Johnson reports to Bengals’ camp

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (AP) — Receiver Chad Johnson had nothing to say when he reported for training camp Sunday, ending the Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason drama with a pillow under his arm and a leave-me-alone look on his face.

Now, the Bengals can try to move on.

By showing up on time and without complaint, the Pro Bowl receiver brought his teammates some relief from his failed attempts to get traded. They were glad that Johnson was no longer a hot issue.

“I think it’s water under the bridge,” said receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, one of Johnson’s closest friends on the team.

The only absence Sunday was first-round draft choice Keith Rivers, a linebacker who was the ninth overall pick. The team’s other nine draft selections were under contract before an afternoon workout. The first full practice was scheduled for this morning.

Johnson made his entrance without fanfare.

Carrying a pillow under one arm and an Xbox in hand, Johnson walked past reporters without responding to questions and headed into room 113 at the Georgetown College camp. Johnson has decided to continue his practice of ignoring the Cincinnati-area media.

Johnson was criticized last season after he berated quarterback Carson Palmer on the sideline following an interception during a loss to New England. As it turned out, the interception was Johnson’s fault — he ran the wrong route.

Palmer was gracious Sunday when discussing his relationship with the receiver, who holds or shares nine team records. He had 1,440 yards on catches last season, a club record.

“There’s nothing to mend,” Palmer said. “There’s never been any hard feelings between the two of us. He has his stance and whether I feel the same or feel different, it doesn’t matter. We’re teammates and we’ve been a great tandem and hopefully we’ll continue to be a great tandem for years to come.”

Johnson had bone spurs removed from his right ankle June 18 and hasn’t fully recovered.