Johnny Manziel’s ex-girlfriend tells police he struck her
In this Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, file photo, Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel speaks with media members after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, in Seattle. AP
CLEVELAND, Ohio—Johnny Manziel’s ex-girlfriend told police the Cleveland Browns quarterback hit her during an argument last weekend and said he appeared to be on drugs, according to a police report released Thursday.
The report released by Fort Worth police provides the first details of the altercation that took place Saturday between Manziel and Colleen Crowley. Manziel is being investigated for a possible assault on Crowley. He has not been arrested.
Crowley told police that Manziel was “aggressive” toward her after they were out with friends at the Zaza Hotel in Dallas. She said he struck her, including once in the left ear, before they drove back to her Fort Worth apartment.
Crowley said Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner as college football’s top player, struck her several times on the trip to Fort Worth. According to the police report, Crowley was “somewhat vague on the details of the assault.”
Crowley said she later fled her apartment and ran to a neighbor’s for help in an attempt to get away from Manziel, who fled the scene on foot.
After Crowley informed police she was concerned for Manziel’s well-being, they used a helicopter to try to locate the 23-year-old. Police also tried calling both Manziel and his parents, who could not be reached. An officer finally contacted Manziel’s father, Paul, who said he had seen his son and that “he was doing fine.”
The police blacked out several details in their report.
Earlier this week, the Browns released a statement saying they were troubled by Manziel’s actions and indicated they will release him in March.
“We’ve been clear about expectations for our players on and off the field,” said Sashi Brown, the Browns’ vice president of football operations. “Johnny’s continual involvement in incidents that run counter to those expectations undermines the hard work of his teammates and the reputation of our organization. His status with our team will be addressed when permitted by league rules.”
Manziel has been a major disappointment and distraction during his two seasons with Cleveland.
He didn’t live up to expectations on the field, and his behavior off it has embarrassed the team. Manziel spent more than 10 weeks last winter in a rehab facility specializing in alcohol and drug abuse.
