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Two-time Pro Bowl pick Larry Johnson , the running back whose once-dominant play on the field has been overshadowed of late by controversies and suspensions, was cut Monday by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Johnson, 29, had been due to report back to the Chiefs (1-7) this week after a two-week suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.
Late last month, he questioned first-year coach Todd Haley 's ability on his Twitter account and ridiculed critical fans, using a gay slur.
Last season, he clashed with then-coach Herm Edwards , was benched for three games for violating team rules and was docked one game by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell because of a player-conduct violation related to an incident at a Kansas City bar. Two women claimed Johnson was abusive to them. He pleaded guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace and was placed on probation.
Haley said there wasn't a singular breaking point. "It was the totality of the situation -- and even before I was around here," he said Monday.
Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer , said he has had a number of positive conversations with a number of teams and that while his client had hoped to mend fences in Kansas City, "he's excited to get a fresh start."
Drafted 27th overall by the Chiefs in 2003 from Penn State, Johnson rushed for 1,750 yards in 2005 and a team-record 1,789 yards in 2006.
He has rushed for 358 yards on 132 attempts
Boldin pardoned
Arizona coach Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt is brushing aside receiver Anquan Boldin 's critical comments that followed the Cardinals' 41-21 victory at Chicago. Boldin was limited in practice by an ankle injury. He warmed up for the game, felt good and expected to play, only to find his gear had been removed from his locker.
"Nobody was man enough to come and tell me what was the situation," Boldin said.
Whisenhunt said he told Boldin shortly after the list of inactive players was submitted. The coach gave the players Monday off and said Boldin 's attitude "doesn't concern me at all."
"In fact, that is kind of what you like to see because he wants to play," Whisenhunt said.
Around the league
Panthers » Linebacker Thomas Davis has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will miss the rest of the season. He was injured in Sunday's loss to New Orleans.
Bears » Saying he was embarrassed and that he has to control himself, Chicago defensive tackle Tommie Harris apologized Monday for throwing a punch at Arizona offensive lineman Deuce Lutui a day earlier.
Raiders » Running back Darren McFadden , receiver Chaz Schilens , left guard Robert Gallery and right tackle Cornell Green returned to practice Monday from injuries and are expected to play against Kansas City this week.
Giants » Backup linebacker Gerris Wilkinson will be sidelined up to two months following surgery to repair a dislocated right wrist. Wilkinson was hurt in the Giants' loss to San Diego on Sunday.
Packers » Outside linebacker Aaron Kampman played most of Sunday's loss at Tampa Bay with a concussion before leaving the game in the fourth quarter.
