Keyshawn vs Chad- A sad display

[bengalspride1219]

http://www.chicagosportsreview.com/intheme...ew.asp?c=202993

I will leave delving into historic and antagonistic black versus black arguments to others. And I, unfortunately, do not expect some people to understand what I am about to say, which is sad because that means you probably relished the scene that was so disheartening to many people of color, including me. The glee with which the Keyshawn Johnson vs. Chad Johnson verbal jousting on ESPN's NFL Countdown was viewed is clearly illustrated in this comment left by one of the readers of the blog, The Big Lead:

Is there any chance in hell that we can get SI to take Chris Berman off of ESPNs hands? He would complete the demise of SI as the sports bible as we once knew it.

Bermans "My Sharona" bit for Rob Bironas eight fild (sic) goals last night was so f**king stupid… His bit on Sage Rosenfels was equally as nauseating…

I never thought I would say this but Keyshawn Johnson and his Interview of Chad Johnson was one of the best interviews I think I have EVER seen on ESPN.... (emphasis mine)

It was embarrassing to watch Keyshawn Johnson play what I consider to be the "Big House" role in his ESPN, NFL Countdown interview with Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson. The sight of two black men arguing publicly - as they seem to have privately - about how one of them is perceived by a largely white audience, was hurtful on many levels.

And Keyshawn Johnson appeared to relish the opportunity to act as an authority, to please his masters and embarrass a younger man who obviously felt at one time that Keyshawn was a mentor.

The backdrop to this debacle of an interview is a report that earlier this season, Chad Johnson nearly came to blows with his head coach, Marvin Lewis. Further, there are allegations from so-called Bengals "insiders" that Johnson's celebrations are disruptive to the team, and that the Bengals management is seriously considering trading the receiver.

Interestingly, before these reports from anonymous insiders, Johnson announced he was no longer performing choreographed celebrations after touchdowns until Cincinnati won enough games to be considered a viable force in the NFL. Johnson has repeatedly said he is embarrassed by his team's performance this season and has expressed his frustration about a roster that, when he looks around the locker room, possesses the talent to be an elite NFL team.

Chad Johnson was initially taken aback by K. Johnson's adversarial tack, and obviously felt forced to defend himself by reminding Keyshawn that he learned much about how to perceive the goings-on in and around the NFL from him.

K. Johnson told his once-protege that, "people are saying that you're hurting your team." Chad told Keyshawn in no uncertain terms that he did not care what the public thought and asked how he was hurting the team. Keyshawn responded with another baseless charge: "The perception is you're tearing your team apart."

This, dare I say "house negro" statement that was delivered with K. Johnson's trademark "I gotcha" smile-sneer, was purposely derisive and divisive. Whether C. Johnson knew it or not, K. Johnson was playing an alpha dog game; I am older, but still able to play ball if I so choose; I invented the modern method of living outside of the NFL norm; I am the person you came to for advice, and now I can make or break you.

It was painfully obvious that C. Johnson's eyes were saying, "No this guy is not doing this to me. Key, you cannot be seriously saying this to me, but you are; come on don't do this, not in public." If eyes had a voice, Chad Johnson's were letting out a plaintive wail to a man who, in one brief series of moments, traversed the emotional space from friend to enemy.

To his credit, C. Johnson gathered himself quickly and flipped the charges onto his interrogator:

"Do you think I'm tearing the team apart?"

To which K. Johnson attempted to skirt a direct answer:

It's not for me to answer. I'm asking you.

Which was met with, "No, no do you think I'm tearing the team apart?"

Finally, K. Johnson said, "I see you as a disruption."

Chad Johnson, at this point, nearly exploded. As his eyes narrowed he let Keyshawn "Big House" Johnson know that when the Cincinnati Bengals were winning, the celebrations were no problem. Now, when the Bengals start the season 1-4, Johnson's celebrations are a disruption. He let Big House know that there was an illogic to his thoughts and that they never should have been stated.

In response to this still-polite dressing down, Big House attempted to recover his upper hand:

"When you lose they point at you. That's the way it works, you know that."

From this point on, the conversation deteriorated rapidly. C. Johnson told his on-camera adversary that it was Johnson who taught him how to be in the NFL. At this point K. Johnson lifted his head just a little higher than normal and suddenly transformed himself into a throwback, living grand Nubian anthropological museum piece from 18th century England and intoned in his best Western-inflected voice, "But I didn't dance."

