CINCINNATI — Tired of Chad Johnson's posturing for a trade, Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis says the disgruntled receiver should keep his word and sit out the season.

Lewis also said today that linebacker David Pollack is leaning toward retirement. The former first-round draft pick broke a bone in his neck while making a tackle during the 2006 season.

Pollack's decision isn't a surprise. He has said all along that he doubted he would return if there was a chance he could injure the neck again.

Lewis' comments about Johnson were his strongest yet. The Pro Bowl receiver has been disgruntled since the middle of last season, when his look-at-me antics came under criticism.

Since the end of last season, Johnson has been lobbying for a trade even though he agreed to a long-term deal with the Bengals two years ago. Johnson's contract would pay him $3 million next season and extends through 2010, with a club option for 2011.

Although Johnson stopped talking to reporters in Cincinnati last season, he has done numerous national interviews in which he threatened to sit out the season if he's not traded. Lewis responded today by saying he should follow through with his threat.

"I've stated our case with Chad," Lewis said. "He has a contract through 2011. He's stated without an opportunity to go to a different team and a new contract, he wasn't going to play. I think he's a man of his word and says he's not going to play, so don't play."

Lewis said the Bengals haven't received a trade offer for Johnson. The club repeatedly has said it won't trade him.