August 12, 2012: Football player Chad Johnson, also known as Chad Ochocinco, is released from the Broward County Jail in Florida. Chad was arrested for domestic violence against his new wife Evelyn Lozada on Saturday night. Chad is seen leaving jail with his lawyer and his brother. Mandatory Credit: INFphoto.com
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson has pleaded no contest to a domestic violence charge involving his then-wife, reality TV star Evelyn Lozada.
Johnson was sentenced Friday to a year’s probation and a counseling course under a plea deal with prosecutors. Johnson also must pay Lozada unspecified restitution.
The six-time Pro Bowl player long known as Chad Ochocinco was arrested in August after Lozada said he head-butted her during an argument. She quickly filed for divorce, which was finalized earlier this week. They had only been married since July 4.
Johnson was cut by the Miami Dolphins shortly after the incident and is not currently on an NFL roster. He previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots.
Lozada is on the “Basketball Wives” TV show.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