K. Johnson's final statement before rising from his seat and announcing that the interview was over was a response to the younger Johnson's statement explaining the differences in their acts as the result of geographic differences. C. Johnson said, You're from the West and I'm from the East to which K. Johnson responded with that smile-sneer, "I'm from the West and you're from the South." The not-so-subtle dis was a nod to a Jason Whitlock Fox Sports commentary where Whitlock equated C. Johnson's choreographed routines to bojangling as if he was a slave.

Whether Chad understood the ramifications of the other Johnson's geographic put-down is unknown.

---------------------

The interview after party was held on the set of NFL Countdown. Keyshawn Johnson, mythical fifth drink in hand, immediately fired a salvo at his non-relative Johnson like a well-on-his-way-to-inebriated ex high school football player who transferred to the school in his senior year and lucked up on a state champion team. He told a national audience that what truly differentiated him from Chad Johnson was that he won a Super Bowl and C. Johnson hasn't won anything. It was an interesting statement from a man who was reviled by his Tampa Bay Buccaneer teammates for acting aloof and "above it all," and for his "me first" attitude.

Former Bucs nose tackle Warren Sapp went so far as to take time in his narration of a half-hour documentary on the Tampa Bay Super Bowl season for NFL Films to excoriate Johnson. He told the world that many of the Bucs held off-season workouts in Miami at Sapp's house and Johnson was invited. But he was a no-show. Sapp called the wide receiver a self-centered prima donna, and indicated that Johnson felt himself above other players.

Back at the party, Mike Ditka acted as the harmless old drunk who never quite catches an entire conversation but in his state thinks he hears everything. "What gets me is that he [C. Johnson] said he didn't care." Ditka, 45 years blurry from too many poorly-padded, helmet-to-helmets apparently never heard Johnson say that he didn't care what the public thought. Tom Jackson played his role as ultra-conservative old school negro who hates black people as much as he hates racism and pooh-poohed C. Johnson's routines.

Emmitt Smith, along with Mormon lawyer Steve Young, acted as the teetotalers of the group and tried to rein in Big House Johnson, Ditka, and Jackson with context, full thoughts and perspective. But like an ever-drunk host grateful for the company, Chris Berman sided with his inebriated good buddies and mumbled something about wishing Johnson's Hall-of-Fame jacket sideline prop read, "Phoenix or Bust" instead of "Future HOF-er."

The scene was disgusting and sloppy even for live television, just the way Big House Johnson needed it to be to get his point across at the expense of Cincinnati's Johnson.

What was interesting about the whole affair was the statement of delineation by Keyshawn Johnson to Chad Johnson: "I'm from the West and you're from the South." These words said, I am a properly educated black man who is well-versed in how white people play the upwardly mobile game, and I have learned to properly manipulate their game.

You, on the other hand, use slave diction, have slave-like gold teeth in your mouth, and have no idea about how whites live and navigate their way through their world beyond dancing like a bojangling jigaboo for them. You hope that through your dancing you will earn a place at their dinner table - and you will; as the entertaining sideshow negro. But unlike me, you can never demand respect from them because the moment you do, they will let you know that all you are to do is dance or shut up, depending on what they want -------- period.

Big House Johnson proved this by publishing a book early in his career, Just Give Me the Damn Ball. It was a gross show of the spirit of capitalism. However, what Johnson did not know is that while he thought he was "playing the game," the game was playing him.

Johnson invested his money wisely, in real estate and successful restaurants. With his monetary accomplishments, he thought he was on a level playing field with his employers, NFL management: the owners, the GMs, the head coaches. But in 2003, less than one year removed from a Super Bowl win with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Big House Johnson was banished from the Bucs 10 games into the season for "conduct detrimental to the team." That was a message to Johnson letting him know exactly where his place in the game is, which is certainly not on the same playing field as those he views as his white peers.

Here we are, almost four years later, and Keyshawn Johnson apparently forgot 2003. He forgot earlier this year when acting as an NFL Draft expert for ESPN, Johnson watched the team he played for the previous season - the Carolina Panthers - draft Dwayne Jarrett from his alma mater, USC. In front of a national television audience, Johnson told Jarrett that it was obvious that the Panthers drafted Jarrett for Johnson to act as a mentor to the similarly-talented receiver. He told Jarrett he would be there for him and aid him at every turn.

Ten days later, Keyshawn Johnson was unceremoniously released by the Panthers.

Eight months later, Johnson is back in his element. He is an "expert" analyst. He is made more comfortable by being often paired on set with his favorite head coach, Bill Parcells. After the Chad Johnson interview, it is apparent that Johnson is too comfortable.

