Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel indicted on assault charge

Manziel indicted after accusations of attack on girlfriend.

(Image credit: Andrew Weber/Getty Images)

published 26 April 2016

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, 23, was indicted by a Texas grand jury Tuesday on a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley's domestic violence complaint. Crowley says Manziel grabbed her by the hair and hit her on the head during an argument over another woman on Jan. 30, rupturing her left eardrum and causing her to temporarily lose hearing. Manziel has denied hitting Crowley and his attorney maintained in a statement Tuesday that he will "certainly plead 'not guilty.'"

"We believe the evidence will support that plea," the statement said. "Out of respect for Ms. Crowley, we will not try the case in the press. We do, however, believe that Johnny will be acquitted at the conclusion of the case."

Manziel's charge carries a penalty of up to a year in prison and a $4,000 fine. The NFL is also investigating the incident, and CNN reports Manziel could also "face a league-imposed suspension if he is found to have violated the personal conduct policy."