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.
***
Johnson apologizes and is released after seven days
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