By Bob Glauber
Newsday
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — A playful gesture from Chad Johnson inside a Florida courtroom has landed him in jail.
The former NFL receiver, who still hopes to make a comeback after being released by Miami last summer in training camp following a domestic dispute, was slapped with a 30-day jail sentence after slapping his attorney on the rear end.
Earlier on Monday in a Broward County (Fla.) courtroom, Johnson had accepted a plea deal — with no jail time — for violating his probation in connection with a domestic battery conviction last year that stemmed from an altercation with his former wife, Evelyn Lozada.
But after Circuit Court Judge Kathleen McHugh told Johnson he should thank his attorney (Adam Swickle) for doing a “great job for you,” Johnson patted Swickle on the butt. The people inside the courtroom erupted in laughter, and McHugh changed her mind, according to News10 television station’s website.
The case was recalled, and after Johnson again pleaded guilty to a violation of his probation, McHugh sentenced him to 30 days in jail. Johnson’s probation was also extended to Dec. 21, and he must perform 25 hours of community service. Before Johnson was hit with the jail sentence, McHugh had simply extended his probation and required him to do the community service.
During his probation, Johnson must attend counseling sessions twice per week.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Johnson violated the terms of his probation by failing to meet with probation specialists on Feb. 15 and March 15 and for failing to show proof of enrollment and completion of the Batterers Intervention Program (B.I.P.).
He pleased no contest last September after being accused of head butting Lozada during an argument at his home in Davie, Fla., on Aug. 11. The couple subsequently divorced.
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