Chad Johnson released by Dolphins after domestic-battery arrest
Chad Johnson, a day after his arrest on suspicion of simple domestic battery, has been released by the Miami Dolphins.
The team posted a one-sentence item on its website saying, “The Miami Dolphins terminated the contract of WR Chad Johnson, the team announced today.”
Officials said Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, was arrested Saturday night in front of his Davie, Fla., home after an argument with his wife, Evelyn Lozada, over a receipt she found for condoms.
Lozada allegedly told police that Johnson head-butted her during their argument. Police said Lozada had a three-inch laceration on her forehead.
Johnson, who was trying to make the Dolphins after a disappointing 2011 season with the New England Patriots, spent the night incarcerated and was released from a Broward County, Fla., jail at 1 p.m. Sunday after posting a bond for $2,500.
If convicted of a simple domestic-battery charge, which is a misdemeanor, Johnson would face a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. He could also be ordered to community service, probation or anger-management classes.
Johnson, who is 34 and entering his 12th season in the NFL, has been known for his playful personality and an ability to make big plays on the football field, leading him to be a central figure in the HBO reality series “Hard Knocks,” which has been filming at the Miami summer camp.
This is Johnson’s first known arrest since turning pro, although he was arrested in college for a domestic dispute.
Johnson and Lozada, who stars in VH1’s reality show “Basketball Wives,” were married in July. She was formerly married to NBA player Antoine Walker. Soon after their marriage, Johnson legally changed his last name from Ochocinco back to Johnson at the insistence of Lozada.
ALSO:
Andrew Luck has fast start in Colts debut
Packers rookie Nick Perry adjusts to new role
Haruki Nakamura makes his way in NFL with dad’s teachings in mind
More to Read
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.