KCSTAR: LJ’s case heard by special master

LJ’s case heard by special master

By ADAM TEICHER

The Kansas City Star

The case between the Chiefs and running back Larry Johnson was heard Wednesday by a special master, but he made no ruling. Neither side was certain when a ruling would be given.
At issue is $3.75 million of guaranteed money Johnson is due from the Chiefs in the contract extension he signed in August 2007. The contract calls for $3.5 million of Johnson’s 2009 salary and $250,000 of his 2010 salary to be guaranteed regardless of whether he plays for them or not.
The Chiefs claim the one-game suspension he received from the NFL last year for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy is a breach of his contract and frees them from having to pay the guaranteed money.
A source familiar with the situation has said the Chiefs would probably release Johnson if they prevail, suggesting the team wouldn’t be going through the trouble if it didn’t intend to free him from his contract.