Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > March > 23 > Entry
The beginning of the end for Chad
For Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson, the beginning of the end came on Oct. 21, 2007.
Early that day, long before the Bengals defeated the visiting New York Jets, 38-31, sports columnist Paul Daugherty of The Cincinnati Enquirer showed “face up” on driveways and doorsteps throughout the Tri-State.
In “Doc’s” column, he asked two questions.
One: “Would the Bengals be better off with Johnson as he is now — and has always been?”
Two: “Or in the long run, would they be better off without him?”
The questions were excellent, legitimate and fair.
But Chad didn’t see it that way. One word kept repeating over and over in his mind like a broken record: “Betrayal.”
You see, Daugherty authored the book, “CHAD: I Can’t Be Stopped” — published by Orange Frazer Press in Wilmington, Ohio, the same company that published my book, “The Legends, Cincinnati Bengals: The Men, The Deeds, The Consequences.”
Walking out of the locker room that day, Chad told me that he was hurt by the writer he felt closest to. He had let “Doc” into his life, had allowed him to meet his family; had opened himself up and allowed “Doc” to peer into his heart, his soul, his mind.
The timing of the story was critical … the Bengals had just lost four straight games and in one of them —- the 34-13 Monday Night home loss to the New England Patriots —- Chad admittedly ran a wrong route that led to a late-second-quarter interception, which triggered a very heated, very animated and very public display of anger between Johnson and quarterback Carson Palmer that spilled from the field, to the sideline and on the walk into the locker room at halftime.
Tensions were already running high that October Sunday for other reasons, too.
Bengals fans had been vocal in their criticism of Johnson all week long on sports talk shows, saying Johnson’s on-field antics were wearing thin.
Then prior to kickoff, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen sparked controversy when he said on “Sunday NFL Countdown” that sources within the Bengals organization told him that Johnson could be trade bait in the offseason.
After the game, Chad exited the locker room without speaking to the assembled media. In the hallway outside the weight room, Chad conducted his weekly “Chad’s Corner” interview for Channel 19, the local FOX affiliate, then split — but not before speaking to me in a whisper about how hurt he felt by “Doc’s” column.
I am firmly convinced that that night, Chad made up his mind that he wouldn’t be a Cincinnati Bengal come the autumn of 2008.
“Check with me tomorrow,” Chad said. “I’ll give you one of those Barbara Walters’ exclusives.”
And he did. In the parking lot. Next to his car. Underneath some concrete protection from a heavy rain, my tape recorder whirred for nearly 20 minutes.
It was Oct. 22, 2007 … the last time we spoke.
And as he drove away, I wondered if we would ever have another one-on-one again.
I’m still wondering …
The reason I’m bringing this up NOW is because the Bengals start their offseason workout program on Monday, March 24, and for the first time in eight years, Chad plans to skip it.
He’s been screaming all off-season that he wants to be traded. So far, his cry has fallen on deaf ears … or has it?
Surely, Bengals management has to know that an unhappy Chad will poison and fracture the locker room.
How can he come back? How can he look his teammates in the eye and tell them he’s a team player, that he was just joking around about wanting out?
The fact is … he can’t. And the Bengals’ management and coaching staff know it.
I look for Chad to be traded prior to or during the April 26-27 NFL draft.
Here’s a look back at … CHAD JOHNSON’S “BARBARA WALTERS’ EXCLUSIVE” (Originally published on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007) By Chick Ludwig Staff Writer
CINCINNATI — Standing next to his Mercury Marauder in the parking lot at Paul Brown Stadium, Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson didn’t hold back. He poured out his emotion as rain pelted his sleek, black sedan.
Q. ESPN reported you could be traded. How frustrating is it to deal with? A. Frustrating? You think I’m frustrated? Are you watching me play? You can’t play at the same time you’re frustrated. My mind is so clear right now it’s unbelievable. I’m so focused right now it’s unbelievable. Nothing can steer or deter me away from producing and doing what I can to help us win, at all. Nothing. So it’s easy.
