Grizzlies forward James Johnson arrested, accused of choking wife

James Johnson has started 91 of his 271 career games. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images) Grizzlies reserve forward James Johnson was arrested for allegedly hitting

James Johnson has started 91 of his 271 career games. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Grizzlies reserve forward James Johnson was arrested for allegedly hitting and choking his wife at their Memphis home early Saturday morning, according to an Associated Press report.

Johnson was booked at Shelby County Jail at 4:35 a.m., and was still there on Saturday afternoon, according to police.

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Johnson and his wife got into an altercation as they were leaving the Memphis nightlife hub on Beale Street around 2 a.m., according to a report from FOX 13 in Memphis.

The 27-year-old's wife called the police after she alleges Johnson hit her in the face with his open hand and choked her.

Adds the FOX report: "[Johnson's wife] also told officers the NBA player punched a hole in their bathroom door, which is where she was waiting while holding their child. Officers say the victim gave the baby to her mother and Johnson then pushed that woman and took the baby before running away from the scene. Johnson eventually returned and was taken to jail."

The team told the AP it was gathering more information and had no further comment.

Johnson, the 16th overall pick out of Wake Forest by the Bulls in 2009, is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Johnson has played for four teams in five NBA seasons — Chicago, Toronto, Sacramento and Memphis — averaging 6.5 points and 3.2 assists per game.

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