The agent for Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson said his client is open to staying with the Chiefs and all sides have an "open mind" about the oft-embattled player playing in Kansas City in 2009.
Johnson had previously said he wanted to be traded. However, agent Peter Schaffer pointed out that Johnson is now interested in playing for the new Chiefs regime. Schaffer said, as an act of good faith, Johnson attended the Chiefs' offseason workout program that began Monday. New Chiefs coach Todd Haley told reporters Monday everyone on the team "has a clean slate."
Johnson's grievance against the team is set to be heard Wednesday. It is over unpaid bonus money from last season. Still, Schaffer said that Johnson's issue was with the former Kansas City brass and that he and new Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli are communicating.
"Everyone has an open mind about this and we continue to communicate," Schaffer said. "I think the Chiefs know that Larry is a very talented young man. I think everyone is looking to moving forward."
Johnson was suspended for a total of four games by the team and the NFL last year for off-field issues. Last week, he received probation for two separate nightclub incidents. Johnson, 29, has had a rocky career in Kansas City and last year's incidents prompted speculation that he could be on his way out of town. He still could be traded or released, but Johnson now seems open to returning.
Bill Williamson covers the AFC West for ESPN.com.