Bengals WR Johnson fined

Nov 21, 2008 - 8:15 PM CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis on Friday said wide receiver Chad Johnson was fined for an unspecified violation that caused him to miss Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Bengals deactivated Johnson for Thursday's 27-10 loss to the Steelers, citing a violation of a team rule.

Lewis said Johnson was back at work Friday to receive treatment for a sore knee. He left without talking to the media.

While the Bengals offered no specifics of why Johnson was deactivated, several media outlets in Cincinnati reported the flamboyant wideout overslept an 8:30 p.m. meeting on Wednesday.

Johnson, who had played in 113 consecutive games for the Bengals (1-8-1), has 41 catches for 383 yards and is tied for the team lead with four touchdown receptions.

It marked the latest chapter in the five-time Pro Bowler's tenuous relationship with the struggling franchise.

Johnson made no secret of his frustration with the organization during the offseason and demanded to be traded in April, adding that he would not report to any team functions. He even threatened to sit out the entire 2008 season at one point, drawing criticism from his teammates, fans and the local media.