S. Samuel
NFL player Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson is reportedly a free man after serving a week behind bars following a court appearance related to a probation violation.
According to reports, Johnson appeared in court Monday (June 17) and apologized for actions that ended up costing him.
After seven days in jail and one visit from Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson is being set free. The Associated Press reported Monday that Johnson would be released from jail after he apologized Monday to Broward County Circuit Judge Kathleen McHugh for his behavior in her courtroom last week. “I just wanted to apologize for disrespecting the court last time,” said Johnson, wearing a tan jail jumpsuit with his hands shackled at the waist, The AP reported. “I apologize. I did have time to reflect on the mistakes I made in this courtroom.” McHugh accepted the apology. Johnson was released Monday afternoon. (NFL)
Instead of putting the judge on blast, Chad thanked her for helping him learn a valuable lesson.
Johnson walked out of jail shortly after 4 p.m. and was met by his attorney, Adam Swickle, and sports agent Drew Rosenhaus. Johnson told reporters he was thankful to McHugh because she was the first person to get him to slow down and think about the path his life was taking. “No one has been able to do it, not even my parents,” he said. “I thank her. Everything she did was justified.” Asked if he hoped to latch on with an NFL team, Johnson said, “I just have to say my next move, my best move.” (ABC News)
Coincidentally, shortly after his release a photo of ex-wife Evelyn Lozada‘s August 2012 domestic violence injury surfaced.
Chad Johnson headbutted ex-wife Evelyn Lozada so hard during their infamous domestic dispute last year, she was left with a massive bloody gash on her forehead — and TMZ has obtained photographic evidence. The photos were taken by Davie Police in the Florida emergency room where Evelyn was transported following Chad’s attack on August 11th, 2012. According to police, the forehead laceration measured 3 inches. TMZ broke the story … Johnson was arrested for domestic violence shortly after the explosive argument at his Jupiter, FL mansion. Evelyn filed for divorce three days later. (TMZ)
Last week’s butt-slapping incident initially had Johnson set to serve a full month behind bars.
Former NFL star Chad Johnson was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail for a probation violation in a domestic violence case by a judge who angrily rejected a no-jail plea deal after Johnson playfully slapped his attorney on the backside in court. Johnson, known as Chad Ochocinco for his jersey number in Spanish during his playing days, had reached a deal with prosecutors calling for community service and counseling instead of jail. Broward County Circuit Judge Kathleen McHugh said she would tack on an additional three months’ probation because Johnson had failed to meet with his probation officer during three previous months. (ESPN)
