Not since Vincent LaGuardia Gambini found himself repeatedly in contempt has the lack of courtroom decorum had such dire consequences.
According to Local10.com, former NFL receiver Chad Johnson appeared in court today in connection with allegations that he violated probation by failing to keep in touch with his probation officer. Though prosecutors initially wanted Johnson to be jailed for the infraction, a plea deal was reached.
Under the terms of the agreement, Johnson’s probation would have been extended to December 21, and he would have performed 25 hours of community service.
“You better thank your lawyer. He did a great job for you,” Broward Circuit Court Judge Kathleen McHugh told Johnson after accepting the agreement.
Johnson responded by slapping attorney Adam Swickle on the butt. Which prompted the judge to call the whole thing off.
She believed Johnson wasn’t taking the situation seriously, so she rejected the plea deal and sentenced him to 30 days in jail.
Johnson pleaded no contest last year to battery of his wife, who has since divorced him. He was cut by the Dolphins in the aftermath of the arrest.
The good news is that he’ll be free in time for training camp. The bad news is that there isn’t, and won’t be, a training camp to attend.