Ex-Patriot Johnson, wife charged with assault & battery

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WESTON, Mass. -- Former New England Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson and his wife were both charged with assault and battery following a domestic dispute at their home, authorities said.

Police responding to a report of a domestic disturbance Sunday found Jacqueline Johnson in the driveway of the couple's home, said Melissa Sherman, a spokeswoman for the Middlesex district attorney's office.

Jacqueline Johnson said that she and her husband got into an argument and he assaulted her, Sherman said. Ted Johnson, 33, was taken to the police station for booking. His wife was later arrested and charged with assault and battery.

Both pleaded not guilty and were released on personal recognizance at their arraignment Tuesday in Waltham District Court. They are due back in court Sept. 7.

The Johnsons called the dispute a "misunderstanding" in a statement released through a public relations firm.

"While we understand that private matters may sometimes be deemed newsworthy, we would appreciate the opportunity to address the matter privately," the statement said.

Johnson retired before last season, citing the effects of several concussions.

The 6-foot-4, 253-pound Johnson was drafted by the Patriots in 1995 out of Colorado and helped the team win three Super Bowls. He finished with 865 tackles and 11½ sacks in 125 regular-season games, including 106 starts.

He worked as a football analyst for a Boston television station last season, but resigned to pursue other opportunities.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

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