By Debbie Emery - Breaking Celebrity News Reporter

Following a three-week whirlwind where her life has literally been ripped apart and the man she trusted betrayed her in every way, Basketball Wives star Evelyn Lozada has bravely opened up about the explosion of her short-lived marriage with Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson.

"It's the hardest thing in the world to walk away from someone that you really love," Lozada told ABC's Nightline in an exclusive interview that will air on Friday night. "But you have to walk away because I have to protect myself.

"I still love him… I feel bad for him because his life is now a mess."

As Breaking Celebrity News previously reported, Lozada filed for divorce from her NFL star husband after just 41 days of marriage following a violent incident on August 11 when he allegedly head butted her. The six-time Pro Bowl receiver was then arrested by Davie, Florida police and released from jail on $2,500 bond.

After being picked up by the Miami Dolphins earlier this year when the New England Patriots cut him, the wide receiver's contract was terminated by the team within 24 hours of the domestic abuse scandal, and not only is he off the team, publicity-hungry Johnson, 34, is also off the air because VH1 canceled the reality show Ev & Ocho about their Caribbean wedding that was set to air in September.

Wearing a simple navy blue dress with her hair pulled back in a simple pony tail, 37-year-old Evelyn was distraught but determined as she fought back the tears when asked if she can ever envision the day that she could sit down and speak with Chad