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Ted Johnson and wife arrested in domestic disturbance
By Ari Boomekatz, Globe Correspondent
Police arrested former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson and his wife this week on assault and battery charges after a domestic disturbance at the couple’s Weston home.
Johnson, 33, who retired from the NFL last July after 10 seasons and three Super Bowl victories with the Patriots, got in a physical fight Sunday with Jacqueline Johnson at about 8 p.m., according to court documents.
Jacqueline Johnson, 40, called police and told officers that her 6-foot-4 husband twisted her arm behind her back and pushed her into a bookcase, where she hit her head. According to the court documents, she fought back, punching and kicking Ted Johnson.
Weston police arrested the former Patriot and, after questioning, also arrested his wife.
The couple released a joint statement through their mutual lawyer that read: “On Sunday, July 16, the Weston Police were called to our home as a result of a misunderstanding. While we understand that private matters may sometimes be deemed newsworthy, we would appreciate the opportunity to address this matter privately. We will have no further comment at this time.”
They pleaded not guilty to the charges Tuesday morning in Waltham District Court. Their next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 7.
Johnson, who started 106 regular season games for the Patriot and recorded 865 tackles and 11 ˝ sacks, was the second sports figure arrested on domestic violence charges in Massachusetts in the past few weeks.
On June 23, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Brett Myers was arrested in Back Bay after witnesses told police the right-handed ace hit his wife in the face during argument on the way home from a bar.
Myers, 25, who was in Boston with the Phillies for a series with the Red Sox, pleaded not guilty to assault and battery charges. Kim Myers, 28, bailed her husband out by posting $200 shortly after the arrest. His next case was continued until Aug. 4 in Boston Municipal Court.
