Chad Johnson 'Good Morning America': Former NFL Star Breaks His Silence On Legal Trouble

Chad Breaks His Silence, Fresh From The Pen!

A week after being sentenced to 30 days in jail for violating probation related to a domestic violence case, Chad Johnson is once again a free man.

The former NFL star was held in custody last week when Broward County Circuit Judge Kathleen McHugh abruptly rejected a plea deal negotiated by Johnson's lawyers and the prosecuting attorneys. Judge McHugh took exception to Chad slapping his lawyer on the butt during the court appearance, scolding the former footballer for not approaching the matter with adequate seriousness.

On Monday, Judge McHugh overturned that decision according to TMZ. While Johnson is no longer behind bars, he is not completely free of his legal obligations as TMZ also reports that the Judge has extended his probation through October 16.

Johnson broke his silence this morning alongside his attorney, Adam Swickle, during an appearance on “Good Morning America.” When show host, Robin Roberts asked about his celebratory actions in the courtroom the 35-year-old responded:

Well that’s the way I’ve always interacted with… throughout life, just in general. I know there’s a certain thing called courtroom etiquette, which I’ve really never been a part of the court system. And it was a light tap. It wasn’t in any way to disrespect the courtroom. And really, I didn’t think anyone would see it, because it was actually my third time doing so.

Swickle also added his thoughts on Judge McHugh’s initial decision to sentence Johnson to 30 days:

Well actually I wasn’t very surprised, because Chad and I are very close and it’s just the way that he communicated and thanked me. I was rather surprised that the court took it to the extent that she took it. But everybody’s got a method of running their own courtroom and the judge felt that this was the appropriate resolution.

To add further insult to injury, today photos surfaced showing a bloody gash on the forehead of Chad's ex-wife, Evelyn Lozada. The injury was reportedly the result of the ex-couple’s highly publicized domestic dispute that began Chad's legal woes.

Check out more of Chad Johnson’s exclusive “Good Morning America” interview in the clip above.

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