Is the NFL career of Chad Johnson, a.k.a. Chad Ochocinco, over? - Los Angeles Times
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Is the NFL career of Chad Johnson, a.k.a. Chad Ochocinco, over?

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Chad Johnson seemed to have it all together up until the last couple of days. In recent months, the six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver had landed a job with the Miami Dolphins, married girlfriend Evelyn Lozada and finally rid himself of the ridiculous moniker Chad Ochocinco.

But things have started unraveling quickly. Last week, Dolphins Coach Joe Philbin said Johnson’s roster spot could be in jeopardy after the receiver’s profanity-laced interview session with reporters. Then Johnson dropped the only pass thrown to him during Miami’s preseason opener Friday night, suggesting that his disappointing season with the New England Patriots last year was no fluke.

Then came Johnson’s arrest Saturday on a domestic battery charge after he allegedly head-butted his wife during an argument after she confronted him about a receipt for condoms she found in the car trunk.

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He was released from jail on $2,500 bond Sunday — and hours later released by the Dolphins.

Johnson has been one of the NFL’s biggest stars of the last decade, known for both his big plays and silly antics. Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001, he caught for more than 1,100 yards each season from 2002 to 2007, topping the 1,400-yard mark twice.

He legally changed his last name to Ochocinco in 2008. Perhaps coincidentally, his production on the field dropped off after that, topping the 1,000-yard mark only once and bottoming out with just 15 catches for 276 yards and one touchdown in New England last year.

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Now comes all this. Obviously Johnson has some legal and personal matters to take care of, but what about his NFL career? The 34-year-old receiver has had no legal problems as a professional player until now, but is this the final straw for a onetime great receiver with a lot of baggage? Or will another team take a chance on a guy with 11,059 receiving yards (26th all time) and 67 touchdown receptions (39th all time)?

Vote in the poll, then leave a comment explaining why you voted the way you did.

ALSO:

Chad Johnson posts bail on domestic charge, is released

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Chad Johnson released by Dolphins after domestic battery arrest

Dolphins’ Chad Johnson arrested after allegedly head-butting his wife

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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