Lawyer for Chad Johnson seeks cut in 30-day jail term

Ex-NFL player Chad Johnson is in jail serving 30 days for violating his probation. (Photo by Getty Images)

The lawyer for former NFL star Chad Johnson says the pat in the behind Johnson gave him in court was not meant as disrespect to a judge, wasn't something that warrants a 30-day jail sentence, and is asking for Johnson to be given another chance, reports the Associated Press.

Johnson's lawyer Adam Swickle asked Broward County Circuit Judge Kathleen McHugh to reconsider the sentence she imposed Monday.

Johnson reached a deal with prosecutors for community service and counseling to resolve a probation violation from his no-contest plea last year to battery on his then-wife Evelyn Lozada. He then gave Swickle a pat in the behind and was immediately given 30 days behind bars.

''Mr. Johnson has been a professional football player in theNational Football League for 11 years and patting another individual on the backside is viewed as a sign of respect and gratitude,'' the motion read. ''It is clear that the court misinterpreted Mr. Johnson's interaction with his attorney.''