Rumour: Bears cut Tank Johnson...

[brad7686]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/15/AR2006121502134.html

They say at least 35, so lets make that an even number an go 40. 53 times 32 equals 1696, divided by 40 means 1 in every 42 was arrested last year. Now, there are no stats on other professions to really compare that with. So i suppose we are at an impasse. 1 out of 42 doesn't sound bad but i'm sure that not 1 out of every 42 people are arrested in most professions. But i can't prove that.

Keep it at 35 and you have one player in every 48. Now, 53 players is the final roster for every team, of course, but each team has around 70 players coming into camp every year that have some chance of making the squad. The new ratio of 35 / 2240 would mean one player in every 64 was getting into legal trouble, or a little over one person per every team's training camp.

Keep in mind also that most of the charges are for things like "disorderly conduct" and some DUIs that players get. (Bruce Smith got a DUI while on our team -- does he seem like a trouble-maker?)

I won't argue as to how that compares to other leagues or professions, but in my mind the original claim that the troublemakers are (by far) the exception rather than the rule in the NFL seems to hold its own.

With cuts and everything it would be a statistician's nightmare to figure out the exact ratio. I don't know if they are just counting men on the 53's as NFL players or not. Either way I think i'm talking about magnitude of the crime more than anything else and i agree that there are a lot of clean players in the league. But there are many more players with "character issues" and the redskins don't look at any of them. They make up a pretty large portion of players, and it seems to me, at least ,that its mostly good players with these issues.

[SkinsJock]

The point that both FIOS and I are making is that there are very few guys that are considered "troublemakers" that are currently members of the NFL and those very few players are what is garnering the attention. Most of the players in the NFL are not perfect but they are in no way considered a liability to the image that the NFL is trying to protect.

This guy IMO should not be selected by any team - despite his situation he got himself into another situation - he embarrassed the Bears - he is responsible for his own actions and should not be picked up by another team which would mean he is now out of work - good riddance - hopefully this will provide an opportunity to someone worthwhile and this guy can go play with his guns.

There are many, many more good guys than bad ones in the NFL.

[BearSkins]

I know that signing this guy Tank Johnson would be a hugh gamble on the other hand this guy needs help and the Bears said they would help him and they never did. I know IF he did come to Washington Joe Gibbs would really help this guy unlike the Bears. the other thing is that he is suspended for half of the season and with this other situation with the DUI, I'm not sure if they will suspend some more games. All I know is this. This guy needs help and somebody needs to help him otherwise he will continue to make bad decisions.

Not sure where you are coming from with the assertion that the Bears didn't help Tank. They have stood by him through thick and thin through ALL his brushes with the law (bear in mind the weapons violation was FAR from his first brush), given him chance after chance after chance, defended him to the hilt and STILL he proves to be that most dangerous of animals - a moron with money. Check out his list of visitors in prison - TONS of his teamates giving him moral support, ex-teamates also, coaches too and even The Front Office. No, the Bears did PLENTY to help this guy (although I wish they had washed their hands of him sooner) but the only person that can REALLY help Tank is Tank and he is way too big of a clown to do it.

[jeremyroyce]

I know that signing this guy Tank Johnson would be a hugh gamble on the other hand this guy needs help and the Bears said they would help him and they never did. I know IF he did come to Washington Joe Gibbs would really help this guy unlike the Bears. the other thing is that he is suspended for half of the season and with this other situation with the DUI, I'm not sure if they will suspend some more games. All I know is this. This guy needs help and somebody needs to help him otherwise he will continue to make bad decisions.

Not sure where you are coming from with the assertion that the Bears didn't help Tank. They have stood by him through thick and thin through ALL his brushes with the law (bear in mind the weapons violation was FAR from his first brush), given him chance after chance after chance, defended him to the hilt and STILL he proves to be that most dangerous of animals - a moron with money. Check out his list of visitors in prison - TONS of his teamates giving him moral support, ex-teamates also, coaches too and even The Front Office. No, the Bears did PLENTY to help this guy (although I wish they had washed their hands of him sooner) but the only person that can REALLY help Tank is Tank and he is way too big of a clown to do it.

