Iowa State has suspended redshirt freshman defensive back Mike Johnson following his arrest Thursday on a domestic assault charge.
According to a complaint filed with Iowa State University Police, Johnson is accused of choking his live-in girlfriend with both hands. The alleged assault stemmed from an argument the complaint says was about social media posts and the music choice being played on their phones. That led to each party trying to grab the other's cell phone.
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Johnson said in the police report his girlfriend was trying to damage his laptop and cell phone. Johnson claims he had to push her away and hold her down on the couch to stop the fight. She claims he had both of his hands around her neck and that she saw stars and was sick to her stomach afterward.
Johnson, a native of Clearwater, Fla., started eight games last season and appeared in all 12 of Iowa State's games. He recorded 44 tackles, 1 1/2 tackles for loss, and three pass breakups.
"We are aware of Mike Johnson's arrest and allegations associated with his arrest," Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said in a statement. "Our program has zero tolerance for domestic violence. Mike has been suspended from all team activities, including practice, under the student-athlete code of conduct policy as we gather more information. His long-term status with the team will be determined once we gain more facts."