Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Chad Johnson gets 30 days in jail after slapping attorney on rear end


231 Comments
Join the conversation
Text size A A A
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — 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.
It was all set until Johnson, when asked by McHugh if he was satisfied with his lawyer Adam Swickle, gave the attorney a light swat on the rear — as football players routinely do to each other on the field. The courtroom erupted in laughter and at that McHugh said she wouldn't accept the deal.
"I don't know that you're taking this whole thing seriously. I just saw you slap your attorney on the backside. Is there something funny about this?" McHugh said, slapping the plea deal document down on her desk. "The whole courtroom was laughing. I'm not going to accept these plea negotiations. This isn't a joke."
Johnson, 35, tried to apologize and insisted he meant no disrespect. Johnson was on probation after pleading no contest to head-butting his then-wife, TV reality star Evelyn Lozada, during an altercation last August. She quickly filed for divorce after barely a month of marriage and Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, was immediately released by the Miami Dolphins. He didn't play at all last season.
Evelyn Lozada filed for divorce after a month of marriage when Johnson head-butted her in August. Johnson broke his parole on the case, which is why he went to court. (AP Photo)
"This is your courtroom. I have no intent to make this a joke. It's not funny," Johnson told the judge "My life is in a shambles right now and I try my best to laugh and keep a smile on my face."
But McHugh, who could have given Johnson up to a year in jail, was not moved.
"It's not the first time he's behaved that way in my courtroom," she said.
Johnson then was handcuffed and hauled away to jail. Swickle declined comment on whether he would seek a reduced sentence.
Johnson has been undergoing therapy aimed at helping people involved in domestic violence but has not signed with another NFL team. He said in court Monday he hoped that would change in the upcoming football season, but now faces another setback.
"He has suffered. He has lost everything," Swickle told the judge.
Johnson, whose best playing days were with the Cincinnati Bengals, caught 766 passes for more than 11,000 yards and 67 touchdowns during his career. He also played for the New England Patriots.
Lozada stars on VH-1's "Basketball Wives" TV show. She was previously engaged to ex-NBA star Antoine Walker, who played for the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and other teams, and was a star on the University of Kentucky's 1996 national championship team.
Ochocinco News Network has already started the hashtag campaign to free Johnson.
Posted by
0

Add a comment

    231 Comments

    Join the conversation

    Text size A A A

    UPDATE: Johnson asks judge to reconsider sentence

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.

    11 Comments

    Join the conversation

    Text size A A A

    Major League Baseball is still sorting out Tuesday night's benches-clearing brawl between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks, and no disciplinary action will be taken Wednesday, according to USA Today and FoxSports.com.

    1 Comment

    Join the conversation

    Text size A A A

    Regardless of whether people think the game is too slow, too boring or too complex, baseball at its highest level is a gorgeous outpouring of skill and athleticism. It can simply be beautiful when executed properly.

    Email Share4

    NEW YORK (AP) -- Cowboy boots, blue jeans, starched sports shirt, gleaming smile and shades.

    Yes, trainer D. Wayne Lukas is back in the spotlight during the Triple Crown. And don't think he isn't enjoying every second of it.

    The SI Golf Group convened a panel of experts and a Tour player who participated on the condition of anonymity to tackle all things U.S. Open in a special PGA Tour Confidential Extra.

    1. Is Merion major-worthy?

    Anonymous Pro: Both. It's major-worthy because of how they set it up.

    It’s a stretch to say that Andy Murray took the No. 2 ranking away from Roger Federer when he won the Miami Masters on Sunday. It’s more like Federer left the No. 2 ranking on the dashboard of his car and walked away—with the windows down and the engine running. Somebody was bound to come along.

    “Of course [I’m surprised]. But I don't know how surprised I am because Rafa can do everything. . . His team was working with him every day to be in shape for this tournament after seven months. [But] not many players can do that. Just him or maybe one or two more in the world.

    AP Photo

    PARIS—They labored under suddenly friendly skies here in Paris today, separated by a distance that could almost be covered by a good offensive lob.

    4 June 2013Last updated at 21:55 GMT

    166

    Share Facebook Twitter

    print

    Ashes 2013: Shane Warne frustrated by Australia selectors

    Former Australia spinner Shane Warne believes the number of opening batsmen in their Ashes squad suggests the selectors do not know their best XI.

    Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images.

    Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images.

    Both Duke Johnson of Miami and N.C. State's Shadrach Thornton had solid freshman campaigns last season. Johnson wowed fans with his 135 yard performance in his first game. Thornton also shined in his first college game.

    Quarterback Logan Thomas will be looking to improve on his performance from last season. Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images. Around a year ago at this time Logan Thomas was riding the wave of a decent sophomore season and being touted as one of the top NFL quarterback prospects.

    Sevilla have confirmed Jesus Navas has played his last game for the club and will sign for English Premier League side Manchester City.

    Jose Mourinho has left Real Madrid for Chelsea to escape Spanish media pressure, according to football journalist Tim Stannard.

    Mexico have leapt to the top of CONCACAF's World Cup qualifying fourth round standings with a 1-0 win away to Jamaica.
    Loading
    Posted by at

    No comments:

    Post a Comment

    Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)