Bengals WR Johnson just can’t keep quiet

Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004 | 9:49 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Chad Johnson said Wednesday he's ready to celebrate a touchdown catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend.

His coach immediately went into damage control -- again.

The Cincinnati Bengals' chatty receiver jokingly asked fans to bring donations to cover the fine he'll get after a planned touchdown celebration against the Steelers.

"I need all fans to bring a dollar to the gate," Johnson said playfully. "Don't forget. There will be a bucket. Bring a dollar to the gate this week."

That's the last thing coach Marvin Lewis wanted to deal with heading into a make-or-break game. Informed of the receiver's latest whimsy, he sat silently for a few seconds.

"It's not a wise thing," Lewis finally said, his annoyance apparent.

After talking to Johnson about his remarks, Lewis tried to preclude any bulletin board material for the Steelers by saying Johnson's comments should be ignored. But Johnson didn't back down at all.

He repeated his comments after practice, stressing he was just having fun.

"What was wrong with that?" he said, smiling.

Johnson has repeatedly upset Lewis by guaranteeing wins and tweaking opponents leading up to games. His most famous move -- guaranteeing a win against previously unbeaten Kansas City last season -- drew attention and divided the locker room.

Despite a promise to change, Johnson has found it tough to keep quiet.

He sent bottles of Pepto-Bismol to Cleveland defensive backs before their game on Oct. 17, along with handwritten notes saying they'd get sick trying to cover him. Johnson had the worst game of his career and the Bengals lost 34-17 to an inspired team.