 Old Chad Is Back Receiver resumes war of words with Falcons cornerback Chad Johnson couldn’t remain staid forever. About the only thing that remained flamboyant for the Bengals receiver this season had been his blond Mohawk haircut. And it was killing him to keep quiet. So yesterday, with a longawaited matchup against Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall just four days away, Johnson returned to his default trashtalking mode. "Coach (Marvin) Lewis has told me to tone it down," said Johnson, who’s on the Sports Illustrated cover this week. "I’ve been quiet all year. I haven’t said much. I’m back. I’m going to let it rip." His first order of business was to announce that, in honor of Hispanic Heritage month, he wanted to be referred to as "Ocho-cinco," Spanish for 8-5. Next, he also renamed the Falcons cornerback. "DeAngelo Fall. Do not say ‘Hall’ or I’m going to stop the interview," he said with mock seriousness. Johnson and Hall have been engaged in a playful war of words since playing against each other at the Pro Bowl last February. "Every time we see each other in the offseason, on radio shows and TV shows, he continues to talk," Johnson said. "That’s not his game. He can’t do what Ocho-cinco does." Johnson said he’ll make Hall look so bad that he’ll have to seek employment at the Atlanta Fatburgers restaurant owned by Bengals right tackle Willie Anderson. Johnson also vowed to score two touchdowns this week and to have a celebration that’ll draw a fine. "I’m tired of being quiet," said Johnson, who has yet to have a monster game this season. "I ain’t had no motivation. I ain’t had no energy. I ain’t had no drive. Nothing to look forward to on Sunday. I don’t care if they put five people on me. I’m going to get it done this week." Hall was amused by Johnson’s brash talk. "Great one-liner," he said when informed of Johnson’s new name for him. "I’m just going to come out there and play, man." Warrick works out
Former Bengals receiver Peter Warrick, released after the preseason by Seattle, worked out for Cincinnati coaches Tuesday. Lewis downplayed the significance of the workout. "We work out guys every week," Lewis said. With a depleted receivers corps, the Bengals could use someone who knows their system, but nothing appears imminent. Bengals bits
After completing a two-week suspension, Chris Henry was back at practice yesterday. Lewis remained noncommittal about whether the receiver would play Sunday. The Bengals have the option of not activating Henry onto the roster until next week. … Receiver Antonio Chatman (groin) and linebacker Rashad Jeanty (foot) were listed as questionable on the injury report. Quarterback Anthony Wright (appendectomy), left tackle Levi Jones (knee), center Rich Braham (leg) and receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring) are out. Columbus Dispatch http://columbusdispatch.com/bengals/bengals.php?story=dispatch/2006/10/26/20061026-E3-02.html |
