Chad Johnson's arrest on Saturday Aug.11 for head butting his wife Evelyn Lozada has exposed the ex-NFL star's history of domestic violence. A day after TMZ reported that he was arrested at the age of 22 for slapping an ex-girlfriend, a friend close to the couple has revealed that Johnson has been abusive to the reality star throughout the relationship.

"Chad has been abusive towards Evelyn basically from the beginning of their relationship," a source familiar with the couple told the website. "Chad and Evelyn's marriage was volatile in nature and a mistake from the start."

"She told me that Chad threatened to kill her one time and that was really a red flag," the friend added.

Johnson, 34, was released from jail on Sunday after being charged with a battery misdemeanor. His bond was set at $2,500. Following his release, he was cut from the Miami Dolphins football team.

Lozada and Johnson's upcoming reality show, "Ev and Ocho," which was set for release in early September, has been dropped from the VH1 network on Monday.

On Tuesday, Lozada filed for divorce after releasing a statement to the press: "I am deeply disappointed that Chad has failed to take responsibility for his actions and made false accusations against me, it is my sincere hope that he seeks the help he needs to overcome his troubles. Domestic violence is not OK and hopefully my taking a stand will help encourage other women to break their silence as well. I'm grateful to my family, friends and fans for the outpouring of support during this difficult time."

Lozada's attorney confirmed the news of the divorce to Radar Online:

"Given recent events in my client's life, she has decided to file for divorce and move forward with her life."

Closeup racy photos of Lozada at a party wearing a dress without her underwear can be seen here.

Tags: evelyn lozada chad johnson