Once again his memory is failing him; he has forgotten the repeated lessons. If he is not careful, soon enough Keyshawn Johnson will be shown once again that the "Big House" is the residence where he works, not lives.

________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________

dunno if this was posted already...

[BengalByTheBay]

Interesting comment about the "no, you're from the South" statement. I hadn't read that into it, but I see how it could be interpreted that way. I suppose my thought would be that I'm not sure Keyshawn packed all that into it when he said it because it was a comletely off-the-cuff statement. Maybe so though. The overall "betrayal" aspect of the whole thing did strike me when I watched it. Chad really did seem to be saying that he couldn't believe Key would take that approach with him when it's so incredibly clear that Keyshawn was as big a pr*ck as a teammate as anybody could be. Maybe this is what Keyshawn felt he needs to do to make a career for himself in broadcasting. Seems pathetic to me.

[HairOnFire]

K. Johnson's final statement before rising from his seat and announcing that the interview was over was a response to the younger Johnson's statement explaining the differences in their acts as the result of geographic differences. C. Johnson said, You're from the West and I'm from the East to which K. Johnson responded with that smile-sneer, "I'm from the West and you're from the South." The not-so-subtle dis was a nod to a Jason Whitlock Fox Sports commentary where Whitlock equated C. Johnson's choreographed routines to bojangling as if he was a slave.

Whether Chad understood the ramifications of the other Johnson's geographic put-down is unknown.

Grab the babies and seek shelter, because Jason Whitlock's newest article is out and he starts exactly where he left off....comparing Chad to the character of "Fiddler" from Roots.

Then he follows up by mentioning the number of children Chad has fathered out of wedlock.

PatternMaster will NOT be pleased.

[HairOnFire]

Interesting comment about the "no, you're from the South" statement. I hadn't read that into it, but I see how it could be interpreted that way. I suppose my thought would be that I'm not sure Keyshawn packed all that into it when he said it because it was a comletely off-the-cuff statement.

I thought Chad's East/West rant was just as interesting.

That's hip/hop, right?

[BengalByTheBay]

Interesting comment about the "no, you're from the South" statement. I hadn't read that into it, but I see how it could be interpreted that way. I suppose my thought would be that I'm not sure Keyshawn packed all that into it when he said it because it was a comletely off-the-cuff statement.

I thought Chad's East/West rant was just as interesting.

That's hip/hop, right?

Now I'm getting embarassed for you.

[BengalChamps]

I wasnt as concerned about the racial thoughts and overtones throughout the uncomfortable interview. What really got me was that Chad refused to answer if the team was more important than Chad's show.

HE NEVER WOULD SAY THAT THE TEAM IS MORE IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i COUNTNT BELIEVE IT. That was very discouraging for a Bengal fan. If Chad cant say that team wins is more important than his show, then it truly is time for him to go.

Take your SHOW somewhere else. I want my team to win. If you win you entertain.

[HairOnFire]

I wasnt as concerned about the racial thoughts and overtones throughout the uncomfortable interview. What really got me was that Chad refused to answer if the team was more important than Chad's show.

He also refused to answer, twice, whether he wanted to play for another team.

[WhoDey93285]

I wasnt as concerned about the racial thoughts and overtones throughout the uncomfortable interview. What really got me was that Chad refused to answer if the team was more important than Chad's show.

He also refused to answer, twice, whether he wanted to play for another team.

He refused to answer if he wanted to take his "act" on the road. Keyshawn didn't want Chad to answer whether or not he wanted to stay in Cincinnati, he wanted Chad to get upset because he called his game an "act" and Chad bit into it. Chad has said many times that he wants to stay a Bengal forever. Two years ago when there was speculation he might hold out and demand a larger contract, Chad quickly dismissed the claims and made it clear he was going no where.

[bengalspride1219]

I wasnt as concerned about the racial thoughts and overtones throughout the uncomfortable interview. What really got me was that Chad refused to answer if the team was more important than Chad's show.

He also refused to answer, twice, whether he wanted to play for another team.

He refused to answer if he wanted to take his "act" on the road. Keyshawn didn't want Chad to answer whether or not he wanted to stay in Cincinnati, he wanted Chad to get upset because he called his game an "act" and Chad bit into it. Chad has said many times that he wants to stay a Bengal forever. Two years ago when there was speculation he might hold out and demand a larger contract, Chad quickly dismissed the claims and made it clear he was going no where.

yeah actually it kinda made him look bad cause he never did answer he was too offended by his game being called an "act"

[WhoDey93285]

I wasnt as concerned about the racial thoughts and overtones throughout the uncomfortable interview. What really got me was that Chad refused to answer if the team was more important than Chad's show.

