NFL

Chiefs RB faces assault charge

Larry Johnson's standing with the Chiefs will not be affected by the incident, coach Dick Vermeil said.

By wire services
Published September 14, 2005

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Larry Johnson faces an assault charge after an altercation with his girlfriend at a bar, the latest in a series of troubles with the law for the Kansas City running back.

Police spokesman Darin Snapp said Johnson was cited Monday for domestic abuse assault. He posted bond and was released, with a court date set for Sept.20.

Snapp said Johnson's girlfriend came into the bar early Saturday and saw him with another woman. The 25-year-old girlfriend of Overland Park, Kan., walked away, Snapp said, but Johnson text messaged her and asked her to meet him downstairs.

He then grabbed the woman by the arm and pulled her to the front door, where Johnson asked the manager to make her leave, Snapp said. The manager said he could not do that.

Snapp said Johnson became irate after his girlfriend confronted the other woman. The running back grabbed his girlfriend by the shoulders and shoved her to the floor, the police report said.

The Kansas City Star reported on its Web site Tuesday that the girlfriend denied she was pushed or dragged to the door. Snapp said the woman told police she did not want Johnson arrested but wanted the incident documented.

Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said the incident will not affect Johnson's standing with the team.

Johnson was charged in December 2003 with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor domestic battery for allegedly brandishing a gun during an argument with an ex-girlfriend. He entered a diversion program and was required to complete 120 hours of community service, attend an anger management course and stay out of trouble for two years.

MORE CHIEFS: Cornerback Patrick Surtain (mild concussion) and fullback Tony Richardson (sprained knee) probably will play Sunday at Oakland, Vermeil said. An MRI showed left tackle Willie Roaf has a strained hamstring. Coaches feared the 10-time Pro Bowler had a more serious injury which could have sidelined him for a month or more. A decision about whether Roaf will play Sunday will be made later this week. Defensive tackle Ryan Sims (foot injury) will fly to North Carolina for a second opinion.

COLTS: The team activated safety Mike Doss from the reserve-suspended list. Last week the NFL reduced Doss' suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy from two games to one. He will be available Sunday against Jacksonville, but coach Tony Dungy was not sure Doss would play (groin injury).

EAGLES: Quarterback Donovan McNabb (bruised chest) underwent a series of tests and may not play Sunday against San Francisco. McNabb was injured Monday night when he was hit from behind by Atlanta defensive end Brady Smith and then took a helmet shot to the chest from defensive tackle Chad Lavalais.

REDSKINS: The team signed kicker Nick Novak and cut kick returner Antonio Brown. Washington needed a kicker after John Hall strained his quadriceps against the Bears. Hall has not been ruled out for Monday night's game against Dallas, but coach Joe Gibbs indicated it was unlikely Hall would be able to play.

TITANS: The team waived tackle Todd Williams to make room for tackle Brad Hopkins, who served a one-game suspension Sunday at Pittsburgh. The 12-year veteran was punished by the NFL after he pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife, Ellen.

OBITUARY: Toni Fritsch, who went from Austrian soccer player to NFL kicker, died Tuesday. He was 60. The Austria Press Agency reported he collapsed and died of heart failure in Vienna after eating at a restaurant. Fritsch, who played for Dallas, San Diego, the Houston Oilers and New Orleans, holds a league record by having kicked a field goal in 13 straight playoff games. New England's Adam Vinatieri has a streak of 12.

ARENA FOOTBALL: The Storm left defensive specialists Fred Booker and Clinton Hart, receiver/linebacker Ronney Daniels and lineman Paul LaQuerre unprotected for the Sept.26 expansion draft that will stock the Utah Blaze. Former Florida State quarterback and 2004 league rookie of the year Adrian McPherson, currently with the New Orleans Saints, also is among 95 available players. The draft consists of a maximum of 20 rounds. Once a player is taken from an existing team, it can pull back one player.

--Times staff writer Frank Pastor contributed to this report.

[Last modified September 14, 2005, 02:15:34]