FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chad Johnson pleaded no contest to one count of domestic battery, instead accepting a plea deal which will see that he serves no jail time.
Broward County Judge Ian Richards approved the plea deal on Friday morning. Johnson was arrested August 11 at his Davie home after he was accused of head butting Evelyn Lozada during an argument.
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Wearing a steel grey suit, Johnson, 34, listened to the details of the plea deal that will keep him from spending any time behind bars.
As part of the plea deal, Johnson must serve 12 months of probation. He must complete 26 weeks of batterers' intervention counseling, and pay restitution for medical costs.
"Once that counseling is done, as was stated in open court, he can apply for what we call early termination of his probation," said Adam Swickle, Johnson's attorney.
Johnson must also have no contact with Lozada. The couple's divorce was finalized earlier this week.
Johnson did not make any statements to the media but Swickle said he didn't think we would be seeing him inside a courtroom any time soon.
"Any plea can be used against you in the future. That is absolutely correct depending on what occurs in the future but we are very confident Chad is not going to have any problems," said. Swickle.
Johnson was cut by the Dolphins shortly after his arrest.