Johnny Manziel Indicted on Assault Charge

The indictment was filed this morning in Texas.

ByABC News
April 26, 2016, 1:26 PM

— -- Former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel was indicted today in Texas following allegations that he assaulted an ex-girlfriend.

A grand jury charged Manziel, 23, with family violence assault, according to Dallas County District Attorney Susan Hawk.

Hawk said in a statement: “The Grand Jury’s review of Mr. Manziel’s case has resulted in a 'true bill,' which means that there was probable cause found that Mr. Manziel committed a Family Violence Assault against the complainant. Therefore, this case will move forward in the criminal justice system and be prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office. As always, we respect the criminal justice process and the decision that the Dallas County Grand Jury has made in regards to this case.”

Manziel’s lead counsel, Jim Darnell, said in a statement after the indictment was announced: “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's attorney Bob Hinton told ABC News that the former quarterback's bond will be set tomorrow. Hinton said Manziel is currently in Los Angeles and will surrender later this week.

The charge follows accusations from Manziel's ex-girlfriend Crowley that he accosted her and then hit her during an incident in Texas in January. Instead of an arrest, Dallas police sent the case to a grand jury. Crowley was granted a protective order.

In 2012, while at Texas A&M, Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. He later signed with the Cleveland Browns. The team released him in March 2016.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.