Johnny Manziel’s attorney said in a statement Tuesday that he believes his client will be cleared of a domestic violence charge stemming from a January incident involving ex-girlfriend near Dallas.
Manziel was officially indicted Tuesday on a misdemeanor assault charge related to family violence. If convicted, Manziel could face up to a year in jail.
Collen Crowley told police that Manziel repeatedly hit her and threatened to kill her on Jan. 30. Manziel’s attorney, Jim Darnell, said Tuesday that his client’s side of the story will eventually clear him.
“We certainly respect the decision of the grand jury but of course they only hear one part of the case: What the D.A. chooses to share with them. We don’t know what that was,” the statement said. “The case will now be assigned to a court in Dallas County where the parties are able to join the issue. Johnny will certainly plead ‘not guilty’ and we believe the evidence will support that plea.
“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 this case.”
Darnell also represented Manziel in 2013 when he was accused of violating NCAA amateurism rules by accepting money for his autograph. He was eventually suspended for the first half of the 2013 season opener.