Video May Vindicate Manziel In Assault Case; Grand Jury Meets
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Sources tell CBS 11 News that security video from Hotel ZaZa, where Johnny Manziel and his ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley were hanging out with friends on Jan.30, may vindicate Manziel and even suggests that Crowley was attacking him.
Neither Crowley nor Manziel were seen at the Frank Crowley Courts Building downtown Thursday. But there are rear entrances and exits where victims can enter, out of sight, into and out of the court.
The news comes after a Dallas grand jury reviewed evidence in the assault case against former NFL quarterback Manziel, today. The 23-year-old quarterback is accused of hitting Crowley several times while driving from an uptown Dallas bar back to her home in Fort Worth. According to police records, Crowley tried to jump out of the moving car and get to safety, but Manziel stopped, dragged her back into the car and hit her.
Crowley told the valet at Hotel Zaza, "Please don't let him take me," according to her police report, "I'm scared for my life!"
Instead of arresting Manziel, officials with the Dallas Police Department decided to present evidence to the grand jury to decide if they should pursue a misdemeanor case.
Sources also said there was an out-of-court civil settlement between Manziel and Crowley over the issue. But at this time there isn't any indication what the settlement may be.
A judge granted Crowley a protective order after January's multi-city altercation. Manziel has to stay away from Crowley until at least Feb. 3, 2018, including at least 500 feet away from her Fort Worth apartment, according to the order. He also has to pay $12,500 in attorney's fees and can't possess a firearm while the order is in effect.
Colleen Crowley's Affidavit Requesting A Protective Order
Sources said the grand jury will likely not make the final decision about whether to indict or no bill Manziel until next week.
Manziel was cut by the Browns in March after two tumultuous seasons marked by inconsistent play and off-the-field headlines about his partying and drinking.
On Tuesday, Manziel was fired by his second agent in three months, Drew Rosenhaus. Manziel was fired by his first agent, Erik Burkhardt, back in February.
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