Although Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has been one of the apparent targets of receiver Chad Johnson’s ire, Lewis has said for the second time since the 2007 season ended that the receiver known as Ocho Stinko won’t be traded.

“They can stop the presses, quit killing trees and move on to other things,” Lewis said.  “There is, at no point, anyone in the Bengals organization who has ever uttered anything about trading Chad Johnson.  Nor will he be traded.”

Regarding the report that the Redskins are interested in acquiring Johnson, Lewis said, “There is no such thing as behind-the-door deals in the NFL.  That will not occur because the team in question is not willing to trade their player.  Nor have they thought about trading their player.  Nor have they discussed trading their player.  Nor will they discuss trading their player.” 

Though Johnson has been characterizing his unhappiness as a desire to play for a winner, there are strong indications that Johnson actually wants more money.  Lewis hinted at that fact:  “The Giants just won a Super Bowl with maybe their best defensive player who was contemplating supposedly retirement.  He came back, he didn’t get paid any more money and he just played.  That’s the way it is.”

The position taken by Lewis is consistent with everything we’ve heard since Stinko launched his campaign for a trade.  The Bengals won’t trade him.  So his options are simple — play for the Bengals, or don’t play at all.