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Chiefs suspend running back Larry Johnson

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, who made two gay slurs within a 24-hour period, was given what amounts to a one-game suspension Wednesday night, but Johnson’s agent said he would appeal.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, who made two gay slurs within a 24-hour period, was given what amounts to a one-game suspension Wednesday night, but Johnson’s agent said he would appeal.

Agent Peter Schaffer said the game cheque and other lost revenue would amount to about a penalty of about US$600,000 for the former two-time Pro Bowl player.

In a three-sentence release, the Chiefs said Johnson would be suspended until Monday, Nov. 9 for conduct detrimental to the team.

The Chiefs are on their bye week and will not play again until travelling to Jacksonville on Nov. 8.

The Chiefs had been saying for three days that they were “investigating” the situation. Johnson was told to stay away from the team on Tuesday.

Schaffer said he had consulted with the Players Association about the appeal.

Schaffer said they would try to expedite the matter and get a resolution before the team’s next game on Nov. 8.

In 2007, Johnson signed a five-year contract extension that guaranteed him about $19 million and could be worth as much as $45 million. But because of these latest problems, his future with the Chiefs beyond Nov. 8 may still be cloudy.