Chad Johnson Getting Second Chance? Celebs Support NFL Return (VIDEO)
Celebrities have spoken out in Chad Johnson's defense following his recent arrest and subsequent termination from the Miami Dolphins, and many believe that the NFL player deserves a second chance.
Johnson, 34, was arrested on Aug. 11 after allegedly head-butting his wife Evelyn Lozada, 37, during a dispute over a reciept for condoms. As a result she filed for divorce. The incident led to Johnson losing his position with the Dolphins and some celebrities believe that he should be given a second chance in the NFL to help salvage his career.
"Could [the Atlanta Falcons] use him? I believe we could, man," rapper T.I, whose real name is Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., told SOHH.com when asked about Johnson's future in the NFL.
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"I think one thing about adversity and tragic moments with people who are extremely talented, it brings the best out of them. He needs another opportunity. Whatever they did, whether it's Chad or whoever, I think he's going to be a bit more focused on his reconditioning and I think this all will bring the best out of him," he went on.
Johnson, whose marriage to Lozada came to an end after just 40 days, was terminated by the Dolphins days later in a televised discussion with Coach Joe Philbin. Despite pleading for his job, Philbin refused to let him stay with the team, which left Johnson devastated.
"My thought's &prayers go out 2 @evelynlozada @ochocinco in this difficult time sometimes a 2nd chance can turn things around for the better," "Love & Hip Hop" star Raymond "Benzino" Scott tweeted on Aug. 20.
Since losing his lucrative position with the Dolphins, Johnson, formerly known as Ochocinco, has allegedly been slapped with at least two lawsuits and now faces losing his Miami, Fla. home because he allegedly owes at least $28,000 in back payments.
"Keep ya head up @ochocinco it seems like u down n out but look up that's all u can do," rapper Snoop Dogg tweeted.
"The dolphins will have bad luck all year for doing what they did to Chad Johnson," record label owner Luther R. Campbell tweeted.
Along with many celebrities, fans of Johnson are eager to see him return to the field in order to focus on his game.
Despite recent rumors that Johnson could potentially get picked up by the Oakland Raiders, Carson Palmer, who previously played with Johnson in Cincinati, says that the Raiders do not need him.
"I don't think we're banged up where we've got guys that are going on IR, you know what I mean? I think that's a different situation. I had a great time playing with Chad. I had no issues with him at all," Palmer said, according to CSNBayArea.com's Paul Gutierrez.
"He'd be a great add for any team but we've got young guys that are just coming along. I mean Denarius [Moore] will be back any day. Jacoby [Ford's] deal is not that bad. So we're not going to give up on any of those guys. They're too good of players and young," he added.