Well, did you remember when he was pulled over and the officer said he was drunk? Well I have an article here that says he was not drunk. The Bears did not help this guy at all. How can you say that after he had his weapon problem he said he would change and nobody helped him. Then all the sudden he is accused of being drunk and before even hearing the whole story the Bears release him. Here it is


http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6953270


Tank Johnson under legal limit in DUI arrest
Associated Press, Updated 2 hours ago




GILBERT, Ariz. (AP) - Tank Johnson's blood alcohol level was below the legal limit when the former Chicago Bears tackle was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving June 22.

Johnson's blood alcohol level was .072, under the presumptive limit in Arizona of .08 percent, police Sgt. Andrew Duncan said Monday. No charges have been filed pending results of a completed investigation.
Johnson, whose legal name is Terry Darnell Johnson, was arrested when officers pulled him over at 3:30 a.m. for driving 40 mph in a 25 mph zone. Duncan said an officer placed him under arrest because he believed Johnson was under the influence of alcohol. He was released without being booked or charged after providing a blood sample, and police said he was very cooperative.

The 25-year-old player was released by the Bears three days after his arrest. The team said it was "upset and embarrassed" by the defensive tackle's legal troubles.

The Bears declined comment Monday.

It is still possible for Johnson to be charged with DUI, but it would be unusual barring special circumstances. The law in Arizona provides for such prosecutions based on overall signs and symptoms of intoxication.

But Lorna Propes, an attorney for Johnson, emphasized Monday that the player hadn't been charged "and the fact that his blood level came back as it did is certainly encouraging."

Johnson already had been suspended for the first eight games of the 2007 season for violating probation on a gun charge. He spent two months in jail and was released in May.


Last December, police raided the 300-pound Johnson's suburban Chicago home and found six unregistered firearms - a violation of his probation on an earlier gun charge.

Two days after the December raid, Willie B. Posey, Johnson's bodyguard, was shot and killed in an early morning fight while he and Johnson were at a Chicago nightclub.

Johnson was suspended by the Bears for one game for being at the club. He played in the Super Bowl as the Bears lost to Indianapolis.

In March, Johnson began his two-month jail stint. In May, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor weapons charge from the December raid as part of a deal with prosecutors that kept him from serving more time in jail.

Johnson was chosen by the Bears in the second round of the 2004 draft out of Washington. He played in 46 games, starting 15.

[Steve Spurrier III]

No, the Bears did PLENTY to help this guy (although I wish they had washed their hands of him sooner) but the only person that can REALLY help Tank is Tank and he is way too big of a clown to do it.

I agree. If anything, the Bears did too much for him. Some people just can't be helped.

[jeremyroyce]

No, the Bears did PLENTY to help this guy (although I wish they had washed their hands of him sooner) but the only person that can REALLY help Tank is Tank and he is way too big of a clown to do it.

I agree. If anything, the Bears did too much for him. Some people just can't be helped.

No, the Bears did NOTHING for him.

[Steve Spurrier III]

Link, from Forbes.com:

"I want to thank the Bears organization and fans for their support during a difficult time," [Tank Johnson] said. "I regret that I have to leave Chicago under these circumstances and wish my friends at the Chicago Bears nothing but the best."

Tank Johnson doesn't seem to feel he was given a raw deal.

"We are upset and embarrassed by Tank's actions last week," general manager Jerry Angelo said in a statement. "He compromised the credibility of our organization. We made it clear to him that he had no room for error. Our goal was to help someone through a difficult period in his life, but the effort needs to come from both sides. It didn't, and we have decided to move on."

That's the bottom line. The Chicago Bears aren't a rehabilitation facility, they are a business. And if one of their employees is so stupid that he is out drinking and driving (which is what he did, even if his BAC was below the legal limit) at 3:00 AM after all his previous problems, then he's not reliable enough to keep around.

