Chad Johnson Released by Miami Dolphins Following Arrest

The second Chad Johnson era is off to a rocky start.

Johnson, who legally changed his name back from Ochocinco a few weeks ago so he wouldn't inflict the name on his new bride, has been released by the Miami Dolphins after being arrested for head-butting that same woman. 

The news comes from the Miami Dolphins' official Twitter account:

"

The Miami Dolphins have terminated the contract of WR Chad Johnson.

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 13, 2012"

The 34-year-old never played an official snap with his new team, which reportedly had no choice but to release the wideout. From Mike Florio and Pro Football Talk:

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Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Johnson was on a one-strike arrangement with the team. Coach Joe Philbin, who has welcomed plenty of distractions in the seven months since he took the job, ultimately didn’t want the added distraction of the criminal prosecution of one of his higher-profile players.

"

Johnson's career has been a roller coaster in every sense of the word.

He began in Cincinnati, where he established himself as one of the best receivers in the game, but also as one of the most enigmatic. 

You either loved his antics, or you hated him. There was no in-between.

Still, no matter how you felt toward Johnson, there was no denying what he could do on the football field. 

Over 10 seasons with the Bengals from 2001-2010, Johnson averaged 75 catches, 1,078 yards and seven touchdowns per season. He surpassed the 90-reception mark four times and the 1,200-yard mark five times over that span. 

As he began to decline, though, the Bengals could finally afford to depart ways with their eccentric wide receiver, letting Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots take a chance on him. 

In 15 games for the Pats last season, Johnson recorded just 276 yards and one TD on 15 grabs, leaving him destined for free agency once again. 

It was there that the Dolphins, a team lacking much of everything in the receiving talent, took a flier on him. Knowing his skill set, even after 11 years in the league, it was a gamble that made sense, just so long as he didn't push anyone's buttons.

But being charged with domestic battery, a misdemeanor, and serving jail time is obviously more than pushing buttons. 

For a team with a young receiving corps, this move will open up playing time for plenty of other guys to prove themselves. With Johnson out of the mix, however, Legedu Naanee, Davone Bess and Brian Hartline all stand to see a significant up-tick in plays and targets. 

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