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Criminal Justice

Ex-NFL star Chad Johnson apologizes for pat on lawyer's posterior, wins release from jail

Updated: A former NFL star who angered a South Florida judge by playfully slapping his lawyer’s backside in court last week and wound up in jail has apologized and been released, after serving seven days, according to the Associated Press and CBS Miami.

Broward County Circuit Judge Kathleen McHugh originally gave Chad Johnson 30 days. Prior to the ill-timed gesture, he had been on the verge, it appeared, of finalizing a plea deal that would not have required him to spend any time in jail for violating his probation in a domestic violence case.

At Monday’s hearing, McHugh noted that Johnson had twice been told by a female prosecutor not to touch her after he put his arm around her shoulders at an earlier hearing. The judge also said Johnson didn’t appreciate getting “the gift of probation” after making a no-contest plea in the underlying case, which involved his then-wife, Evelyn Lozada, who subsequently sought a divorce, reports ESPN.

Lozada suffered a 3-inch gash after Johnson head-butted her. He then got into trouble for failing for three months to meet with his probation officer.

See also:

ABAJournal.com: “After ex-NFL star pats his lawyer’s backside, judge nixes his no-jail plea deal”

ABAJournal.com: “Lawyer calls ex-NFL client’s backside pat a gesture of respect, seeks reduction of 30-day jail term”

Updated at 11:50 a.m. to include ESPN coverage.