Follow Up: Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chief, National Football League

Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, who used a homophobic epithet on two occasions in the wake of Sunday's 37-7 loss to the Chargers, has issued an apology.

"First of all, I want to apologize to the fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the NFL, Commissioner Goodell, the Chiefs organization, Coach Todd Haley, his staff, and my teammates for the words I used yesterday," Johnson said in a statement issued by agent Peter Schaffer.  "I regret my actions. The words were used by me in frustration, and they were not appropriate. I did not intend to offend anyone, but that is no excuse for what I said. 

"I also want to apologize to all the kids who view athletes as role models. I was not a good role model yesterday and hopefully I can become a better role model.  We all make mistakes, and the challenge is to learn from them.  I will do my best to learn from this one as I move toward becoming a better person, teammate, and member of the Kansas City chiefs team and community."

Johnson used the term "fag" in direction of one on his Twitter followers, and then told reporters on Monday to "get your faggot asses out of here."  The league office has said that it is exploring the situation, and discipline could be imposed by the Chiefs, the NFL, or both.

[Editor's note:  We previously characterized the Chiefs' action against Johnson as a suspension.  We're told that it isn't, and that he agreed to stay home until the ongoing investigation regarding his comments is completed.  Though it's arguably a matter of semantics, neither the team nor the player view the action as a suspension.]

Well, the apology was apparently too little, and too late.

The Chiefs have announced that running back Larry Johnson has been sent home. 

"The Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League are continuing to investigate the alleged comments made by Larry Johnson," the statement from the team says.  "Until that review is complete, the Chiefs have instructed Larry to refrain from practicing with the Chiefs or participating in other team activities.  A decision regarding Larry's status will be made once the investigation has concluded."

Johnson used the term "fag" in communicating with one of his Twitter followers, and Johnson said to reporters Monday, "Get your faggot asses out of here."

But before the Chiefs or the league decide to take serious action against Johnson, both the team and the folks at 280 Park Avenue should consider that former Lions CEO Matt Millen twice called Johnnie Morton a "faggot" after a game in 2003 -- and that no action was taken against Millen, who like Johnson publicly apologized.

Then again, if coaches who break jaws (accidentally or otherwise) will be treated differently than players who punch other players, it should be no surprise that Millen got a pass, and that Johnson might find himself losing a game check or two.