Wednesday night at Georgetown College Johnson broke his local silence, under threat of a fine from the NFL. Players are required to be available to speak to the media per rules worked out between the league and the Pro Football Writers of America organization.
Here is what Johnson had to say:
Q: There are reports you're changing your name. Are you?
A: What name change?
Q: To Chad Ocho Cinco.
A: I don't know anything about a name change. My name is Chad Johnson.
Q: How would you assess your camp since you've come back from ankle surgery?
A: Last week, I was about 50 percent. This week, I'm 85. I'm doing pretty good. I'm having a good camp thus far after coming back from severe ankle surgery. I'm enjoying my time here.
Q: The coaches say they're expecting you to be as healthy on opening day as you've been in several years. Is that accurate?
A: Yeah, yeah. By opening day, I should be in midseason form. Shortly, I'll be fine to go.
Q: If you're 85 percent now, what were you last season?
A: Last season, I played about 25 percent.
Q: You seem invigorated tonight. Is this the best you've looked and felt?
A: That's a very bad assessment. I always look good. But if that's what you think, so be it.
Q: What are you going to do to make this your best year ever?
A: I'm gonna have fun. I'm going to celebrate. I'm going to talk shit - oh, my bad. I'm going to block. I'm going to do everything I'm asked to do, plus some.
Q: On ESPN the other night, you said you had a talk with Ray Lewis that was pivotal in your offseason. Can you relay what Ray told you?
A: Just about really understanding the position I'm in, how blessed I am to be in the position I'm in. There are millions of people that want to play this game. And I'm very fortunate. He had me looking at a different direction besides just being frustrated by the (2007) season, and to look at it from a different way. That there are a lot of people that want to play this game that can't. And I'm sitting here fussing about something that I really can't control.
Q: In the offseason, you insinuated that you didn't think the team could win. Do you feel differently now?
A: At that present time, back then, I was under medication. I was seeking psychiatric help. I had a shrink. But now I'm cured. I'm 100 percent. I don't take AA classes anymore. So I'll be OK.
Q: Another report came out that the Bengals are going to talk to you and agent Drew Rosenhaus after the season about your contract. Is that true?
A: I'm really not looking for a new deal at this present time. This year, I'm actually playing for free due to fines that are backed up from previous years.
Q: Fines by the team or the NFL?
A: Both.
Q: So you're not looking for a new deal?
A: No. A new deal might be looking for me.
Q: Why the media silence until tonight?
A: Uh, because they're forcing me to talk.
Q: They threaten you with a fine?
A: Yeah. They threatened me with 20 grand large if I don't talk to you guys. So I brought me and my friends (a bunch of kids) because they're gonna help me pay all 20 grand.
Q: Have you missed speaking to the media?
A: No.
Q: What can we do to improve our relationship with you?
A: You guys can apologize to me. I want a written letter from everybody, including your supervisors, and I'll talk to you guys in the next five years.
Q: You've been critical of your play last year. Was the ankle a major part of that?
A: No, it wasn't the ankle. It was Carson's fault (laughter). We were very inconsistent. I'm very critical of myself, and I think it's going to be a better year. We can't do anything but go up from this point.
Q: You also said some stuff about the defense in the offseason. You seem to be pleased with the defense this offseason.
A: The defense, they've been very good. They've frustrated me since I've been back. This has probably been my first practice where I've been able to do what I like to do. They've done really well.
Q: Is cornerback Johnathan Joseph as well as he appears to be playing? You guys are going at it.
A: Yeah. We go at it. Ever since he's been here. He's one of the better corners in the league. If people aren't going to give him credit for it, I'm going to make sure the credit gets out there.
Q: Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said he loves you because you like to practice. You two seem to have a good give and take?
A: Oh, yeah. Most definitely. I'm going to make his job as hard as possible every time I have a chance.
Q: Is a sixth straight Pro Bowl in your future?
A: Pro Bowl is sort of automatic. I'm really looking for the playoffs to become that way also. That's really my focus right now.
Q: Can this team make the playoffs?
A: Actually, we're in there. Can I say that? OK, whatever.
Q: Is that a guarantee?
A: I can't do that. Marvin's going to fine me. Anything else? Good, I'm off (the media) for another month.