Chad Johnson Gets Jail Time, Fails Court Decorum Lesson

Chad Ochocinco Johnson, the man with many names and a pending probation violation, just went from a three-month extension of his probation to thirty-day jail sentence, with one swift, and overly-friendly, move, reports the Kansas City Star.

Yep. He (arguably) didn't assault anyone. He didn't get caught with drugs. He didn't do any of the myriad of things that one could do to violate their probation. In fact, what he did to irritate the judge may be a first.

When asked if he was satisfied with the work of his attorney, he responded in a complimentary fashion and then patted his lawyer on the backside, just as nearly all athletes do when a teammate does well.

Is a butt-tap worthy of three months in jail? Personally, we’d argue that the judge overreacted a bit, but Johnson’s act did disrupt the court and continued his life-long flirtation with taking nothing seriously.

This is the man that changed his last name to Ochocinco, competed on Dancing with the Stars, hosted a talk show with then-teammate Terrell Owens, hosted another reality show, tried out for Major League Soccer during the NFL lockout, and rode a 1,500 pound bull in a Professional Bull Riding event. He also had a habit of using props during touchdown celebrations.

Why? He’s a comedian and an entertainer. He has made a life-long habit of pushing past the boundaries of decorum, which is what made him loveable on the field, and which is what led to his jail sentence.

In that court room, his responsibility was to be deferential and respectful to the judge. We’re sure that his attorney informed him as much. Most of us know enough to instruct our clients on decorum and dress, if needed. Besides, Ochocinco has been in a courtroom enough times lately (the domestic violence incident, the subsequent probation violation, plus this sentencing circus) that he should know all about decorum.

But thirty days in jail? For a butt-tap? Even though the judge noted that this wasn’t the first time he had acted-up in court, it still seems a little bit excessive.

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