By Adam H. Beasley, The Miami Herald –
MIAMI — Chad Johnson broke his silence Tuesday, issuing a written apology on his website three days after his arrest on domestic abuse charges.
“I would like to apologize to everyone for the recent events that have occurred,” Johnson wrote. “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. 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.”
Johnson’s arrest and subsequent release will play heavily in the season’s second episode of “Hard Knocks.”
HBO announced that its reality TV program will show Dolphins coach Joe Philbin meeting with and cutting Johnson just hours after his arrest Saturday. The show aired at 10 p.m. on Tuesday.
Johnson spent a night in jail on charges he head-butted Lozada after she confronted him about a receipt for condoms she found in his car.
TMZ reported Tuesday that Lozada already has filed for divorce, dissolving a marriage that’s less than two months old.
Earlier in the day, Lozada spoke out for the first time since the incident, releasing a statement “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,” she said in the statement. “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.”
At Dolphins practice Tuesday, Reggie Bush — one of his closest friends on the team — said he has spoken to the embattled 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.”
