Update: Chad Johnson’s NFL career may have ended with a head-butt to his ‘basketball wives’ star wife’s forehead. The Miami Dolphins released the veteran receiver after he was released from a Dade County jail, where he was held overnight for simple domestic battery
Johnson was released from jail on $2,500 bond earlier Sunday after his wife accused him of head-butting her during an argument in front of their home. And the Dolphins cut him shortly thereafter.
This drama came barely a month after Johnson married Evelyn Lozada, who is featured on the over-the-top reality TV show “Basketball Wives,” on which her biggest contributions was either fighting or talking about fighting other ladies.
The 34-year-old Johnson had been battling for a roster spot. Five days ago, coach Joe Philbin said he was unhappy with Johnson’s use of profanity during a session with reporters.
Johnson’s defense attorney, Adam Swickle, said an order has been issued that prevents Johnson from contacting Lozada. Swickle declined to comment further.
If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. He could also receive community service, probation or anger management classes.
Johnson — who recently changed his name from Chad Ochocinco — was arrested Saturday after Lozada confronted him about a receipt she found for a box of condoms, police said. According to an arrest affidavit, Lozada said she was taking groceries into their home when she found the receipt in the car trunk.
When the two were seated back in the car, they began talking about the receipt and their marriage. That’s when Johnson got upset and head-butted his wife, the report said.
Lozada ran to a neighbor’s house and called police. A responding officer said Lozada had a three-inch cut on her forehead, according to the affidavit, while Johnson did not have any visible marks or bruises. When questioned by police, he confirmed there was an argument over the receipt, but said his wife had head-butted him.
Even before his arrest, Johnson was battling to salvage his career. He was released by the New England Patriots after catching just 15 balls last season. He dropped the lone pass thrown his way Friday night in the Dolphins’ first exhibition game.
Johnson has long been known for outlandish antics that annoyed his teammates as well as coaches. Philbin, a first-year head coach, talked with his players about Johnson’s arrest before the player was released.
“I reminded them that on April 10 in our first team meetings, I said, ‘Guys, I’d love to stand up here and tell you we’re never going to have a problem here in Miami,’ ” Philbin said. “Do we want high-character guys? Yes. All 31 other coaches are going to say the same thing. But I specifically told them on April 10 that there will be problems that arise and you have to deal with them honestly and openly and directly. You’ve got to learn from mistakes and move on, and you can’t hide from the problem.”