Q. What’s your reaction to those who suggest the team might be better off without you? A. I have none. It doesn’t hurt at all. An old team’s trash is another team’s treasure. You’ve got 31 teams in the NFL beside us, and every player, every coach, loves eighty-five. I guarantee that. Every coach and every player would love to have eighty-five on their team because they know what I bring to the table. I bring a different spectrum of playing football to the table.
Q. Where’s all this outside negativism coming from? A. I guarantee you it’s not the fans that sit in our stadium. You know what’s so funny about this? The whole thing is we are mad about a player — not one that gets in trouble, not one that’s in the news for negative stuff. We’re mad at somebody that loves the game, that’s having fun and enjoying himself. When it gets to that point, that’s when I have to put my defense on. Since I’ve been here. I’ve always been about pleasing the people around me, including this city — bringing something to this city they haven’t had in years. YEARS! You’ve never had excitement like this in years. Never had a personality like this. And you’re going to tell me you’re tired of something you’ve never had before? This (stadium) sells out every week.
Q. What if you are trade bait? A. So be it. Believe me. So be it.
Q. Do you want out of Cincinnati? A. No, I’m here. I didn’t say it. Don’t ask me. Go ask (Bengals management). It doesn’t matter where Chad Johnson is. Chad Johnson is going to get it done.
Q. Are you happy here? A. Of course. I’m smiling. As long as I’m smiling, I’m happy.
Q. If the team was 4-2 and not 2-4, would this be an issue? A. Probably not. But I’m an easy target. Perception is not reality. You know what you see on the field is not me off the field. Everything I’ve done has always been positive, It’s always been fun. It’s never been a me-me-me thing. It’s how Chad plays the game. I celebrate. It is a dirty business. And to get the business side of it off my mind, I go out and have fun with it like I’m a little kid. That’s all it is. It’s the NFL. But I’m playing like it’s the back yard. And I’m wrong because I’m not the norm.
Q. Would you be a different receiver for another club, like, say, New England? A. No. Of course not. That’s the reason he (Patriots coach Bill Belichick) loves me. He loves me because I’m me. BECAUSE I’M ME. Because of what I bring to the game.
Q. Head coach Marvin Lewis call you a team player. Well, are you? A. I’ve always been. Some of the things that are being said are just so ridiculous, man. I think it’s because I’m completely out of the norm of what a receiver should be. I’m the only person that plays and talks and does the things he does, but at the same time I’m very, very productive. I cannot perform at a high level and not be Chad. It’s impossible.
Q. Are you going to change? A. No, you know that. You know I am not going to change. You’re not going to stop me from being me, from having fun.
Q. Are you selfish? A. When you have a receiver that doesn’t want the ball. that’s the receiver you don’t want on your team. You have to have a confidence about yourself and your game. You’ve got to feel you can defeat that person in front of you. You’ve got to want it. That’s just how you have to be. But everyone approaches their game differently, and that’s what I’ve come to understand. That’s why I’ve slowed down on the bulletin board material.
Q. Did you quit on a route that led to a Carson Palmer interception in Kansas City? A. No. We didn’t connect on it. That’s all. I’m not going to say it was his fault or mine. I was where I needed to be.
Q. Are you worried that your ‘entertainer’ label detracts from your greatness as a receiver? A. I’d rather you remember Chad the entertainer. I’m doing the same stuff the great ones did, what they’ve done or are still doing. But I’m bringing you another spectrum of the game my way — at the same time producing the way they did. When are people going to see that? I am producing year in and year out, and I’m only going to get BET-TER.
Q. How long can you keep improving? A. Until I’m 40. My passion, my love, my fear of failure is going to keep me driving. It’s going to keep me going. I’m rare because I approach it a different way. You know behind closed doors how many hours of film I’ve studied? They (the fans) don’t get to see that part. I don’t even want them to know that part because that’s common sense. As an NFL player, you’re suppose to work hard.
Q. How do you want to be remembered? A. As one of the greatest to ever play the game. I will be. I will be one of the greatest to ever play the game. My way. Chad’s way.
