UFC
New domestic assault allegations reportedly made against Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, UFC suspends him indefinitely
Sep 19, 2014 - 5:10:49 PM New domestic assault allegations reportedly made against Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, UFC suspends him indefinitely

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

After the scrutiny brought about by the issue of domestic violence this month in regards to the NFL, the UFC has responded quickly to new allegations against Anthony "Rumble" Johnson.

Brent Brookhouse at BloodyElbow.com reports that the mother of two of Anthony "Rumble" Johnson's children has spoken with police and filed a report against him over alleged threats she believes were made by Johnson and/or his friends. Further, the police report filed alleges a history of domestic abuse, though only one incident had previously been reported to police.

Shortly after the report surfaced, the UFC announced they were suspending Johnson indefinitely pending an investigation.

"We are aware of the situation involving Anthony Johnson," the UFC's statement read. "As a result, we are suspending him indefinitely. We are using a third-party law firm to conduct a formal investigation and once we have more information, we'll determine whether further course of action is necessary."

Per the police report filed, "*Redacted* stated that two years ago Johnson hit her in the face and knocked out two of her teeth. Since that incident she has had several other verbal altercations with Johnson. *redacted* has only reported one of the incidents to the police."

She was advised by the officer who filed the report to obtain an order of protection against Johnson, and according to the BE report she has done so. She also claims to have security video of the alleged 2012 incident, as it allegedly happened at her workplace at the time, though she says Johnson talked her out of pressing charges at that point.

Johnson has been involved in at least one other domestic assault incident in the past, though it involved a different woman. The arrest occurred in 2009, and he plead out to a misdemeanor domestic assault charge for which he was given three years probation.

As to these new allegations, Johnson's attorney Frank Smith issued the following statement via the report:

"Anthony categorically denies all allegations and looks forward to his court date in the civil matter, where the truth and lies will be established."

Penick's Analysis: The UFC made the right move here in taking swift action pending further information, as they can't rightly book him in a high profile fight given the circumstances. With the history Johnson has in this area, the benefit of the doubt isn't going to be given by many, and though charges may or may not ultimately come against him, that history may be enough to condemn him as far as the sport is concerned in the current climate on this issue. It's massively disappointing, but shows that this continues to be an issue that needs to be dealt with. Athletes showing violent tendencies outside of sport shouldn't be making a healthy living in violent combat.