Fins' Chad Johnson Released From Team Following Arrest
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Miami Dolphins have decided to part ways with wide receiver Chad Johnson after his weekend arrest on domestic violence charges.
The team cut Johnson Sunday night.
Earlier in the day, Johnson was released from the Broward County jail after he was arrested Saturday night in Davie on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge.
During a bond court hearing, Johnson remained silent as the judge set bond at $2,500.00 and ordered him to stay away from his wife Evelyn Lozada.
Johnson's defense attorney, Adam Swickle, said Johnson posted the bond Sunday morning. He was released from jail just after 1 p.m. He walked out of the facility with Swickle where he was greeted by his brother. They then got into a waiting car and left.
Click Here To Watch Johnson Leave Jail
The incident took place in Johnson's car.
Davie Police Captain Dale Engle said the couple got into a heated argument over a receipt for condoms found in the car. According to Engle, Lozada found the receipt and confronted Johnson about it.
According to the complaint affidavit, Johnson and his wife were sitting in their black Smart car in front of their house talking about the receipt. As the discussion grew more heated, Johnson "grabbed her and head butted her on the forehead causing a laceration," according to the report.
He then began screaming "I don't give a (expletive)! I don't give a (expletive) about my career," according to the police report. Lozada then got out of the car and ran to a neighbor's house. She reportedly hid there until police arrived.
Johnson told police Lozada was the one who used expletives and head butted him. Based on statements given by the couple, Johnson was arrested.
Lozada was taken to an area hospital where she was treated for a laceration to her head. She was released and is staying with friends.
News of the arrest spread quickly Saturday, an off day for the team.
"I was shocked," tight end Charles Clay said. "Of course, you don't want things like that to happen."
"We're all there for him in this tough time," receiver Davone Bess said. "He has been busting his tail in the meetings and on the practice field, doing all the necessary things to make the team and do a good job. Stuff happens. We all run into situations. It's life."
Coach Joe Philbin, a first-year head coach, talked with his players about Johnson's arrest.
"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."
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 and Lozada have been married since July 4, 2012.
This season the Miami Dolphins are featured in the HBO show Hard Knocks. In the first episode there was a scene where Johnson said Lozada won't let him go home until camp is over.
Johnson was known as Ochocinco for the past four seasons but changed his name back to Johnson after his July 4 wedding. The name was a playful reference to his uniform No. 85.
Before acquiring Johnson in the offseason, the Dolphins traded Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall away due to his numerous off-the-field incidents, including domestic violence.
Johnson had reportedly been one of the better receivers in training camp, but his future with the team is unknown now.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