I'm not sure why you feel like professional athletes should be treated like children. These are adults, and Tank Johnson got a heck of a lot more slack than the average adult would from his employer.

[BearSkins]

[quote="jeremyroyce
Well, did you remember when he was pulled over and the officer said he was drunk? Well I have an article here that says he was not drunk. The Bears did not help this guy at all. How can you say that after he had his weapon problem he said he would change and nobody helped him. Then all the sudden he is accused of being drunk and before even hearing the whole story the Bears release him .[/quote]

Uh, you DO know that the weapons charges were far from the first time Tank had been in trouble, don't you? He's been nothing but trouble since day 1 and whover picks him up during the season - I am certain someone will be desperate enough by week 9 - will probably have nothing but trouble too. He's just one of those guys.

[jeremyroyce]

Link, from Forbes.com:

"I want to thank the Bears organization and fans for their support during a difficult time," [Tank Johnson] said. "I regret that I have to leave Chicago under these circumstances and wish my friends at the Chicago Bears nothing but the best."

Tank Johnson doesn't seem to feel he was given a raw deal.

"We are upset and embarrassed by Tank's actions last week," general manager Jerry Angelo said in a statement. "He compromised the credibility of our organization. We made it clear to him that he had no room for error. Our goal was to help someone through a difficult period in his life, but the effort needs to come from both sides. It didn't, and we have decided to move on."

That's the bottom line. The Chicago Bears aren't a rehabilitation facility, they are a business. And if one of their employees is so stupid that he is out drinking and driving (which is what he did, even if his BAC was below the legal limit) at 3:00 AM after all his previous problems, then he's not reliable enough to keep around.

I'm not sure why you feel like professional athletes should be treated like children. These are adults, and Tank Johnson got a heck of a lot more slack than the average adult would from his employer.

Why don't you read the article just a little harder. They were upset with Tank actions when he got pulled over and was accused of being drunk while he was driving. Uhh Whats wrong with this? Because number one he wasn't drunk and number 2 he did nothing wrong to warrant getting arrested. Oh the Bears said they were embarrased, well how do you think Tank feels after being falsely accused of something he didn't do and then being released after this. Okay, so maybe he did other things in the past, but after this weapon thing just maybe he is trying to change. And yes I do know that that the Bears are not a rehab center but there are people that do make bad decisions that may need help getting into the right direction. I'm not saying treat him like a child but help the guy for a little while.

[Steve Spurrier III]

Why don't you read the article just a little harder. They were upset with Tank actions when he got pulled over and was accused of being drunk while he was driving.

As they should have been.

Uhh Whats wrong with this? Because number one he wasn't drunk and number 2 he did nothing wrong to warrant getting arrested.

What's wrong with drinking so much alcohol that a 300+ pound man blows a .072 and then is driving at 3:00 AM after promising his employer he wasn't going to be out that late? Seriously?

Oh the Bears said they were embarrased, well how do you think Tank feels after being falsely accused of something he didn't do and then being released after this.

Hopefully embarrassed. And judging by his press release, not slighted (like you think he should).

Okay, so maybe he did other things in the past, but after this weapon thing just maybe he is trying to change.

If he were trying to change he wouldn't be out that late drinking and driving. It's sweet that you have that much faith in people, but it's pretty obvious that this guy doesn't get it.

And yes I do know that that the Bears are not a rehab center but there are people that do make bad decisions that may need help getting into the right direction. I'm not saying treat him like a child but help the guy for a little while.

So you know the Bears aren't a rehab center but want them to act like one? You know he's not a child but want a professional football team to hold his hand through his problems? He's 25 years old. He got a second chance and he blew it. And if he helps himself, grows up and cleans up his act, he'll get a third.

[jeremyroyce]

Why don't you read the article just a little harder. They were upset with Tank actions when he got pulled over and was accused of being drunk while he was driving.

As they should have been.

