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No go for Ocho Cinco

Sun 7th, September 2008

Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson may have legally changed his surname to Ocho Cinco, but in the eyes of the NFL, it will have to wait at least one week.

The NFL released a statement Sunday before the Bengals took the field against the Baltimore Ravens for the season-opener, saying it needed to look into "certain issues" before Johnson can have Ocho Cinco on the back of his jersey.

"While the NFL has recognized the legal name change of Chad Johnson to Chad Ocho Cinco, the league informed the Bengals today that certain issues remain to be resolved before Ocho Cinco will be permitted to wear his new surname on his jersey.

"He will wear the name Johnson on his jersey today and will be referred to as Chad Johnson on the official play-by-play sheet."

The controversial receiver changed his name to correspond with his uniform number, 85, in Spanish.

Two years ago, Johnson gave himself the name and put it on the back of his uniform before a game. Quarterback Carson Palmer ripped it off before the kickoff.

Johnson has been the center of the Bengals' attention for much of the offseason. He unsuccessfully lobbied for a trade in the offseason and threatened to sit out if he didn't get traded. After the Bengals refused, he gave up and reported to minicamp, but complained that his right ankle was bothering him.

He had bone spurs removed from the ankle and was limited at the start of training camp. In the second preseason game, he landed awkwardly and temporarily dislocated his left shoulder.

Where the players come to play and STAY.