Tommy Birch

tbirch@dmreg.com

Iowa State defensive back Mike Johnson has been suspended from the team after he was arrested Thursday for an alleged domestic assault.

Johnson was charged with domestic assault strangulation with injury.

According to a filed complaint, Johnson and his girlfriend got in a fight regarding social media posts and the music choice being played on their phones. A fight broke out when the two tried to grab each other’s cellphones, the complaint said.

The victim told Iowa State University police officers that Johnson strangled her with both hands. She told police she had trouble breathing and "saw stars" but couldn't remember if she lost consciousness.

She suffered a swollen upper lip and marks to her right cheek, behind her left ear and on her neck. The victim also had dried blood on her.

According to the complaint, Johnson said he had to push the victim away, hold her back and stop her during the fight. He said the victim was trying to damage his laptop and his cellphone. Johnson told an officer he had to lean on her after pushing her down onto a couch to hold her down.

He said he was bitten during that time. The victim said she had trouble breathing after Johnson put his hands on her neck. She told police she felt sick to her stomach afterward.

Johnson played in 12 games last season and started eight. He recorded 44 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and three pass breakups.

"We are aware of Mike Johnson's arrest and allegations associated with his arrest," Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said in a statement. "Our program has zero tolerance for domestic violence. Mike has been suspended from all team activities, including practice, under the student-athlete code of conduct policy as we gather more information. His long-term status with the team will be determined once we gain more facts."