On the same day that RB Larry Johnson received two years’ probation for pleading guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace, The Kansas City Star reported that the running back’s future with the Chiefs could depend on the outcome of Wednesday’s grievance hearing with the team:

At issue is $3.75 million of guaranteed money Johnson is due from the Chiefs in the contract extension he signed in August 2007. Generally, NFL salaries are not guaranteed, but Johnson’s contract calls for payments of $3.5 million this year and $250,000 in 2010 that the Chiefs must pay regardless of whether he plays for them.

The Chiefs claim the one-game suspension he received from the NFL last year for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy is a breach of his contract and frees them from having to pay the guaranteed money.

The Star also cites a source as saying that the Chiefs will release Johnson if they win the grievance. Johnson is unhappy in Kansas City and has asked to be traded.

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