He also refused to answer, twice, whether he wanted to play for another team.

He refused to answer if he wanted to take his "act" on the road. Keyshawn didn't want Chad to answer whether or not he wanted to stay in Cincinnati, he wanted Chad to get upset because he called his game an "act" and Chad bit into it. Chad has said many times that he wants to stay a Bengal forever. Two years ago when there was speculation he might hold out and demand a larger contract, Chad quickly dismissed the claims and made it clear he was going no where.

yeah actually it kinda made him look bad cause he never did answer he was too offended by his game being called an "act"

Wouldn't you be offended if you've led the league in recieving the past 4 or 5 years, are widely considered the best reciever in the league, and your game is called an "act". I'd think so. Especially coming from Keyshawn.

[bengalspride1219]

I wasnt as concerned about the racial thoughts and overtones throughout the uncomfortable interview. What really got me was that Chad refused to answer if the team was more important than Chad's show.

He also refused to answer, twice, whether he wanted to play for another team.

He refused to answer if he wanted to take his "act" on the road. Keyshawn didn't want Chad to answer whether or not he wanted to stay in Cincinnati, he wanted Chad to get upset because he called his game an "act" and Chad bit into it. Chad has said many times that he wants to stay a Bengal forever. Two years ago when there was speculation he might hold out and demand a larger contract, Chad quickly dismissed the claims and made it clear he was going no where.

yeah actually it kinda made him look bad cause he never did answer he was too offended by his game being called an "act"

Wouldn't you be offended if you've led the league in recieving the past 4 or 5 years, are widely considered the best reciever in the league, and your game is called an "act". I'd think so. Especially coming from Keyshawn.

yeah i know but keyshawn got him there. normally chad would respond saying he wouldn't leave but after that last part of keyshawns comment "take ur act on the road" chad went nuts, and rightfully so.

[Kazkal]

Meshawn needs to stfu.

[as_v_1]

Funny how Meshawn forgets the Bucs told him to take his act home.

[HairOnFire]

Chad has said many times that he wants to stay a Bengal forever. Two years ago when there was speculation he might hold out and demand a larger contract, Chad quickly dismissed the claims and made it clear he was going no where.

I doubt it's that simple. I considered Keyshawn's question relevant due to Adam Schefter's claim that Chad has started making noise about playing for other teams. Schefter claimed that the remarks Chad has made in public were done in a joking manner, but were far more serious behind the scenes. And Schefter and Chris Mortenson have both claimed that Chad's agent has already approached the Bengals about a new and larger contract extension. So the questions are already out there and practically begging for a response. And there's the rub because Keyshawn gave Chad two opportunities to deny those rumors and Chad, speaking far more seriously than he has in the past, refused both opportunities.

As for Chad being offended by suggestions that part of his game is an act, please. Each time he defends his clowning he does so by calling it entertainment, and his use of props and preplanned celebrations ends all debate about if it's premeditated. So Keyshawn was on very solid ground suggesting that much of Chad's public image is built upon an act.

[bengalspride1219]

Chad has said many times that he wants to stay a Bengal forever. Two years ago when there was speculation he might hold out and demand a larger contract, Chad quickly dismissed the claims and made it clear he was going no where.

I doubt it's that simple. I considered Keyshawn's question relevant due to Adam Schefter's claim that Chad has started making noise about playing for other teams. Schefter claimed that the remarks Chad has made in public were done in a joking manner, but were far more serious behind the scenes. And Schefter and Chris Mortenson have both claimed that Chad's agent has already approached the Bengals about a new and larger contract extension. So the questions are already out there and practically begging for a response. And there's the rub because Keyshawn gave Chad two opportunities to deny those rumors and Chad, speaking far more seriously than he has in the past, refused both opportunities.

As for Chad being offended by suggestions that part of his game is an act, please. Each time he defends his clowning he does so by calling it entertainment, and his use of props and preplanned celebrations ends all debate about if it's premeditated. So Keyshawn was on very solid ground suggesting that much of Chad's public image is built upon an act.

Chad just got his contract extension last year. and I'm surprised he didn't even ask for much money. I believe Reggie Wayne makes more money than he does.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

The only thing dumber than that interview was the article. Jason Whitlock could hear racist overtones in a dialtone.

