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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 > August > 14 > Entry
Chad avoids fine, speaks his mind
‘A NEW DEAL MIGHT
BE LOOKING FOR ME’
===Ten days after the Pro Football Writers of America issued a complaint to the league office about Chad Johnson’s lack of cooperation with the Cincinnati Bengals media, the wide receiver held court for six memorable minutes on the field at Toyota Stadium on the campus of Georgetown (Ky.) College after practice on Wednesday night.
Johnson’s arms were draped around two young fans in the media swarm that included dozens of fans — young and old. An elderly man, grumbling and pushy with a keen sense of entitlement, finally got to snap a photo of his grandson, who stood next to Johnson.===
Faced with what he called a $20,000 league fine for his lack of cooperation with the Cincinnati Bengals media, wide receiver Chad Johnson finally agreed to be interviewed by beat writers after practice on Wednesday night.
Johnson predicted a playoff season and said a talk with Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis helped him get focused in a positive direction.
Here’s the transcript of Johnson’s first group interview since Oct. 22, 2007:
Q. There are reports you’re changing your name. Are you?
A. What name change?
Q. To Chad Ocho Cinco.
A. I don’t know anything about a name change. My name is Chad Johnson.
Q. How would you assess your camp since you’ve come back from ankle surgery?
A. Last week, I was about 50 percent. This week, I’m 85. I’m doing pretty good. I’m having a good camp thus far after coming back from severe ankle surgery. I’m enjoying my time here.
Q. The coaches say they’re expecting you to be as healthy on opening day as you’ve been in several years. Is that accurate?
A. Yeah, yeah. By opening day, I should be in mid-season form. Shortly, I’ll be fine to go.
Q. If you’re 85 percent now, what were you last season?
A. Last season, I played about 25 percent.
Q. You seem invigorated tonight. Is this the best you’ve looked and felt?
A. That’s a very bad assessment. I always look good. But if that’s what you think, so be it.
Q. What are you going to do to make this your best year ever?
A. I’m gonna have fun. I’m going to celebrate. I’m going to talk shit — oh, my bad. I’m going to block. I’m going to do everything I’m asked to do, plus some.
Q. On ESPN the other night, you said you had a talk with Ray Lewis that was pivotal in your offseason. Can you relay what Ray told you?
A. Just about really understanding the position I’m in, how blessed I am to be in the position I’m in. There are millions of people that want to play this game. And I’m very fortunate. He had me looking at a different direction besides just being frustrated by the (2007) season, and to look at it from a different way. That there are a lot of people that want to play this game that can’t. And I’m sitting here fussing about something that I really can’t control.
Q. In the offseason, you insinuated that you didn’t think the team could win. Do you feel differently now?
A. At that present time, back then, I was under medication. I was seeking psychiatric help. I had a shrink. But now I’m cured. I’m 100 percent. I don’t take AA classes anymore. So I’ll be OK.
Q. Another report came out that the Bengals are going to talk to you and agent Drew Rosenhaus after the season about your contract. Is that true?
A. I’m really not looking for a new deal at this present time. This year, I’m actually playing for free due to fines that are backed up from previous years.
Q. Fines by the team or the NFL?
A. Both.
Q. So you’re not looking for a new deal?
A. No. A new deal might be looking for me.
Q. Why the media silence until tonight?
A. Uh, because they’re forcing me to talk.
Q. They threaten you with a fine?
A. Yeah. They threatened me with 20 grand large if I don’t talk to you guys. So I brought me and my friends (a bunch of kids) because they’re gonna help me pay all 20 grand.
Q. Have you missed speaking to the media?
A. No.
Q. What can we do to improve our relationship with you?
A. You guys can apologize to me. I want a written letter from everybody, including your supervisors, and I’ll talk to you guys in the next five years.
Q. You’ve been critical of your play last year. Was the ankle a major part of that?
A. No, it wasn’t the ankle. It was Carson’s fault (laughter). We were very inconsistent. I’m very critical of myself, and I think it’s going to be a better year. We can’t do anything but go up from this point.
Q. You also said some stuff about the defense in the offseason. You seem to be pleased with the defense this offseason.
A. The defense, they’ve been very good. They’ve frustrated me since I’ve been back. This has probably been my first practice where I’ve been able to do what I like to do. They’ve done really well.
Q. Is cornerback Jonathan Joseph as well as he appears to be playing? You guys are going at it.
A. Yeah. We go at it. Ever since he’s been here. He’s one of the better corners in the league. If people aren’t going to give him credit for it, I’m going to make sure the credit gets out there.
Q. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said he loves you because you like to practice. You two seem to have a good give and take?
A. Oh, yeah. Most definitely. I’m going to make his job as hard as possible every time I have a chance.
Q. Is a sixth straight Pro Bowl in your future?
A. Pro Bowl is sort of automatic. I’m really looking for the playoffs to become that way also. That’s really my focus right now.
Q. Can this team make the playoffs?
A. Actually, we’re in there. Can I say that? OK, whatever.
Q. Is that a guarantee?
A. I can’t do that. Marvin’s going to fine me. Anything else? Good, I’m off (the media) for another month.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: Chad Johnson
Comments
By Brian
August 14, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
If that’s the depth of the answers he’s going to give you I’d rather you write about someone else.By James
August 14, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Brian, indeed. Chick, next time Chad comes around for a talk, how about just ignorning him? Or better yet, stop mentioning his name. The guy is a tool and I and several other fans, regardless of how ‘good’ he is, want him gone.By jb
August 14, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
I like Chad, but I hope its true that he doesn’t speak to the media for another month!By O
August 14, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Go BROWNIES! LOL!!!By BengalsFan
August 14, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
After admiring Chad’s playing ability and enjoying his touchdown celebrations and other antics, I was outraged at the way he behaved in the offseason. I feel he is playing for Cincy for the same reason he is talking to the media - he has no choice. I hope he has a great year this year - for the team’s sake - but he is an arrogant, unstable distraction.