Chad Johnson Gets 30 Days In Jail After Tapping Lawyer On Behind in Court
Chad Johnson just can't seem to be anything other than his own worst enemy. After being minutes away from accepting a plea deal that would have seen him receive community service and probation instead of jail time, Johnson's court room antics nixed any chance of that happening.
Johnson has long been known for his brash and braggadocious personality as much as his superior athleticism. He is considered by many to be the king of touchdown celebrations and at one point even had his name changed to the Spanish pronunciation of his jersey number, "Ochocinco." That same tendency towards boyish antics did not work in his favor Monday.
"It was all set until Johnson, when asked by [Broward County Circuit Judge Kathleen 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," the Associated Press reported.
Johnson, 35, was standing trial for a probation violation stemming from a domestic violence charge against his former wife Evelyn Lozada. It was alleged that he headbutted the star of VH1's hit show "Basketball Wives" but was was eventually granted leniency.
While on probation, however, Johnson failed to meet with his probation officer regularly, prompting the trial. After giving his lawyer a swift pat on the backside, Johnson drew the ire of Judge McHugh.
"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 immediately protested against McHugh's growing anger, stating that he did not mean to demean the proceedings. "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."
Unfortunately for Johnson, McHugh was not buying any of his excuses this time. She proceeded to hand down 30 days of jail time for the six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, who saw his productivity drastically decrease in 2011 and was completely out of the league in 2012.
"It's not the first time he's behaved that way in my courtroom," she said.
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