WESTON, Mass. (AP) – The wife of former New England Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson said on Sunday that the couple’s arrest was “my fault.”

“I take responsibility for this,” Jacqueline Johnson said, sitting beside her husband in an interview with WBZ-TV.

Johnson, 33 and his wife, 40, both were charged with assault and battery on July 16, following a domestic dispute at their Weston home, authorities said.

The couple called the dispute a “misunderstanding” in a statement released through a public relations firm Friday.

The former linebacker was arguing with his wife about her trying to take his prescription drugs, according to the police report.

Jacqueline Johnson said in the report that her husband twisted her arm behind her back and shoved her into a bookcase.

She said she fought back by punching and scratching him. Police found her in the driveway of the couple’s home.

Both pleaded not guilty and were released on personal recognizance at their arraignment Tuesday in Waltham District Court. They are due back in court Sept. 7.

In the WBZ-TV interview broadcast Sunday, Jacqueline Johnson said she never felt she was in danger, but both acknowledged that the incident went beyond their control.

“That’s not me,” the former linebacker said. “I would never do that. And, you know, people are gonna’ believe what they’re gonna’ believe.”

She added: “It breaks my heart to think that I would be responsible with one emotional, irresponsible call in destroying this beautiful man’s reputation.”

Johnson retired before last season, citing the effects of several concussions.

The 6-foot-4, 253-pound Johnson was drafted by the Patriots in 1995 out of Colorado and helped the team win three Super Bowls.

He finished with 865 tackles and 11 1/2 sacks in 125 regular-season games, including 106 starts.

He worked as a football analyst for WBZ-TV last season, but resigned two months ago to pursue other opportunities.

AP-ES-07-23-06 1704EDT