NFL suspends Chiefs RB Johnson

Oct 31, 2008 - 10:17 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The NFL has suspended troubled running back Larry Johnson for the Kansas City Chiefs' game against the San Diego Chargers on November 9 for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

The league issued the suspension Friday, two days before the Chiefs host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"We respect the decision of Commissioner (Roger) Goodell," team president Carl Peterson said. "The NFL Player Conduct Policy sets forth a set of standards that all NFL players, coaches and staff members must abide by.

"Upon the completion of his suspension, we sincerely hope that Larry will be ready to return to the field for the Chiefs, determined to make a positive contribution to our team and, with the assistance of the people around him, turn his life around."

Johnson also will be inactive against the Buccaneers after being charged with simple assault Monday for allegedly spitting his drink in a woman's face earlier this month.

The 28-year-old also had an assault charge filed against him two weeks ago stemming from an incident in which he allegedly pushed a woman at a Kansas City nightclub on February 24.

Johnson reportedly has been accused by a woman of criminal offenses four times since he joined the Chiefs five years ago. Johnson led the AFC in rushing with 417 yards prior to serving a suspension against the Tennessee Titans two weeks ago.

Johnson also was inactive for last Sunday's 28-24 loss to the New York Jets.

The league's suspension policy dictates that Johnson will not be allowed on the Chiefs' premises until November 10.

A first-round draft pick of Kansas City in 2003, Johnson had back-to-back seasons of 1,700-plus yards in 2005 and 2006, rushing for 37 touchdowns in that span.