Report: Manziel investigation delayed because detective forced to work patrol shifts
The investigation into whether Johnny Manziel assaulted and kidnapped his ex-girlfriend and threatened to kill them both has been delayed due to the lead detective on the case being forced to work patrol shifts, The Dallas Morning News reported Wednesday.
The Dallas Police Department had hoped to announce a decision on whether to charge Manziel by the end of this week. However, that's not expected to happen now amid a situation that has left the department "in chaos," Ron Pinkston, the president of the police union, told the newspaper.
The lead detective on the case is on a two-week patrol shift that is mandated by the department, Pinkston said. The decision to place detectives on patrol has been criticized by the union as ineffective and blamed for delays in investigations.
Manziel's ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley said in an affidavit the Cleveland Browns quarterback hit her so hard during a late-night confrontation that she lost hearing in one ear. The affidavit says Manziel dragged her into a car last month after she tried to get away from him. Crowley accused Manziel of striking her in her left ear. Manziel has denied it.
Manziel is expected to be released by the Browns on March 9 when the new NFL calendar year begins. On Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, new coach Hue Jackson said Manziel's behavior "will not be tolerated."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.