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Johnny Manziel indicted, lawyer says he'll plead not guilty

Eric Edholm

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel was indicted Tuesday in a Texas court following allegations that he assaulted his ex-girlfriend, according to ABC News.

Court documents in the case indicate that Manziel, 23, has been charged with assault causing bodily injury and family violence against Colleen Crowley, who accused Manziel of hitting and accosting her in January.

Dallas Police investigated the incident at the time but did not arrest or charge him then, instead sending the case to the grand jury. Crowley was granted a protective order following the incident.

The lawyer for the former Heisman Trophy winner said that his client will plead not guilty. Lead counsel Jim Darnell read a statement following the indictment:

“We certainly respect the decision of the grand jury but of course they only hear part of the case: What the D.A. chooses to share with them. We don’t know what that was. Johnny will certainly plead 'not guilty' and we believe the evidence will support that plea. Out of respect for Ms. [Colleen] 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 was released by the Browns this offseason after two tumultuous years. He has vowed to get the help he needs but has been seen and reported to be on a partying spree in California, Las Vegas and other places.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!