NFL official Carl Johnson is reportedly under investigation for domestic violence in Louisiana.
Johnson has reportedly been accused of abusing a 49-year-old woman with whom he had been living in 2016, allegedly striking her so hard during an incident in December that a breast implant was ruptured. The woman claims she approached the NFL back in March before ultimately going to the police.
The league’s former head of officiating denies the accusation, according to a report by TMZ. The NFL and Johnson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Carl Johnson worked the first Monday Night Football Game of the season after reportedly being accused of domestic violence
There is a temporary restraining order against Johnson, according to the report, but a request for a permanent restraining order was rejected at a later hearing. The accuser also reportedly told TMZ that she has photos and recordings that can back up the allegations.
Johnson served as a line judge during the first Monday Night Football game of the season on September 11.
As an NFL employee, Johnson is subject to the same personal conduct policy as the players.
The league is currently involved in a legal battle over the six-game suspension given to Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, who was accused of domestic violence but never charged by Ohio prosecutors. A federal judge in Texas recently put a temporary restraining order on the suspension, allowing Elliott to continue playing. The NFL has since filed a request for an emergency stay, which would have reinstated the suspension, but the motion was denied by a U.S. district court judge in Texas on Monday.
Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott will be allowed to continue playing after a federal judge denied a motion by the NFL on Monday
The Elliott case will now move to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, where the NFL already has filed an appeal.
Johnson has maintained a good reputation within the NFL, previously serving as the head of officiating after the retirement of Mike Pereira in 2010.
Previously Johnson worked Super Bowl XLII.
‘Carl Johnson is highly respected both by his on-field and off-field officiating colleagues for his stellar body of work and his integrity,’ NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson said in 2010, when Johnson was promoted to replace Pereira. ‘His teamwork-first philosophy and his excellent communication skills will provide terrific leadership to our officiating department.
‘Carl’s skill set is an outstanding match for this position, and we look forward to his leadership in this critical area of our operations,’ Anderson continued.
Johnson was eventually replaced by Dean Blandino, but returned to his role as a line judge.