Johnson claims Belichick forced him to practice hurt

POSTED 8:58 a.m. EST, February 2, 2007

JOHNSON CLAIMS BELICHICK FORCED HIM TO PRACTICE HURT
pft.com

Former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson claims that coach Bill Belichick required him to practice, and subjected him to hard hits, while Johnson was recovering from a concussion in 2002.

"There's something wrong with me," Johnson told the New York Times.
"There's something wrong with my brain.
And I know when it started."

Okay, time out.
Because to the extent that the Times or anyone else has decided to anoint Johnson as the new poster child for the very real problem of player health after their playing days end, we don't think Johnson is the right guy to carry the flag.

Because Johnson was contemplating returning to the Patriots in 2006.

So let's be realistic about this.
Johnson apparently realizes that the family of former Steelers center Mike Webster recently cashed in (and deservedly so) for a claim that his chronic depression was caused by football injuries.
And Johnson, like other former football players who don't make nearly as much money after their playing careers end, could be tempted by the lure of a nice score.

We're not saying the Johnson isn't impaired in some way or that his doctors are embellishing his condition.
But there's a danger that someone who really isn't in bad shape will try to get a Mike Webster-type payday via exaggeration and/or fabrication.

And the fact that Johnson is bitching about Belichick barely a month after he was musing about returning to the team that Belichick coaches fairly calls Johnson's overall motives into question.
Why would the guy even consider returning to the Patriots in 2006 after Junior Seau was hurt if he believes that Belichick contributed to Johnson's current plight?
And why not mention when explaining that he was expecting to get a call from the Pats that there were some things that happened in the past that might make him uncomfortable about going back?

Maybe Johnson didn't say anything about it because he still hoped his phone would ring.
And maybe because it didn't ring Johnson is now mad, and thus is lashing out at the team.

We're not saying that this is what's happening, but the circumstances clearly suggest that these are fair questions to raise.

BO Friging Ho........ ::)

It wouldn't surrpise me.

If it is true that Belichick did in fact make him practice well then he should be held accountable. The last few weeks it has become fairly obvious that Old Billy B is not exactly the poster child for good sportsmanship or humanity in general. You have him cheating with another mans wife (Supposedly but all signs point to YES), you have his press incidents and the ever so evil shoulder bump, and you have him abusing the injury report and being called on it.

So I guess if you want to assume that this Ted Johnson is just trying to cash in then I guess a good article would offer the other side of the story and try to make the connection that BB is an asshole and would do something like this.

It happens all the time and a concussion.....when your fucking brain smashes into the side of your skull......is a serious injury and forcing someone to practice is and should be negligence.

KFFL
Patriots | Belichick comments of T. Johnson controversy
Wed, 7 Feb 2007 06:33:57 -0800

The Associated Press reports New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick responded to the controversy that former LB Ted Johnson (concussions) was forced to practice at full strength while suffering from a concussion during his playing days under Belichick. "I wish Ted well," Belichick said. "I know he's going through some things, and I hope it works out well for him. I really don't want to go into the past. I just hope things work out well for Ted. I really do." Johnson is currently suffering from brain damage including memory loss, depression and an addiction to amphetamines and blames Belichick for rushing him back onto the field when he was not physically ready.

"Prophet" wrote:

Quote:

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KFFL
Patriots | Belichick comments of T. Johnson controversy
Wed, 7 Feb 2007 06:33:57 -0800

The Associated Press reports New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick responded to the controversy that former LB Ted Johnson (concussions) was forced to practice at full strength while suffering from a concussion during his playing days under Belichick. "I wish Ted well," Belichick said. "I know he's going through some things, and I hope it works out well for him. I really don't want to go into the past. I just hope things work out well for Ted. I really do." Johnson is currently suffering from brain damage including memory loss, depression and an addiction to amphetamines and blames Belichick for rushing him back onto the field when he was not physically ready.

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"Ted sorry I played a role however minor in causing you brain damage, just know in my heart I wish you well."

Gosh I'll bet those amphetamines helped his memory a bunch.

If he had a case he will likely have difficulty prosecuting it due to the Amphetamine addiction.

if johnson is so hurt and belichick is totally at fault, then why was johnson calling boston radio stations right after junior seau went down begging for the patriots to sign him for short yadage and goal line situations?

some responsibility has to fall on johnson's shoulders. right now he's blaming everything on the patriots but two months ago he would have rejoined them in a second.

It would seem if we was that injured, just sit out of practice. Also going to specialists outside of the team doctors might have been another option. Now granted he may have had some concern about being cut, but at some point you have to take responsibility for your own health.



Ill admit Im no expert in the workings of the NFLPA, but maybe he could have gotten them involved. A coach "forcing" someone to work seems a bit odd.

peace...