In a season where Chad Johnson was supposed to be "bringing sexy back," the Bengals had one of the worst seasons in recent history - drawing criticism of both the coaching staff and the players involved.
An ESPN interview with former loud-mouthed receiver Keyshawn Johnson caught the ire of many fans as the pot was calling out the kettle in many instances, as the retired Johnson was targeting the All-Pro Johnson for his team's demise.
Well, in a recent interview on ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning, Chad Johnson exclaimed that he felt mistreated by the Bengals organization, as no one stepped up to his defense when fingers were being pointed.
Johnson went on to say that the team should then "further itself from the problem," hinting that a trade demand was on the horizon, if not already on the table.
In 2006, Johnson signed a six-year deal for $35.5 million. Though hauling in 93 passes for over 1,400 yards this season, it has become evident that "CJ" was not the go-to receiver for the Bengals anymore, as teammate T.J. Houshmandzadeh caught 112 passes for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns (Johnson had eight).
Recent news of Houshmandzadeh's contract has hit the wires as the Bengals reportedly plan on reworking his current deal of four years and $13 million, which was signed back in 2005. The final straw for the organization, as well as Johnson, may have been the fact that Houshmandzadeh was named to the Pro Bowl this season, and Johnson was not, despite being third in the NFL in receive yards.
(Cincinnati Enquirer)
