Former NFL wide receiver, Chad Johnson, was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail for a probation violation in a domestic violence case involving his ex-wife, Evelyn Lozada. Johnson had reached a deal with prosecutors that involved community service and counseling rather than jail.
Everything was set until Judge Kathleen McHugh asked Johnson if he was satisfied with his attorney. In order to show his approval, Johnson playfully gave his attorney a slap on the rear, as football players do on the field. The courtroom immediately filled with laughter, but Judge McHugh was not pleased. She slapped the document down on her desk and spoke directly to Johnson.
“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? The whole courtroom was laughing. I’m not going to accept these plea negotiations. This isn’t a joke.”
Johnson tried to apologize and explain he meant no disrespect, but Judge McHugh was not moved. She said, “It’s not the first time he’s behaved that way in my courtroom.” Due to his actions in court, Johnson’s punishment is much harsher than originally. He will spend 30 days in jail, complete an additional 25 hours of community service and his probation has been extended until December 21, 2013.
If Johnson had taken his case in court more seriously and not tried to make a joke of a serious issue, he would have avoided jail altogether. Hours later, Johnson tweeted : “Love me through the good and the bad because I’m gone love you regardless … See you in 30.”
Do you think Judge Kathleen McHugh made his punishment too severe?
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