy, while Johnson was the star wide receiver with the bright future. Now Owens has a fat new contract, happily playing for a Super Bowl contender, while Johnson is unhappy, saying little about the Bengals unless he has something bad to say.
Johnson is playing a dangerous game if he boycotts next week's mandatory Bengals minicamp, or if he makes a major stink after reporting. It's not just the potential fine money that Johnson could lose. He also risks further antagonizing Bengals fans, and perhaps some of his teammates.
We have heard Johnson's chirping for months and we get the point. He wants the Bengals to trade him. The problem is, he's signed through 2011, and the Bengals feel no obligation to accommodate him with so many years remaining.
For now, Johnson at least has to consider strengthening his position by reporting to next week's minicamp, and showing that he can act professionally even when he is unhappy. Brian Urlacher wants more money from the Bears, but he decided that coming to last week's minicamp was a better option that skipping it.
Being a rebel always comes with a price. It almost cost Owens his career, after his situation with the Eagles imploded and he was sent packing. Owens deserves credit for recapturing his place as one of the game's best receivers with the Cowboys. It took hard work and talent. But it also took some luck. Owens was lucky that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was willing to take a chance. He was very lucky to land with a contender. He was lucky that Tony Romo developed into a top tier quarterback. And Owens was probably lucky that Bill Parcells tired of coaching before their relationship became combustible.
Some of what Johnson has said about the Bengals rings true. Their defense has been dreadful the past two seasons. Too many Bengals have underachieved on the field, and landed in trouble off the field. The Bengals looked like a rising team after making the playoffs in 2005. But they haven't been back to the postseason since, only adding to Johnson's frustration level.
However, Johnson could be in worse situations. He is playing with one of the best passers in football, Carson Palmer. He is paired with one of the league's best receivers., T. J. Houshmandzadeh. The Bengals would readily admit they had a bad season last year, but they still went 7-9. They were a lot closer to the playoffs than the Dolphins, who needed a telescope to see the postseason after a 1-15 campaign.
Owens and Johnson have the same agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who is used to negotiating through controversial situations. Johnson probably looks at Owens with envy, and figures he could also get a fresh start and a fat contract with a new team.
But exactly how far is Johnson willing to go? We're about to find next week when Johnson either reports to minicamp and causes no problems, or takes his protest to the next level. Maybe Johnson should call Owens for advice. Because right now, Owens is a far more content with his career than Johnson.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:34 PM
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