Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer told reporters today that wide receiver Chad Johnson, who is currently skipping voluntary workouts, will be there when mandatory practices begin.

That’s news to Johnson.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network and John Clayton of ESPN both reported today that Johnson responded angrily to Palmer’s comments.

“I’m not sure where Carson got his information from, but I know I didn’t assure him of anything,” Johnson said.  “I wish he’d stay out of this.  He’s taking how I’m feeling as a joke because I think everyone else in the organization is doing the same.”

Wow.  Johnson hasn’t made any secret that he isn’t happy in Cincinnati, but those are some of the strongest comments he’s made about the situation.  And he wasn’t done there.

Schefter reports that Johnson also said, “I will not be at any mandatory camp.  I will not be at training camp. I will not be anywhere in Cincinnati. . . .  This is not a joke.  I really don’t want to play for the Bengals.  Period.”

Forget the question of whether Johnson will be with the Bengals on the first day of training camp. The real question right now is whether Johnson will still be with the Bengals on the first day of the draft.