Uhh Whats wrong with this? Because number one he wasn't drunk and number 2 he did nothing wrong to warrant getting arrested.

What's wrong with drinking so much alcohol that a 300+ pound man blows a .072 and then is driving at 3:00 AM after promising his employer he wasn't going to be out that late? Seriously?

Oh the Bears said they were embarrased, well how do you think Tank feels after being falsely accused of something he didn't do and then being released after this.

Hopefully embarrassed. And judging by his press release, not slighted (like you think he should).

Okay, so maybe he did other things in the past, but after this weapon thing just maybe he is trying to change.

If he were trying to change he wouldn't be out that late drinking and driving. It's sweet that you have that much faith in people, but it's pretty obvious that this guy doesn't get it.

And yes I do know that that the Bears are not a rehab center but there are people that do make bad decisions that may need help getting into the right direction. I'm not saying treat him like a child but help the guy for a little while.

So you know the Bears aren't a rehab center but want them to act like one? You know he's not a child but want a professional football team to hold his hand through his problems? He's 25 years old. He got a second chance and he blew it. And if he helps himself, grows up and cleans up his act, he'll get a third.

I'm not saying that they should act like a rehab center my point is that the Bears released Tank Johnson without hearing the whole story and not hearing his side of the story. They got upset and said they were embarrased without hearing both sides of the story. I'm sorry but I think that Tank Johnson got screwed on this. IF the Bears would have waited and heard the whole story before releasing him and indeed he was proven drunk then I would say ok its time to move on. The guy said he was going to change and he hasn't and now he has been pulled over and he was drunk, but he wasn't drunk and so what if he was out until 3:00 am how many players are out that late as well? I'm sorry but I don't agree with you on this issue.

[Countertrey]

I'm sorry but I think that Tank Johnson got screwed on this.

Quite the anatomical trick, 'cause he did it to himself...

[Steve Spurrier III]

I'm not saying that they should act like a rehab center my point is that the Bears released Tank Johnson without hearing the whole story and not hearing his side of the story.

That's exactly what you are saying. You feel it is the Bears job to help Tank Johnson, when in reality it is Tank Johnson's job to help the Bears. Who is paying who?

They got upset and said they were embarrased without hearing both sides of the story. I'm sorry but I think that Tank Johnson got screwed on this. IF the Bears would have waited and heard the whole story before releasing him and indeed he was proven drunk then I would say ok its time to move on.

Why does he have to be proven drunk? After all he has been through, the mere fact that he is drinking and driving should prove what a loser he is. It shouldn't matter that he "only" had a .072 BAC.

The guy said he was going to change and he hasn't and now he has been pulled over and he was drunk, but he wasn't drunk and so what if he was out until 3:00 am how many players are out that late as well? I'm sorry but I don't agree with you on this issue.

How many players promised their teams they wouldn't be out that late? This guy lied to the Bears. And you don't think there should be consequences? Wake up.

[Redskins Rule]

Sorry Steve, but I'm with Jeremy on this one! This guy had a few when out at a bar or a party..............so what? Are you trying to say that you've never had a couple drinks at a party before? Or are you saying that you shouldn't? Either way............nevermind!

I can't believe you're ACTUALLY saying that drinking and driving is bad when there is a VERY BIG DIFFERENCE between drinking a FEW and driving and drinking ALOT and driving! THE LAW EVEN STATES THAT!!! I don't know if you fully realize this, but quite a few people.............Get this! They actually have a beer or two with their meal or..........EVEN WORSE actually have a glass of wine or champagne with their dinner AND OMG!!!!! THEY DRIVE AFTERWARDS!!!!

Lighten up on the DRINKING AND DRIVING!!!! Everyone does it and most states know you can drive on a few..............thats their law! If you don't like the law, thats fine! But, you don't have to like it, you just have know it/ obey it. Thats what Tank did! I don't understand why you're so pissed off over it................

[jeremyroyce]

I'm not saying that they should act like a rehab center my point is that the Bears released Tank Johnson without hearing the whole story and not hearing his side of the story.

