Primetime0201
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It's practice-optional this time of year in the NFL, which is why most coaches and players don't get too caught up in who shows up and who doesn't. Voluntary workouts, in addition to serving their intended purpose, are also something of a testing ground for guys interested in holding out for more money.
Marion Barber and Kellen Winslow are two such players, still on their rookie deals looking for a sizable pay raise. Chad Johnson is an old hand at this, however.
He's made it clear since the day the 2007 season ended that he wanted out of Cincinnati, even though he's currently very well paid and has several years left on his existing contract. For him, it's not about the money (even though, you know, it's about the money).
He, along with the Bengals' No. 2 receiver, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, are no-shows at OTAs, but the real pissing match between employer and employee begins in a month:
Marion Barber and Kellen Winslow are two such players, still on their rookie deals looking for a sizable pay raise. Chad Johnson is an old hand at this, however.
He's made it clear since the day the 2007 season ended that he wanted out of Cincinnati, even though he's currently very well paid and has several years left on his existing contract. For him, it's not about the money (even though, you know, it's about the money).
He, along with the Bengals' No. 2 receiver, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, are no-shows at OTAs, but the real pissing match between employer and employee begins in a month:
The team's mandatory full-squad minicamp is scheduled for June 12-14, Thursday through Saturday. Those practices will be the first required for players and could represent a showdown of sorts with disgruntled wide receiver Chad Johnson. He could be fined if he misses the workouts.
Johnson has demanded a trade, though he has four years remaining on the contract extension he signed in April 2006. Johnson has said he would not report for any team event.
And any fines Mr. Ocho Cinco would incur would be on top of the $250 large he's already donated to the team's favorite charity. I can't imagine the Bengals would let Johnson sit out the season (and frankly, I can't imagine Johnson would follow through on that threat), which means that I expect him to be in Dallas by mid-July. Either that, or he'll be a regular on "Under One Roof."Johnson has demanded a trade, though he has four years remaining on the contract extension he signed in April 2006. Johnson has said he would not report for any team event.