My late Grandmother Sophie Morganroth used to tell me that there is a time and a place to say or do something---take action.
But she never would imagine the recent actions taken by former NFL Wide Receiver Chad Johnson.Johnson found out that Broward County Circuit Judge Kathleen McHugh is much different than NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
When Johnson celebrated after scoring touchdowns, the only discipline he'd receive would be small fines which are a mere slap on the wrist.
But Johnson took the slap to a different level in downtown Fort Lauderdale as he slapped his attorney on the butt in court and was sentenced to 30 days in jail. What appeared to be a harmless act where his plea deal was accepted and he was happy with his lawyer's performance, turned out to be quite the opposite outcome.
The courtroom erupted in laughter, but McHugh wasn't laughing. She was extremely angry, rejected the plea deal, and thought Johnson's actions were disrespectful and dropped the hammer.
Wearing a tan jumpsuit with his hands shackled at the waist, Johnson apologized to the judge and served seven days. He had plenty of time to evaluate his flamboyant behavior, plus realize his domestic violence case is nothing to take lightly.
Whether Johnson gets another NFL job remains to be seen.
But McHugh did something Goodell hasn't been able to do and force Johnson to eat Humble Pie.
She took away his freedom which is much worse than any discipline he'd receive in the NFL. Johnson's white flag had more impact than the yellow flag officials use during the game.
Hopefully, this will make Johnson a better person.
If he needs some advice as to how bad things can get behind bars, Johnson should contact Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick, who turned his life around after being locked up for animal cruelty for dog fighting. Vick spent 548 days in jail.
Scott Morganroth can be reached at scottsports33@aol.com.
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