Monroe Chat

If Chad Johnson decides to sit out the season, Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Tuesday the team is prepared to move on without him.

"We've been dealing with this inside for over a year and we'll be prepared to move on," Lewis told reporters, according to the team's Web site. "He has a contract through 2011. If he plays NFL football it will be in Cincinnati, or he has to do what he says and that's retire. That would be a shame. We'll do everything we can to help him out of this and try to restore his image."

Lewis reiterated Tuesday that the team has no plans to trade Johnson, but he's willing to welcome Johnson back to the team if he changes his tune.

"It's unfortunate that Chad has put himself in that situation because a lot of people who really had affection for him now see him in a different light," Lewis said, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

"Hopefully some of the things he said, he's going to have to face one way or another. If he shows and does things, and does [them] the right way, I'm willing to take the bullets for him again and allow him to come back the right way."

The Bengals head coach called on his team not to let the Johnson distraction affect them.

Chad's a bum can't wait to see him go!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm really quite disappointed in his childish behavior .... I'm surprised that he doesn't realize how damning his actions are to his future ... who will be lining up to take him ???

- Let his sorry butt go !