Contact Chick Ludwig at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
Permalink | Comments (36) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By FloridaBuckeye
March 23, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
It is very sad that every time we get a “spark plug”, we rip it up. I love TJ…great player, quiet, but he has had his attitudanal issues from time to time. Fact is, those who crave attention are not secure - and Chad needs to be stroked. C’mon Chad. Doc has done the same to others…it’s business. Stay with us bro.By Heist
March 23, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Bye Chad. Enjoy having a B-list QB throwing you the ball. You’ve had it good the last 3 seasons. I guarentee you won’t go to the Pats, or the Colts….so enjoy the garbage QB that will be tossing you the rock…#9 forever, #85…quit crying, and goodbye.By Amy
March 23, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Do you think that if you trade Chad he will just get what he wants. Other players will see that all they have to do is b***h to the national press and they can get out of Cinci.By Len
March 23, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Chick, Thanks for your thoughts on Chad.I always enjoy your work. Concur with your views on Chad.He HAS to go.In reality the root of the problem lies at the feet of Mike Brown .As always,he wins any negotiation.He got Chad and TJ cheaply and now both guys realize they’ve been had.Mike saw a rising CAP and immediately reacted.Chad’s problem is that he wants market value and realizes that Mike beat him for 10 million.For this he should blame Rosenhaus not Mike.At the end of this story we’ll find out that Chad lost the battle to Mike and Mike lost the war by being too sharp.By Len
March 23, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Chick, Thanks for your thoughts on Chad.I always enjoy your work. Concur with your views on Chad.He HAS to go.In reality the root of the problem lies at the feet of Mike Brown .As always,he wins any negotiation.He got Chad and TJ cheaply and now both guys realize they’ve been had.Mike saw a rising CAP and immediately reacted.Chad’s problem is that he wants market value and realizes that Mike beat him for 10 million.For this he should blame Rosenhaus not Mike.At the end of this story we’ll find out that Chad lost the battle to Mike and Mike lost the war by being too sharp. Regards, LenBy BigPapa7809
March 23, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Not gonna trade him because of the hit it would be on the salary cap. So…Chad will be a Bengal in 2008 or he won’t play at all. But, if I were going to trade him, it would not be to a team that he wants to play for. I would trade him to Arizona, Atlanta, or the Jets - some teamt that doesn’t have a QB.By BigPapa7809
March 23, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Not gonna trade him because of the hit it would be on the salary cap. So…Chad will be a Bengal in 2008 or he won’t play at all. But, if I were going to trade him, it would not be to a team that he wants to play for. I would trade him to Arizona, Atlanta, or the Jets - some teamt that doesn’t have a QB.By Art Modell
March 23, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
The odds that Chick will get a Christmas Card from: Marvin Lewis 50/1 Chad Johnson 100/1 Lucifer 500/1 Dayton Flyer Fans 750/1 Paul Daugherty 10,000/1By Vivster
March 23, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Chick, I honestly have to say this is the most thought-provoking stuff I’ve read of yours on the Bengals. Most of the time you seem like a bitter, old Jock-Sniff who resents having to interview millionaires. That being said, you know “every beautiful woman has warts somewhere”. You just can’t replace a guaranteed 1400 yards each year. 85 in stripes forever! We love you Chad - unless we’re sourpusses who hate our jobs and are jealous.By null
March 24, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
“Chad? He’s traded to the Eagles for Lito Sheppard” This has got to be the most worthless piece of junk I have ever heard any writer, or anyone even pretending to be a writer, produce. Do you seriously believe the stuff you write anymore?By Frank, Linn, Bogey & Coco
March 24, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this
I think Chad needs to report now. Pick up his $250,000 bonus and hire an advisor/public relations director. The bad PR he’s generating won’t help with endorsements. His fan base with thousands of Chad jerseys is eroding. It’s a shame to see such a talanted athlete implode. You’d be great for the job, but in his case I think it would be a full time headache.By Frank, Linn, Bogey & Coco
March 24, 2008 3:11 AM | Link to this
I think Chad needs to report now. Pick up his $250,000 bonus and hire an advisor/public relations director. The bad PR he’s generating won’t help with endorsements. His fan base with thousands of Chad jerseys is eroding. It’s a shame to see such a talanted athlete implode. You’d be great for the job, but in his case I think it would be a full time headache.By Mike
March 24, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
