TMZ: Chad Johnson released from jail after one week

(TMZ) -- Chad Johnson -- formerly Chad Ochocinco has been released from jail after serving a week for slapping his attorney on the butt -- and TMZ is reporting that on his way out, Johnson called his judge a "blessing in disguise" for throwing him back in the slammer.

Johnson apologized to the judge, and was released after a week, instead of 30 days.

A judge  accepted Johnson's apology and cut his 30-day jail term for a probation violation to the seven days he has already served.

TMZ is reporting Johnson says he's THANKFUL for the time he's had in the pokey the last week, telling reporters, "I had a lot of time to reflect. A lot of time to think about where I've been, where I am now, and where I'm going."

TMZ is reporting Johnson said: "A lot of people have tried to get me to slow down in life. Coaches, my agent, my lawyer. And there was one person that was able to do it. And that was my judge."

TMZ says Johnson added: "Little does she know, I love her to death. Basically what she's been is a blessing in disguise."

TMZ says after being released from jail, Johnson made a bee-line for McDonald's.

CLICK HERE to read more via TMZ.com.