Fisher decides to part ways with quarterback Johnson
By: USA Today
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Florida State dismissed freshman quarterback De’Andre Johnson from the team, coach Jimbo Fisher announced late Monday.
Johnson was removed from the team hours after a video surfaced that showed him punching a woman at a bar. The Tallahassee State Attorney’s Office released the surveillance video footage Monday afternoon, and it was obtained by theTallahassee Democrat .
Johnson had been indefinitely suspended by the Seminoles after being charged with misdemeanor battery. He turned himself in at Leon County Jail on June 30 after a warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was released on $500 bond.
The video shows Johnson and a woman in a shoving match at a bar which escalates when the woman throws a punch at Johnson, who then strikes the woman in the face and exits the video frame.
The woman, a Florida State student, suffered several injuries to her face, according to court records. State attorney Willie Meggs will prosecute the case and decided to charge Johnson after reviewing video of the incident that was captured by security cameras inside the bar.
Johnson, a true freshman, was a four-star recruit who enrolled early at Florida State in January. He was expected to compete for the backup quarterbackposition. Johnson’s attorney, Jose Baez, said his client is “extremely embarrassed” and is participating in community service and faith-based programs focused on battered women, among others. A statement issued Monday by Baez did not address the alleged victim specifically.
“While it is clear from the video that De’Andre Johnson was not the initial aggressor, his family wants to take the lead in helping him learn andgrow from this experience,” Baez said in an emailed statement. “He is currently participating in community service, and faith-based programs focused on battered women, substance abuse, and the empowerment of children. De’Andre is extremely embarrassed by this situation and would like to express his heartfelt apologies to everyone, including those who were directly affected, Coach Fisher and his team mates, the entire Florida State University community, as well as his family and friends.”
Johnson pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge on July 2. A court date is set for later this month.
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