Running back Chris Johnson isn’t ready to call it a career, but it doesn’t sound like he’s doing himself any favors. WFTS in Tampa Bay (via Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com) reports that the free agent is facing a misdemeanor battery charge in Florida.
The charge stems from allegations that Johnson assaulted a valet driver in Tampa, causing the victim to suffer a cut lip and bloody nose. Surveillance cameras reportedly captured the confrontation, and after the club’s owner identified Johnson, the victim separately picked him out of a lineup. Through his lawyer, the veteran entered a plea of not guilty earlier this week.
We heard back in March that the 32-year-old wasn’t ready to retire, with Johnson stating that he wanted to “give it another go.” Johnson didn’t have many suitors last offseason, and he ended up catching on with the Cardinals on a one-year deal. Arizona cut the veteran one month into the season, and the running back didn’t attract any reported interest after that.
In those four games (three starts), Johnson compiled 114 rushing yards on 45 carries. He added another five receptions for 43 yards. The former first-rounder last looked solid during the 2015 campaign, compiling 814 rushing yards and three scores. When Johnson suffered a suffered a fractured tibia in Week 12 of that season, the door opened for David Johnson, who has since emerged as one of the league’s top young rushers.
The market for 32-year old RBs is virtually non-existent, regardless of criminal records. He best just quietly hang it up. Fun while it lasted.