Johnny Manziel is making headlines again. But as is usually the case, it’s for the wrong reasons.
Manziel – who is currently a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns – was involved in an incident with a woman who identified herself as an ex-girlfriend early Saturday morning, the USA Today reported on Saturday . The investigation revolved around the possibility that Johnny potentially assaulted the female.
In the police report from the Fort Worth, Texas police that responded to the scene, Johnny was not with the female when they arrived. Their report concluded that any alleged abuse would have occurred in Dallas, which lies outside of the police department’s jurisdiction.
Fort Worth Police Department Press Release regarding Johnny Manziel pic.twitter.com/n4Avlmxhs6
— Fort Worth Police (@fortworthpd) January 30, 2016
The report said the female would not cooperate with police, but she feared for Manziel’s health. The police attempted to locate Johnny but were unsuccessful. Later, the police officers determined that Manziel was safe despite his ex-girlfriend’s concerns.
Despite what might appear to be a closed case for the police department, the NFL is opening their own investigation in the allegations surrounding Johnny, according to the article. NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello acknowledged the league had been made aware of the Manziel incident.
The issue is another in the growing list of issues Johnny Manziel has faced during his time with the Cleveland Browns. The No. 22 pick in the 2014 draft, Manziel was faced with similar allegations earlier this year from his then girlfriend in Avon, Ohio. The incident sparked an NFL probe despite having the police officially drop the case, according to a previous report by the Inquisitr .
After that incident, the former Texas A&M quarterback was benched by then head coach Mike Pettine, leading to rumors Johnny would be shipped to another team after the season. Concerns were growing among fans if Manziel could play amid all the distractions.
His former offensive coordinator John DeFilippo ignored the rumors, publicly backing Johnny Manziel despite the incident.
“I think all of us as people, myself included, we’re all a work in progress every day. Some of us deal with different issues. We know Johnny’s issues. We’re working with him every day. And there’s no doubt in my mind Johnny’s going to bounce back.”
But an injury brought Manziel out of the doghouse and into the field of play later in the year. His numbers were solid, leading his team to a win over the lowly San Francisco 49ers with a strong aerial performance. Johnny later showed he could make plays with his feet against the Kansas City Chiefs, rushing for 108 yards in the loss.
The game could serve as the last time the Cleveland Browns’ fans will see Johnny under the center. Manziel reportedly suffered a concussion from his play during the game, and the 23-year-old sat out the regular season finale afterwards.
Can the relationship between team and Johnny Manziel be fixed?
The Browns GM believes so: https://t.co/gUc8odsnYF pic.twitter.com/YnPL3Vc3J5
— NFL (@NFL) January 30, 2016
Instead of seeking treatment, Manziel was reported in Las Vegas the Saturday night before the regular season finale. Johnny was reportedly in disguise, enjoying a night out on the town.
The negative publicity has cost Johnny already. Manziel was sacked by the Cleveland marketing firm LRMR ran by LeBron James’ business manager Maverick Carter.
“I will continue to support and advise him as a friend. However, because Johnny needs to focus on personal growth, the next phase of his career and because LRMR continues to expand beyond marketing, we made the mutual decision that it was best to terminate our business relationship.”
LeBron James even released a statement after his company terminated their relationship with Johnny Manziel.
“I don’t know all the details on it, I really kind of even haven’t been all up on it, but I’ve heard a little bit of it and it’s just a distraction for not only himself but for everyone that’s around him, including family, people that represent him, the people around him. He’ll figure it out at some point, we all hope.”
What do you think about Johnny Manziel being involved in yet another incident? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
[Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images]