L.J. Wants To Stay

Now that the Chiefs have successfully avoided $3.75 million in future guaranteed base salaries previously owed to running back Larry Johnson, the 2003 first-rounder wants a chance to earn the money. Barely two months after a borderline bizarre radio interview regarding his desire to leave town, featuring inflammatory audio from the movie Scarface, Johnson has changed his mind. “He’s excited about the direction the team is going in,” agent Peter Schaffer told the Kansas City Star. “What happened today has no bearing on Larry’s desire to play for the Chiefs.” It’s not surprising, since Johnson apparently now realizes that no one else will pay him the money that he’s due to earn this season in K.C. But perhaps it’s a sign that Johnson has finally matured, and that he’s ready to be a good teammate and solid citizen, whether he plays for the Chiefs or someone else in 2009.