Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry
Johnson says he will appeal a suspension over gay slurs, the AP
reported.
The Chiefs announced Wednesday night
that Johnson would be suspended until Wednesday, November 9, leaving
Johnson out of play from a single November 8 game against
Jacksonville.
Johnson allegedly used gay slurs twice
during a 24-hour period and belittled coach Todd Haley. In a Sunday
Twitter post, Johnson said his father “played for the coach from
'remember the titans'” and Haley “played golf.” He went on to
insult a follower, calling his profile picture a “fag pic” and
the person a “Christopher street boy,” a reference to being gay.
The next day, while refusing to answer
questions from reporters in the locker room, Johnson said, “I'm not
talking till Thursday,” then whispered, “Get your faggot ass out
of here,” according to The Kansas City Star. Thursday is
the team's scheduled press day.
Johnson has apologized to everyone
involved – from coach Haley to the youth who view him as a role
model – except the gay community. “I did not intend to offend
anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said,” Johnson said.
Agent Pete Schaffer told the AP that
his client would appeal the decision, saying Johnson disagreed with
the punishment. Schaffer said the penalty amounted to a $600,000
loss.
The incident has sparked renewed calls
for the team to cut him, leaving Johnson's future with the Chiefs
less certain.
“Let's face it, he's nothing but a
problem maker,” 39-year legendary Kansas City sportscaster Jack
Harry said in his call for Johnson to be sacked. “He really
crossed the line,” he added.
Johnson has been arrested four times
since 2003 on various assault charges against women. He's currently
serving two years probation from two incidents in 2008. One woman
claims Johnson threw a drink at her, while another says he pushed her
head at a nightclub.