[as_v_1]

The only thing dumber than that interview was the article. Jason Whitlock could hear racist overtones in a dialtone.

nice sad thing is thats true.

[bigdaddybengal]

I think Keysahwn looked more foolish than chad. He's the wrong guy to try and interview someone about behavior. This guy wrote a book called throw me the damn ball. Criticized his reliable teammate in the media (Wayne Chrebet), and asked to leave Tampa Bay in the middle of the season.

Chad like to celebrate. Plus Keysahwn doesn't have have the skills of Chad.

The Gold Teeth live on

[Bengals44]

It's unfortunate that racial overtones seem to come to the forefront so often, but it seems to always be there, whether it should be or not.

The truth is simple here, most of these boorish "in your face" athletes are extremely selfish and could care less how their actions affect their teammates, coaches and even the reputation of thier league(s). Does anyone really believe that Keyshawn, Shockey, TO, Moss and even CJ care about how they bring controversy and, therefore, negative attention. As long as these 13-year-old personality types can get the attention they desire, all other results are of no concern to them.

In my opinion (and it's only my opinion), this issue is more of a societal thing than anything else. The ethics and morals in this country have degraded dramatically over the past 15 years or so. The media pays way to much attention to the idiots of the world (forget about the consequences, lets get ratings), than those who try and do things the right way. It's not only sports, but everywhere that we see the "Hey, look at me, I'm so badass it hurts" attitudes that reflect so negatively on our world. Why can't we let the results of our accomplishments speak for themselves, why can we have some humility, is that so bad...? Apparently it is now, the seeking of the spotlight appears to surpassed what should be important.

Sadly, our youth is now being taught that this is acceptable and, further, almost necessary to compete and simply survive in this new downgraded society. I personally monitor what my kids are involved in (tv, video games, clothes, and even who their friends may be), not to the point of limiting them in life at all, but simply being sure there are more positive than negative aspects surrounding their lives. As you can see by my photo below, I am no prude (and please let me know if anyone is offended by it - I assume, we are virtually all men on this site). Regarding the NFL, what jerseys sell the most to our youth? That's right, the selfish and moral-less. Now I ask you, how do you think these kids are learning to act in life...?

The self-centered athletes of today could really learn from their predecessors. How did Emmit Smith, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Jerry Rice and Joe Montana handle themselves...? With class I say. But, today you must "act" constantly for the so-desired attention. Look how great Marvin Harrison has been, yet how many articles and "spotlight" television pieces have you seen on him - not many in comparison to even CJ... Why, because he does it the right way and that, very unfortunately, does not sell.

I can remember Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Ickey Woods and Mark Gastineau many years ago doing their acts. Billy and Ickey didn’t bother me so much, but I never likeed Gastineau at all (he has since quite a bit of trouble, showing that he is truely the idiot he so portrayed). Billy and Ickey didn't seem so bad at the time as their acts were always the same and really a little more goofy than anything. If I would have known where all this would lead, I most definitely would have seen it differently at the time.

I am 42 years old and worry about what type of world my children will grow up in.

Why can't we let our actions speak for themselves people, why can't we do that...?

[bengalspride1219]

yeah i doubt marvin harrison would be anybody had he not played alongside manning

[Bengals44]

yeah i doubt marvin harrison would be anybody had he not played alongside manning

Wow - that statement surprises me... Marvin has never been the most athletic WR in the NFL, but has always ran precision routes, gave great effort in blocking and caught basically everything thrown his way... I believe there is little doubt being on that team has allowed him to put up numbers that surpass what he really is, but CJ has dropped more balls over the past two years than Marvin has in any 4 year period of his career... I cant stand the Colts, but I have to admit the truth...

[HairOnFire]

It's unfortunate that racial overtones seem to come to the forefront so often, but it seems to always be there, whether it should be or not.

The truth is simple here, most of these boorish "in your face" athletes are extremely selfish and could care less how their actions affect their teammates, coaches and even the reputation of thier league(s). Does anyone really believe that Keyshawn, Shockey, TO, Moss and even CJ care about how they bring controversy and, therefore, negative attention. As long as these 13-year-old personality types can get the attention they desire, all other results are of no concern to them.

Dead on.

[HairOnFire]

yeah i doubt marvin harrison would be anybody had he not played alongside manning

Wow - that statement surprises me...

It shouldn't. The biggest backers of 13-year old personality types are other 13-year old personality types.