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Johnson arrested, charged in altercation with girlfriend

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Larry Johnson turned himself in to face
an assault charge after an altercation with his girlfriend at a
bar, the latest in a series of troubles with the law for the Kansas
City running back and other Chiefs players.

Police Department spokesman Darin Snapp said Johnson was cited
Monday for domestic abuse assault. He posted bond and was released,
with a court date set for Sept. 20.

Snapp said Johnson's girlfriend came into the bar early Saturday
and saw him with another woman. The 25-year-old girlfriend, of
Overland Park, Kan., then walked away, Snapp said, but Johnson text
messaged her on her phone and asked her to meet him downstairs.

He then grabbed the woman by the arm and pulled her to the front
door, where Johnson asked the manager to make her leave, Snapp
said. The manager said he couldn't do that.

Snapp said Johnson became irate after his girlfriend confronted
the other woman. The running back grabbed his girlfriend by the
shoulders and shoved her to the floor, the police report said.

The Kansas City Star reported on its Web site Tuesday that the
girlfriend denied that she was pushed or dragged to the door. Snapp
said the woman told police she didn't want Johnson arrested, but
wanted the incident documented.

Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said the incident will not affect
Johnson's standing with the team. Johnson, a backup to starter
Priest Holmes, ran nine times for 110 yards and two touchdowns against the New York
Jets on Sunday.

Johnson was charged in December 2003 with aggravated assault, a
felony, and misdemeanor domestic battery for allegedly brandishing
a gun during an argument with an ex-girlfriend at his home. He
entered a diversion program and was required to complete 120 hours
of community service, attend an anger management course and stay
out of trouble for two years.

If it's determined he committed a criminal act, Johnson County
prosecutor Paul Morrison said his office would file a motion to
revoke the running back's diversion.

Johnson is the latest of several Chiefs players in trouble with
the law either at bars or because of alcohol.

Earlier this year, cornerback Eric Warfield pleaded guilty to a
third offense of driving under the influence, a felony. He was
suspended by the NFL for the first four games of this season.

During training camp, backup quarterback Todd Collins was
involved in a scuffle at a restaurant and bar near River Falls,
Wis.

In earlier incidents, kicker Lawrence Tynes was charged with
breaking a bouncer's nose in a River Falls bar fight. Defensive
tackle Junior Siavii and safety Greg Wesley also were arrested
during camp after allegedly getting into a drunken confrontation
with police in a Minneapolis hotel.

Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said his players know that anything
they do -- or are accused of doing -- will be magnified because of
who they are.

"I think we do as good as the best job in the National Football
League of making sure players are aware of their vulnerability,
their profile," Vermeil said. "There's no place to hide in Kansas
City. Our fans know our players. To use common sense and to be
aware of the problem areas. Stay out of the bad areas. Be aware of
certain things."