The Kansas City Chiefs called the Dolphins this week to gauge Miami's interest in running back Larry Johnson, and that interest might have risen Sunday night.
Last week, Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil was quoted as saying Johnson would have to get rid of his ''diapers'' -- the inference being that the running back has been a baby. Vermeil apologized.
It is unclear what the Chiefs are asking for Johnson, but they need a defensive back. Through a team spokesman, Dolphins general manager Rick Spielman declined to comment, saying he would talk only about players on the roster.
A source close to safety Arturo Freeman said this week he would welcome a trade