Projo Pats Blog

WALTHAM, Mass. -- Assault charges were dropped today against former New England Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson and his wife after the couple refused to testify against each other.

Johnson, 33, and his wife, Jacqueline, 40, were arrested in July after a domestic dispute at their Weston home.

Days later, Jacqueline Johnson sat beside her husband during a televised interview and said she was responsible for what she called an argument that escalated, adding, "At no time did Ted ever hit me, did he ever hurt me. He's the most gentle, loving, respectful man I know."

The former linebacker was arguing with his wife about her trying to take his prescription drugs, according to the police report.

Jacqueline Johnson said in the report that her husband twisted her arm behind her back and shoved her into a bookcase. She said she fought back by punching and scratching him. The police found her in the driveway of the couple's home.

Waltham District Court Judge Tobin Harvey dismissed the case today, after prosecutors said they did not have evidence to go forward because the Johnsons asserted their marital privilege not to testify.

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 11 1/2 sacks in 125 regular-season games, including 106 starts.

-- The Associated Press

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