DAVIE, Fla. (AP) Dolphins receiver Chad Johnson was arrested Saturday on a domestic violence charge, accused of head-butting his newlywed wife during an argument in front of their home outside Miami.
Johnson and his wife, Evelyn Lozada, were at dinner and she confronted him about a receipt she had found for a box of condoms, said Davie police Capt. Dale Engle. The argument got heated and continued on the drive home, he said.
When they arrived in their driveway in Davie, the 34-year-old Johnson head-butted Lozada, she told police. Lozada, who is on the reality show, "Basketball Wives," was treated at a hospital for a cut to her forehead, Engle said.
Johnson, who changed his last name back to Johnson from Ochocinco after his July 4 wedding to Lozada, was being held Saturday night in Broward County Jail where he will remain until he can appear before a judge, which Engle says might not be until Monday. He is charged with simple battery, domestic violence, which is a misdemeanor.
Team officials were "aware of the situation and are in the process of gathering of relevant information," Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene said.
Johnson's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, declined to comment.
Johnson signed with the Dolphins in June, four days after he was released by New England. A six-time Pro Bowl receiver with Cincinnati, he caught only 15 passes in 15 games for the Patriots last year after they acquired him in a trade for a pair of draft picks
On Friday night in the Dolphins' 20-7 loss to Tampa Bay in the exhibition opener, Johnson let the only pass thrown to him slip through his hands.
Johnson and Lozada were prominent in the recent first episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Miami Dolphins."
VH1's "Basketball Wives" is filmed in Miami and also features Shaunie O'Neal, the former wife of former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal. Lozada used to be the fiancee of NBA player Antoine Walker.
Evelyn Lozada files for divorce, Chad Johnson apologizes Shannon J. Owens 6:55 p.m. EDT, August 14, 2012
Comments 0 1134 VH1 Basketball Wives star Evelyn Lozada has filed for divorce from her husband, Chad Johnson, of 41 days according to multiple online reports, including Sports Illustrated.
NFL receiver Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson was arrested after allegedly head-butting Lozada during an argument. The Miami Dolphins subsequently cut Chad Johnson from their preseason roster and VH1 canceled the couple's pending reality show, "Eve and Ocho."
The twitter happy couple has been mostly quiet on social media following the incident, but both released statements Tuesday addressing the alleged domestic dispute.
Johnson posted this on his website ocnnreport.com,
"I would like to apologize to everyone for the recent events that have occurred. I would like to wish Evelyn well and will never say anything bad about her because I truly love her to death. I will continue to be positive and train hard for another opportunity in the NFL. To all the fans and supporters I have disappointed, you have my sincerest apologies. I will stay positive and get through this tough period in my life."
Lozada released a statement early Tuesday in response to the alleged altercation.
"I am deeply disappointed that Chad has failed to take responsibility for his actions and made false accusations against me, it is my sincere hope that he seeks the help he needs to overcome his troubles. Domestic violence is not okay and hopefully my taking a stand will help encourage other women to break their silence as well."
Chad Johnson appears to be back to his comedic antics on twitter despite the drama and posted a new twitter avatar signifying a rock in between a hard place. Indeed.
