Former NFL Pro Bowl receiver turned reality star Chad Johnson appeared in court this morning where a judge determined he had violated his probation stemming from his domestic violence case brought against him by ex-wife Evelyn Lozada. While the former Miami Dolphins star was expected to strike a plea deal, his in-court antics infuriated the judge, who instead opted on giving him hard time.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, the baller who infamously changed his name to Ochocinco while playing for the Cincinatti Bengals, was on the verge of walking out of court a free man with a pre-arranged plea bargain when he was asked whether he was satisfied with his legal representation and Chad answered by slapping his lawyer Adam Swickle on his backside. But this wasn’t a game and the judge wasn’t happy to see Chad joking around in her courtroom.
UPDATE – Here’s a video of the butt slap heard around the world courtesy of TMZ:
Following the ass pat incident, Broward County Judge Kathleen McHugh reportedly told Chad, “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?” She then added, “The whole courtroom was laughing. I’m not going to accept these plea negotiations. This isn’t a joke.”
Chad then apologized for his indiscretion, telling the judge, “I had no intent to make this a joke. It’s not funny. My life is in a shambles right now, and I try my best to laugh and to keep a smile on my face.”
Chad’s attorney tried his best to get the judge to reconsider and go for their already worked out plea deal, but to no avail.
(I’ve heard of anti-SLAPP statutes, but this is ridiculous!) (A little defamation law humor there.)
In addition to jail time, Chad’s probation has been extended three additional months and he’s been ordered to undergo two counseling sessions per week and perform 25 hours community service.
Chad took to Twitter to tell his fans good-bye… for now:
Love me through the good and the bad because I’m gone love you regardless… See you in 30…
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) June 10, 2013
Chad was initially arrested last August after he allegedly head butted his wife of just over a month, Evelyn, following a heated argument. The charge later led to the cancellation of their show, Ev & Ocho.
Top Photo: WENN
