Chad Johnson Cops Plea Deal, Avoids Jail in Battery Case

By

&

by Josh Grossberg & Baker Machado | Thu., Sep. 20, 2012 2:30 PM

Broward Sheriff's Office

Chad Johnson is without a football home—but at least he's home free.

A source close to the erstwhile Miami Dolphins wide receiver and VH1 reality star tells E! News Johnson has struck a plea deal with Florida prosecutors in the battery case that resulted from his arrest last month for allegedly roughing up ex-wife Evelyn Lozada.

As part of the agreement, the footballer, formerly known as Chad Ochocinco, will plead either no contest or guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge during a hearing set for tomorrow. In exchange, he'll avoid jail and instead enter anger management classes.

Chad Johnson and Evelyn Lozada finalize divorce

Johnson, who could have faced up to a year behind bars if convicted, was collared for domestic violence on Aug. 11 after an argument between he and his Basketball Wives bride turned violent when he reportedly head-butted her.

The couple wed on July 4 in Miami and filmed their lavish nuptials for their reality series, Ev and Ocho, which VH1 subsequently axed in the wake of the incident.

The Miami Dolphins also took action, cutting him from the team, and shortly thereafter Lozada filed for divorce. After initially hoping to save his marriage, Johnson gave in last week, and the pair's divorce became official yesterday.

Here are some other celebrities who've gone through high-profile splits