That's exactly what you are saying. You feel it is the Bears job to help Tank Johnson, when in reality it is Tank Johnson's job to help the Bears. Who is paying who?

They got upset and said they were embarrased without hearing both sides of the story. I'm sorry but I think that Tank Johnson got screwed on this. IF the Bears would have waited and heard the whole story before releasing him and indeed he was proven drunk then I would say ok its time to move on.

Why does he have to be proven drunk? After all he has been through, the mere fact that he is drinking and driving should prove what a loser he is. It shouldn't matter that he "only" had a .072 BAC.

The guy said he was going to change and he hasn't and now he has been pulled over and he was drunk, but he wasn't drunk and so what if he was out until 3:00 am how many players are out that late as well? I'm sorry but I don't agree with you on this issue.

How many players promised their teams they wouldn't be out that late? This guy lied to the Bears. And you don't think there should be consequences? Wake up.

Well, if what you are saying is accurate then the Police would be pursuing DUI charges and there not, why? because he wasn't drunk. He was driving under the legal limit in Arizona. I don't know where you get this that he was drinking and driving because he was not drunk.

[Steve Spurrier III]

Well, if what you are saying is accurate then the Police would be pursuing DUI charges and there not, why? because he wasn't drunk. He was driving under the legal limit in Arizona. I don't know where you get this that he was drinking and driving because he was not drunk.

Had he been drinking? Was he driving? Is that not drinking and driving? His BAC was below the legal limit, so he can't be charged with a DUI, but don't mistake that with him not drinking and driving.

If his BAC was .000 or he had only had a beer or so, I could see your argument. But he blew a .072 - that's a lot of alcohol for a 300-pound man.

Sorry Steve, but I'm with Jeremy on this one! This guy had a few when out at a bar or a party..............so what?

He told the Bears he wasn't going to do that. That's what.

Are you trying to say that you've never had a couple drinks at a party before? Or are you saying that you shouldn't? Either way............nevermind!

No, if your BAC is below the legal limit, then you should be able to drive. But let's say you are my employee. You get arrested for a DUI and as a result miss a significant amount of work. You're good at what you do, so I don't want to lose you. So in return for me not firing you right then, you agree to stay away from the late night scene and stay out of trouble.

Then you get pulled over for speeding with .072 BAC at 3:00 AM. I, as an employer, am supposed to cut you another break (even though you lied to me) because you are under the legal limit by .008?

I can't believe you're ACTUALLY saying that drinking and driving is bad when there is a VERY BIG DIFFERENCE between drinking a FEW and driving and drinking ALOT and driving! THE LAW EVEN STATES THAT!!! I don't know if you fully realize this, but quite a few people.............Get this! They actually have a beer or two with their meal or..........EVEN WORSE actually have a glass of wine or champagne with their dinner AND OMG!!!!! THEY DRIVE AFTERWARDS!!!!

I'm not asking he be charged with a crime. What he did, in and of itself, isn't a problem. But looking at the big picture, it shows that he just doesn't get it.

Lighten up on the DRINKING AND DRIVING!!!! Everyone does it and most states know you can drive on a few..............thats their law! If you don't like the law, thats fine! But, you don't have to like it, you just have know it/ obey it. Thats what Tank did! I don't understand why you're so pissed off over it................

My problem with what Tank did isn't a legal one. It's a professional one. You don't have to break the law to prove you aren't reliable.

[jeremyroyce]

Well, if what you are saying is accurate then the Police would be pursuing DUI charges and there not, why? because he wasn't drunk. He was driving under the legal limit in Arizona. I don't know where you get this that he was drinking and driving because he was not drunk.

Had he been drinking? Was he driving? Is that not drinking and driving? His BAC was below the legal limit, so he can't be charged with a DUI, but don't mistake that with him not drinking and driving.

If his BAC was .000 or he had only had a beer or so, I could see your argument. But he blew a .072 - that's a lot of alcohol for a 300-pound man.

