Just hours after the State Attorney's Office released a video of De'Andre Johnson punching a woman in a bar, he was dismissed from the Florida State football team.
The freshman was not expected to compete for the starting position, but was a highly touted recruit. Florida State University (FSU) head football coach Jimbo Fisher revealed the dismissal in a statement Monday, ESPN reported.
Fisher previously suspended Johnson when a report surfaced about his potential involvement in the incident on June 24 in which he punched a 21-year-old FSU student in the face at a local bar. With the video clearly showing Johnson's altercation with the woman, his attorney, Jose Baez, is arguing his client was provoked.
"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 and grow from this experience," Baez said in a 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 teammates, the entire Florida State University community, as well as his family and friends."
Johnson was apparently heading to the counter of the bar to order when the woman cut him off when she quickly turned and appeared agitated, holding a fist in the air. Johnson grabbed her by the wrist and she tried to hit him with her left hand, which he responded to by punching her in the face with his right hand, leaving the bar afterward.
Willie Meggs, the State Attorney in Tallahassee, charged Johnson with misdemeanor battery after seeing the footage. Johnson turned himself in last Tuesday and was released shortly after on $500 bond.
The woman had bruised around her left eye, a cut near her nose and her left cheek and upper lip were swollen as well.
The video below may be considered graphic.
