I truly don't understand those who hate on Chad Johnson (Ochocinco). The man is relentlessly jovial and pleasant, especially on Twitter. He interacts with his 3.5 million followers everyday, playfully bantering with fans and haters all the same. No topic is off-limits; no person, sport, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender is any less deserving of love and respect than the next. Which makes the desire of so many to throw shade his way even more confounding.
If anything, it's likely the media-driven image of him as a prima donna athlete that has led to the negative perception in some people's minds. Some fans tend to get swept up in his elaborate touchdown displays and (honestly innocent) smack talk with opposing players. His detractors claim that he's a selfish player; the reality couldn't be further from the truth. If you've watched or read his interviews, particularly those during his final months in Cincinnati, you've seen a team player who has only ever wanted what's best for the organization, and to contribute as best he can. While many looked at his diminished output in New England last season as a knock against him as a player, they were overlooking the greatness it spoke of him as a teammate. He exhibited none of the "diva" personality that his haters like to pretend he has, as he joyfully cheered on his teammates and pitched in whenever called upon.
Need any further proof that Mr. Johnson has gotten a bad rap? How about this: This afternoon a random follower tweeted him to say that she was feeling depressed over the recent death of her beloved husband. What Chad did next was simply amazing.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is Chad Johnson offering an all-expenses-paid trip to his wedding to a woman he doesn't know, simply because he could see pain in her and wanted to do something to help alleviate it. Incredible.
Those who hate don't take the time to learn and understand. Keep doing your thing, good sir.