Sorry Steve, but I'm with Jeremy on this one! This guy had a few when out at a bar or a party..............so what?

He told the Bears he wasn't going to do that. That's what.

Are you trying to say that you've never had a couple drinks at a party before? Or are you saying that you shouldn't? Either way............nevermind!

No, if your BAC is below the legal limit, then you should be able to drive. But let's say you are my employee. You get arrested for a DUI and as a result miss a significant amount of work. You're good at what you do, so I don't want to lose you. So in return for me not firing you right then, you agree to stay away from the late night scene and stay out of trouble.

Then you get pulled over for speeding with .072 BAC at 3:00 AM. I, as an employer, am supposed to cut you another break (even though you lied to me) because you are under the legal limit by .008?

I can't believe you're ACTUALLY saying that drinking and driving is bad when there is a VERY BIG DIFFERENCE between drinking a FEW and driving and drinking ALOT and driving! THE LAW EVEN STATES THAT!!! I don't know if you fully realize this, but quite a few people.............Get this! They actually have a beer or two with their meal or..........EVEN WORSE actually have a glass of wine or champagne with their dinner AND OMG!!!!! THEY DRIVE AFTERWARDS!!!!

I'm not asking he be charged with a crime. What he did, in and of itself, isn't a problem. But looking at the big picture, it shows that he just doesn't get it.

Lighten up on the DRINKING AND DRIVING!!!! Everyone does it and most states know you can drive on a few..............thats their law! If you don't like the law, thats fine! But, you don't have to like it, you just have know it/ obey it. Thats what Tank did! I don't understand why you're so pissed off over it................

My problem with what Tank did isn't a legal one. It's a professional one. You don't have to break the law to prove you aren't reliable.

How is Tank Johnson not reliable? He didn't do anything wrong. What he did was within the law of Arizona so there for he did not break the law. Had he broke the law then I could see the Bears getting rid of him

[Steve Spurrier III]

If you won't recognize the difference between wrong versus right and legal versus illegal, this isn't a conversation worth having.

There are tons of fireable offenses which aren't crimes - that doesn't make them less legitimate. Lying to your employer happens to be one of those.

[jeremyroyce]

If you won't recognize the difference between wrong versus right and legal versus illegal, this isn't a conversation worth having.

There are tons of fireable offenses which aren't crimes - that doesn't make them less legitimate. Lying to your employer happens to be one of those.

Can you show me an article that says that he promised the Bears that he would never go out again late at night?

[Steve Spurrier III]

The best I can do is this:

Just days before his arrest, Johnson had promised the Bears and NFL officials that he would clean up his act.

That might not be the most reputable source, but a simple Google News search lists countless articles making it incredibly clear that after multiple arrests, months in jail and an eight game suspension, that he was down to his last strike.

Whether you think driving 40 in a 25 mph zone with a .072 BAC should constitute a strike, I don't know (and just for the record, he could have been charged with a misdemeanor for driving in a slightly impaired state). But only a fool would continue to count on this guy.

[UK Skins Fan]

No sympathy here. The guy seems to fit the definition of a bum, as far as I can tell.

[HEROHAMO]

He would just do the same thing on our team, if we picked him up. Some one will sign him. I just dont want this guy on the Skins he is just bad newz.

[jeremyroyce]

The best I can do is this:

Just days before his arrest, Johnson had promised the Bears and NFL officials that he would clean up his act.

That might not be the most reputable source, but a simple Google News search lists countless articles making it incredibly clear that after multiple arrests, months in jail and an eight game suspension, that he was down to his last strike.

Whether you think driving 40 in a 25 mph zone with a .072 BAC should constitute a strike, I don't know (and just for the record, he could have been charged with a misdemeanor for driving in a slightly impaired state). But only a fool would continue to count on this guy.

Ok. Thank you for the article. I can see where you are coming from. And I understand more now after I read that article. Just curious do you honestly think that he is trying to change?