I will not be wearing my C Johnson #85 jersey this year. My other jersey is a Takeo Spikes #51. I’m not buying a C Palmer #9. I want him to stay. C Johnson is under contract. Trading him lets him have his way. Let him sit out the rest of his contract.By Mike
March 24, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
I will not be wearing my C Johnson #85 jersey this year. My other jersey is a Takeo Spikes #51. I’m not buying a C Palmer #9. I want him to stay. C Johnson is under contract. Trading him lets him have his way. Let him sit out the rest of his contract.By tony
March 24, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
this is just another example of the white media in this town stirring the pot for anger white men who are jealous of black athletes who have the nerve to speak up and speak out about what they percieve as wrong. Chick is nothing more than your typical hack media white guy who have become all to prevelant in the ji Rome,cool white guy sports media that we have today. i would say Chick shouls be ashammed of himself but Chick has shown to have no shame. i cant wait for the day that marvin lewis tells Chick and others in the media to “SIT DOWN AND SHUT THE HELL UP”.By tony
March 24, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
this is just another example of the white media in this town stirring the pot for anger white men who are jealous of black athletes who have the nerve to speak up and speak out about what they percieve as wrong. Chick is nothing more than your typical hack media white guy who have become all to prevelant in the ji Rome,cool white guy sports media that we have today. i would say Chick shouls be ashammed of himself but Chick has shown to have no shame. i cant wait for the day that marvin lewis tells Chick and others in the media to “SIT DOWN AND SHUT THE HELL UP”.By josh
March 24, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Tony, Not sure why you are so bitter, but you are way out of line.By Lou
March 24, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Paul Daugherty needs to stop writing about what ifs and start writing about what he sees on the Football field.By Lou
March 24, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Paul Daugherty needs to stop writing about what ifs and start writing about what he sees on the Football field.By Troy
March 24, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
I believe that this ‘Chad’ situation has gone on too long to get fixed. 1. Chad has soiled everyone in Bengal-Land with this talk of not being respected. Sadly, Chad has allowed his emotions to get the best of him. The real fans love Chad and his antics, because it is part of the game and part of who he is. Chad is right about one thing… 2. The Bengals as an organization let too much talk go by unchecked about Chad [one person] being selfish or not being a team player. You can not let team mates talk or even refer to another player negatively about in-house stuff. They should have been more proactive in stopping any kind of negative talk, especially in reference to one single person. Plain and simple the Bengals [coach and administration] did not stop it. Chad may be acting immature but he does make some legitimate points concerning what he has brought to this team and town. The real truth is that this area wants you to be a superstar but they don’t want everything that goes along with it. Cincinnati wants you to act the way they want you to act, no personality allowed. Correspondingly, Carson Palmer gets excessive criticism for not being demonstrative enough. The truth is…that is not who he is and he probably will never be that way…but he is accepted by management. We need to understand that you have to take the good and the bad, the subdued and the eccentric, the up and the down!By nkynative
March 25, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
Tony… your just like all the black guys out there that dont have the ability to make it in sports so they are bitter to the white men that can actually find a job in something that is actually intelligent instead of working at KFC. Dont be mad at the white men for doing there job. I always thank a black man at the drive through for giving me my change back so the least you can do is appreciated a media person giving you the truth…. and about Chad… we have several other receivers, but chad is what makes them so dangerous. We need Chad to stay and play or our offense will have no chance.By Martin
March 25, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
I would like to say to all bengal fans, management, and personell across the nation that we need to add/keep super star players and not trade or release them. I don’t live in Ohio, nor have any connection to Ohio, but I live in LA, CA and have been a loyal Bengals fan since 1986. I have to say to all fans remember the 15 or so seasons of extreme futility. Since my fellow Allum Carson Palmer joined the bengals we added the best and most exciting offense since the late 80’s and early 90’s. Losing Chad Jonson who is putting up Hall of Fame numbers is a blow that will change the face of the franchise. We looked so bad this past year I was embarrased to call myself a bengal fan. After 11-5 season and a division title the team has gone down south past 2 seasons. We need to look at Marvin Lewis not Chad Jonson. For a guy with a defensive background, his defense is like a whore house everyone is entering and exiting with a free pass. I can’t believe this organization is not standing up for Chad He ONLY has 49 TD’s and we want to let him go!!!!!!! Chad please reconsider and stay baby. We love you Ocho Cinco. Without you we have no chance at the super bowl.By Dan K
