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Florida State dismisses De'Andre Johnson after video of him punching woman surfaces

Melina Vastola / USA TODAY Sports

Florida State has dismissed quarterback De'Andre Johnson after footage was released that showed him punching a woman.

Florida State president John Thrasher released a statement on Tuesday supporting Fisher's decision to dismiss Johnson.

Johnson was facing a misdemeanor charge for the incident, according to the Tallahassee Democrat, and had already been suspended from the team.

In the security camera video released by the State Attorney's Office, it appears the woman and Johnson were trying to get a position at the bar, and Johnson jostled her.

The woman raises a fist and shouts at Johnson before he grabs her fist and holds it down. She then raises her other hand and swings. It's not clear whether she made contact, but Johnson responds by punching her in the face while still grabbing her other hand. She staggers, and her nose begins bleeding.

Johnson released a statement through his attorney earlier Monday.

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. 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 wasn't considered a major threat to take over the starting duties from Jameis Winston this season, although, as a freshman, Jimbo Fisher could have envisioned him in that role down the line.

- With files from The Associated Press

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