Johnny Manziel has been indicted by a Dallas County grand jury on charges he allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend, according to local news reports.
Citing sources in the district attorney’s office, KRLD-AM reported Sunday that the former Cleveland Browns quarterback has been indicted on a misdemeanor assault with bodily injury charge. WFAA-TV confirmed the news, saying the indictment will be formally announced on Monday.
The embattled football player is accused of hitting his ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley multiple times during an altercation in January. Crowley claims Manziel threatened to kill her and himself, and slapped her so hard she lost hearing in one ear.
“[I feared] for my life,” said Crowley in an affidavit describing the incident. “I thought maybe he was on drugs or having a psychotic break.”
In February, a judge signed a restraining order requiring Manziel to stay at least 500 feet from Crowley’s home and workplace for two years. He was also required to pay $12,000 of her legal fees.
The past two years have been troubled ones for Manziel, who, in 2012, became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy.
He’s struggled both on and off the field, clashing with Browns management and battling addiction problems. Earlier this month, he allegedly caused over $30,000 in damages while partying in a Los Angeles rental home.
In March, Manziel was released by the Browns; and earlier this month, Nike joined the list of several big name sponsors who’ve dropped him.
The athlete’s father, Paul Manziel, told the Dallas Morning News in February that he was deeply concerned about his son’s well-being. He said he'd urged the 23-year-old on multiple occasions to seek treatment at a rehab facility.
“I truly believe if they can't get him help, he won't live to see his 24th birthday,” the elder Manziel said.
UPDATE (April 26, 11:10 a.m. EST): Following last week's report, Fox News' North Texas affiliate reports that Manziel has been officially indicted by the Dallas County grand jury. He'll enter a plea of not guilty, according to his defense attorney.
A full copy of the indictment can be viewed below:
