Chad Johnson apologizes for “recent events” leading to his arrest
NFL star Chad Johnson has finally broken his silence on Tuesday and issued a written apology on his official website — three days after his arrest for domestic violence charges.
According to the statement of Chad Johnson — formerly known as Chad Ochocinco in reference to his jersey No. 85 — he “would like to apologize to everyone for the recent events that have occurred.” The wide receiver then added, “I would like to wish [wife] Evelyn Lozada 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,” he added. “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,” Chad Johnson said.
The football player’s statement comes just hours before his arrest and consequent release will play heavily in the season’s second episode of Hard Knocks.
HBO announced that its reality-TV program will show Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin meeting with and cutting Chad Johnson off the football team, hours after his domestic violence arrest last Saturday. The said show airs at 10 p.m.
Chad Johnson spent a night behind the cold bars of prison on charges he head-butted Evelyn Lozada after the newly-wed couple had an argument, following the reality star’s confrontation about a receipt for condoms she found on Johnson’s vehicle .
Media outlet TMZ reported on Tuesday that Evelyn Lozada has already filed for divorce from Chad Johnson, dissolving a marriage that is less than two months old.
Earlier, Evelyn Lozada spoke out for the first time since the domestic violence incident. She also released a statement of her own, “with great sadness and much trepidation.”
“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,” the “Basketball Wives” star said. “Domestic violence is not OK 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.”
During the practice of Miami Dolphins on Tuesday, Reggie Bush — one of the closest friends of Chad Johnson on the football team — said that he has already spoken to the team’s wide receiver.
“Obviously, he’s hurt,” Bush said. “What do you expect? He’s not happy he lost his job, but Chad will be fine. He’ll bounce back. He’s a grown man and he’ll be OK.”