Johnson reinstated for Lions’ home finale
will return to play for Orlando City this weekend following a criminal investigation by the Orange Country Sheriff's Office and an independent investigation by Major League Soccer related to a charge of domestic violence.
No charges will be pursued and the league said Johnson reached a verbal agreement with the state to enter a year-long diversion program, which includes a 26-week domestic-violence program. The diversion program is commonly available for people facing criminal charges for the first time.
During the investigations, Johnson served a five-game suspension. He returned to training Monday.
MLS did not find evidence of a criminal act or an egregious act of domestic violence in its investigation, which included an interview with Johnson and a review
U.S. SOCCER of all evidence.
However, the league concluded that Johnson’s conduct the night of the incident with his wife was “not consistent with league policy,” according to a statement released Thursday night, and that the “five-game suspension served was appropriate.”
The couple, married five years with two small children, is in the process of getting a divorce.
Johnson was arrested and charged with domestic battery Sept. 6 after an Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a domesticviolence call. Johnson’s wife,
declined to press criminal charges but the state still proceeded with prosecuting the Orlando City player. She gave a verbal and sworn written statement that an argument escalated and she hit the side of her head on a brick patio after Johnson tackled her to the ground.
The deputy took photos of Childs Johnson’s injuries, which included small cuts and bruises on her arms and legs.
MLS officials independently investigated the incident. "The evidence reviewed by the MLS League Office does not establish that Johnson physically assaulted his wife," the statement says.
Johnson entered a plea of not guilty, requested a trial by jury and had a pre-trial conference hearing scheduled for Nov. 13 before he agreed to the diversion program.
He will be available for selection when Orlando City hosts the Columbus Crew at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Orlando City will play Puerto Rico’s national team in a friendly Nov. 4 at Orlando City Stadium. All proceeds from the event, called “Fuerza Puerto Rico,” will go to the United for Puerto Rico initiative to raise funds and aid recovery efforts following the destruction on the island caused by Hurricane Maria.
Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com and range in price from $20 for the supporters section to $65. No decision has been made on whether the club will livestream the match, according to a statement released by Orlando City.
“Our players and staff are very excited to be part of this historic match,” Puerto Rican Soccer Federation president said in the statement. “We understand that not only could it raise money to help people that need it the most, but using soccer we can unite all Puerto Ricans on and off the island."
The fundraiser will be the last time Orlando City captain and Brazilian superstar
plays as a Lion. He announced Wednesday he will not return for the 2018 MLS season and will play his final MLS match on Sunday against the Columbus Crew, skipping the Oct. 22 road trip to Philadelphia, before suiting up in purple one last time against Puerto Rico.