March 25, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Chick, I like you but I think some of your assertions are outrageous and sensational. A little common sense would tell you that if the Bengals did trade Chad it would be after June 1, and not during the draft. That would be a very poor business decision to take an 8 million cap hit. Let’s put a little more thought into such opinings.By Longtime Bengals Fan
March 26, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
anyone who knows anything about football and being a good team mate should know that the average career for a nfl player is 3 yrs unless you are above average. the way i see it is this offense is going to broken up at some point in time b/c contracts are gonna get too large for the bengals to be able to pay for. as well as people are going to pass their prime and some are just going to leave to seek other opportunities. so having said that how bout we put together something that looks like an actual defense and give this team a shot at the playoffs. b/c thats the only way you are gonna see what chads real feelings are. if after we make the playoffs he still wants out then trade him for a draft pick or cash and just find another WR. you will still have a better duo at WR than most teams with housh and henry. its not that hard to get a wr out of a draft, there are tons of good ones in every draft.By Ant
March 29, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Longtime Bengal Fan said it the best. Thats the only way but we NEED to work on DEFENSE!By Ant
March 29, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Longtime Bengal Fan said it the best. Thats the only way but we NEED to work on DEFENSE!By rangerstyeL_2008
March 29, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Bottom line Marvin Lewis suck as a coach. Its not Chad fault. Carson Palmer sucked this year also. So why come the fans is not saying negative things about him (YOU SCARED) any the problem is Marvin Lewis. You had five years or so to turn this team around and bottomline you have failed as a Head Coach move on before you get stepped on. If i was the owner of the team I would make you pay me for letting you be the coach because, you Marvin Lewis have not been a coach to this team. The talent is there on the field but i don’t know where the Head coach is.By oe
March 30, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Ive been a bengals fan for my entire life so I am pretty much an expert on the Bengals with all the miserable seasons I put up with I can now finally talk the occasional smack talk and actually look forward to the upcoming season. My point is Chad is Chad let him be the main reason TJ caught so many passes is because the defense is concentrating on chad so try to run your offense without him Shut up Chad and play the game like ou know you can.By Zach
March 31, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
I love ocho cinco. He’s a franchise player. This might be a desperate cry for a salary raise…i hopeBy Zach
March 31, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
I love ocho cinco. He’s a franchise player. This might be a desperate cry for a salary raise…i hopeBy Zach
March 31, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
I love ocho cinco. He’s a franchise player. This might be a desperate cry for a salary raise…i hopeBy Zach
March 31, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
I love ocho cinco. He’s a franchise player. This might be a desperate cry for a salary raise…i hopeBy timm
March 31, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
chad your always welcome to philly. come on over we need some ocho cinco in the mix. if they don’t want you come to a team that needs you and has a chance to make a run next season. seriously if chad wants to go management should hear him and trade him they have two other awesome receivers with tj and henry and with tj playing the way he did last season with receptions and everything loosing chad wouldnt be such a big deal i mean the bengals could use a pro bowl db (like alot of fans have said DEFENSE work on that s**t) and HEY LOOK the eagles have one they are willing to get rid of with lito sheppard and either a draft pick or one of our wide outs like brown.By Zach
April 1, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Timm, ur full of crap. The eagles r worse than the Bengals. Y would Chad go there.Chad, tj and henry r a great triple threat tooBy Dylan
April 2, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Chad is coming to washington baby!!By Dylan
April 2, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Chad is coming to washington baby!!