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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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Quarterback Reaches Settlement in Domestic Violence Case

Dallas County prosecutors will drop a domestic violence case against former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel if he fulfills the terms of a settlement, prosecutors said Friday.

by DAVID LEE

DALLAS (CN) - Dallas County prosecutors will drop a domestic violence case against former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel if he fulfills the terms of a settlement, prosecutors said Friday.

The Dallas County district attorney's office said the former Heisman Trophy winner has been issued a conditional dismissal agreement. He must complete an anger-management course, attend a domestic violence victim-impact panel and participate in the National Football League's substance abuse program or go to another rehabilitation program.

Manziel, 23, was indicted in April after ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley, 23, of Fort Worth, accused him of hitting her in the head for trying to escape from his car in January. She obtained a protective order against Manziel in Tarrant County in February, claiming she was left unable to hear out of one ear. Manziel must stay away from Crowley under the settlement.

Manziel's attorney, Jim Darnell of El Paso, said he is "thankful" to the court and prosecutors for "their hard work and diligence in trying to come to a fair and just resolution" for everyone.

"My client is pleased to be able to put this part of the situation behind him and is eager to satisfy the terms of the agreement," Darnell said in a statement.

Prosecutors describe the settlement as "a contract between the defendant, the prosecution, and the court."

While declining to comment on the specifics of Manziel's case, prosecutors said in a statement that they will "monitor the progress of a defendant for the time it takes to complete the requirements of the agreement, up to one year's time."

If Manziel fails to live up to the terms of the agreement, he will be prosecuted.

"A conditional dismissal agreement is only the beginning of the process of educating an individual on how to make better choices when facing conflict," prosecutors added. "It is an important first step for a defendant. Success or failure will depend upon one's commitment to the treatment programs included."

Currently living in Los Angeles, Manziel remains unsigned by any National Football League team after being released by the Cleveland Browns and by successive agents representing him.

The settlement comes four days after Manziel was sued in Travis County Court by a bartender's assistant. Eric Newton claims Manziel cursed him and punched him in the face after demanding drinks at a Sixth Street bar in Austin.

Follow @davejourno
Categories / Criminal, Sports

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