The Kansas City Chiefs released troubled running back Larry Johnson Monday, ending his tenure of controversy and unfulfilled expectations.  The move will cost the Cheifs $2.14 million if Johnson clears waivers.  Johnson had three years left on the five-year contract he signed in 2007.  If he stayed, Johnson would have earned $22.5 million over those three seasons.

Here is a timeline of Johnson’s career and events leading up to his release:

• 2003:  Larry Johnson drafted by 27th overall by the Chiefs after finishing third in Heisman voting.
• 2003:  Johnson arrested on felony aggravated assault charges for waving a gun at his girlfriend and was sentenced to probation
• 2004:  Johnson has conflict with head coach Dick Vermeil.  Coach Vermeil said Johnson needed to “take the diapers off”
• 2005:  Johnson runs for 1,750 yards and 20 touchdowns and makes his first of two Pro Bowl appearances
• 2005:  Johnson arrested for assault when a woman accused him of pushing her to the ground during an argument.  Charges were eventually dropped.
• 2006:  Johnson rushes 416 times for 1,789 yards.  He is elected to the Pro Bowl and named first team All-Pro
• June 21, 2007:  Johnson begins hold out
• August 21, 2007:  Johnson ends hold out and signs contract extension for five-years, $45 million with $19 million guaranteed
• February 2008:  Johnson arrested for pushing a woman’s head at a nightclub
• Oct. 19, 2008:  The Chiefs suspend Johnson for one game for “violating team rules”
• Oct. 26, 2008:  The Chiefs bench Johnson in a game vs. the New York Jets
• October 2008:  Johnson arrested for non-aggravated assault after spitting in a woman’s face
• 2008:  League commissioner Roger Goodell suspends Johnson for one game
• 2009:  Johnson pleaded guilty to two 2008 incidents and was sentenced to two years probation
• Oct. 2009:  Johnson uses gay-slur on Twitter, then uses the same slur on reporters
• Oct. 27, 2009:  Chiefs suspend Johnson for two weeks, instructing him to refrain from practicing with the team
• Nov. 9, 2009:  Chiefs release Larry Johnson

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Matthew Coller is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network, and is a freelance writer. He can be followed on Twitter

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