(Sports Network) - Chad Johnson's life has changed dramatically over the past
few days.
Johnson had signed with the Miami Dolphins this offseason and was battling for
a starting spot.
But the wide receiver was arrested for the first time during his 12-year NFL
career on Saturday night. He was taken to jail on a misdemeanor domestic
violence charge after allegedly head-butting his wife during an argument.
Johnson posted $2,500 bond following a court hearing Sunday morning and was
also ordered to stay away from his wife, Evelyn Lozada.
Then on Sunday night, Johnson was released by the Dolphins. And things got
worse for the 34-year-old on Tuesday, when Lozada reportedly filed for
divorce.
Johnson, who recently changed his name back to its original form from
"Ochocinco," released a statement Tuesday on OCNN.com -- or the OchoCinco News
Network.
"I would like to apologize to everyone for the recent events that have
occurred," the statement reads. "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, who has signed an affadavit indicating she will press charges against
Johnson, also made a statement, via the Huffington Post.
"It is with great sadness and much trepidation that I release this statement
addressing the domestic violence incident that happened this past Saturday,"
Lozada wrote in an email via her publicist. "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.
I'm grateful to my family, friends and fans for the outpouring of support
during this difficult time."
Johnson and Lozada got married in July and had a reality TV series called "Ev
and Ocho" that was scheduled to air on Sept. 3.
"Due to the unfortunate events over the weekend and the seriousness of the
allegations, VH1 is pulling the series Ev and Ocho from its schedule and has
no current plans of airing it," VH1 said in a statement Monday.
The Sports Network