Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson will spend 30 days in jail for violating the terms of his probation in a domestic violence case filed by his former wife and reality star Evelyn Lozada last year.
Johnson, who last served as a practice player for the Miami Dolphins , reportedly made a no contest plea to head-butting allegations of his ex-wife and could have avoided imprisonment if he only behaved properly in court on Monday.
But Johnson's reputation as a jester in court put him in big trouble this time around as County Circuit Judge Kathleen McHugh rebuked the deal after she saw Johnson slapping his lawyer, a male, on the butt.
Although the football player's gesture was in a playful manner, Judge McHugh viewed it as a complete lack of respect from Johnson. She also believed Johnson wasn't taking things seriously enough.
"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?" McHugh said after slapping the plea deal document down on her desk, according to ESPN. "The whole courtroom was laughing. I'm not going to accept these plea negotiations. This isn't a joke."
According to report, Johnson tried to make an apology for his act but McHugh proceeded with her verdict and ordered the NFL star to spend 30 days in jail. Moreover, she also extended Johnson's probation time to three months.
"This is your courtroom. I have no intent to make this a joke. It's not funny," Johnson told the judge. "My life is in a shambles right now and I try my best to laugh and keep a smile on my face."
The jail time proves to be a setback for the 37-year old Johnson, who hasn't signed with a new team this offseason.
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