Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Johnny Manziel’s ex-girlfriend lost hearing after attack, affidavit claims

Associated Press

DALLAS – Johnny Manziel’s ex-girlfriend says in an affidavit that he hit her so hard during a late-night confrontation that she lost hearing in one ear.

Colleen Crowley’s affidavit was obtained by KXAS-TV and published online Monday. Crowley suffered a ruptured eardrum, which is expected to eventually heal, Crowley’s lawyer, Kathy Kinser, told the television station.

Crowley detailed Manziel’s alleged attack as part of proceedings to obtain a protective order against the troubled Cleveland Browns quarterback, who is under criminal investigation on allegations of domestic violence.

Manziel, a Heisman Trophy winner whose professional career has been marred by headlines about his drinking and other personal issues, is expected to be cut by the Browns next month.

In the affidavit, Crowley said she and Manziel had a confrontation in his hotel room at about 1:45 a.m. Jan. 30. Crowley accused Manziel of throwing her onto his bed after the two discussed him “being with a girl who had caused us problems in the past.”

Crowley said she tried to leave, but he restrained her and led her downstairs to the valet, where he directed her to his car. She said the valet disregarded her pleas for help.

Crowley and Manziel eventually made it to her vehicle in front of a Dallas bar, her affidavit says. Manziel allegedly got into the driver’s seat of her car and started to back out of the spot. She said she opened her door and jumped out, trying to hide.

She accused him of chasing her down, throwing her back into the car and hitting her left ear.

“Fearful for my life, I hit (Manziel) several times, hoping I could back out of the car,” she said in the affidavit, adding Manziel “threw me off of him and I hit my head on the car window and I fell into the passenger floorboard.”

Police have said they drove to Fort Worth, where they continued arguing before Manziel fled on foot.

Manziel’s attorney did not return a phone message Monday.

Crowley spoke to Dallas police on Friday, and shortly afterward, authorities announced they were investigating a domestic violence complaint against Manziel.