by Aaron Wilson
November 04, 02009
Kansas City Chiefs fans have launched an online petition asking that general manager Scott Pioli deactivate controversial running back Larry Johnson for the remainder of the season when his suspension ends
Their motivation? They don't want Johnson to become the franchise's all-time leading rusher.
He currently needs just 75 yards to reach that milestone, which would eclipse former running back Priest Holmes. Johnson has 5,996 yards to trail Holmes' rushing record of 6,070 yards.
"While we are thankful for his service, we feel that Larry has been a black eye on the organization and has no business being mentioned," the petition states, which has over 1,400 signatures. "We are asking you, as fans of this team, this organization, and of the pride that this city has in the Chiefs, please deactivate Larry Johnson. Please do not let his name sit atop the all-time rushing leaders in Kansas City Chiefs history.
"He has never represented anything close to the values that we have for our Chiefs and it would be another dagger to the fans that continue to support this proud franchise. We are asking this as a favor to those of us who have supported this team long, long, long before you were brought in. We will support you through thick and thin. You will find out that we are a loyal, loyal bunch. However, allowing Larry Johnson to attain a record is something that can never be erased."
Johnson is currently suspended through Nov. 8 following critical comments of coach Todd Haley as well as making gay slurs. A settlement was reached that reduced the amount of lost wages to $315,000.
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