NFL investigators spoke to police about Manziel incident
CLEVELAND — NFL investigators spoke to the police officers who questioned Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel following an in-car argument with his girlfriend.
The league is looking into whether Manziel violated its personal conduct policy. A dispatcher for the Avon, Ohio, police said Tuesday that the investigators visited last week with the officers who questioned Manziel on Oct. 12.
His girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, told police that the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner hit her "several times" and pushed her head into a car window when the couple quarreled on an interstate highway. Witnesses also said Manziel was speeding when he drove on a shoulder to pass several cars before veering across several lanes to exit.
Manziel, who has an interview scheduled with the league this week, cooperated with police and was not arrested. The couple was allowed to leave the scene together.
Manziel told police that he and Crowley had been drinking before their disagreement, which ended when the quarterback pulled his car onto a gravel driveway. Police determined Manziel "had consumed only two alcoholic drinks" and was not intoxicated. The 22-year-old spent 70 days during the offseason in a rehab facility for an unknown problem.
Manziel was not charged, and he denied striking Crowley, who was intoxicated, according to the police report. Crowley had an abrasion on her arm, but police determined it was caused by Manziel grabbing her to keep her from exiting his vehicle.
There's a chance Manziel may have to play this week against Arizona if starter Josh McCown is ruled out with a shoulder injury. McCown was injured in Sunday's loss to St. Louis and may be kept out of practice Wednesday.
Manziel won his only start this season in Week 2 against Tennessee. He replaced an injured McCown in the opener and again against the Rams in the fourth quarter.
Browns coach Mike Pettine said Monday he has not been contacted by the league. The Browns received some criticism for not making Manziel inactive for their Oct. 18 game against Denver. Pettine would not disclose what punishment Manziel received from the team.
The league could fine, suspend or even ban Manziel if he violated the personal conduct policy.
