The Houston Texans/Andre Johnson Standoff Has Become Absolutely Ridiculous

Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson is not the first veteran player to be upset because his team is rebuilding. It sucks, but it is regrettably a part of the game. He is also not the first to lose bonus money for not reporting to off-season workouts. So when he was noncommittal when he spoke Wednesday about his future with the team it was not  surprising.

However, what is surprising is the fact that this whole mess between him and the team could--and very well should--be over.

@cjzero/Twitter

As it turns out what has been keeping the Johnson away has been the $1 million workout bonus he lost for not reporting to any offseason workouts.

#Texans Andre Johnson’s absence involves standoff over $1M bonus per source. Johnson wanted to earn it back after missing time. Team said no
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 10, 2014

How stupid is that? In most cases the player would want the money and not offer to do anything in return. Here Johnson I recognizing that he did earn it when he was supposed to, but is offering to make up the work so he can earn it.

Is it just me or does this sound like a no-brainer?

There is no need for the team to play hardball here. Had Johnson ever been a problem child in the past it would be understandable. Had he just wanted the money outright their refusal would be understandable. If he was a back-up long snapper the team's refusal would be understandable.

But he is not. He is one of the best wide receivers in the game; a guy that will make whoever lines up behind center look better than they are next season.

To be fair to the team, Johnson's behavior has been ridiculous. He is supposed to be a professional, and he is under contract. Rebuilding sucks, but he is not the only guy to ever be forced to do it during the twilight years of his career.

That is no reason for the team to act so stupid and turn him away.

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