Johnny Manziel was named the Browns’ starting quarterback on Tuesday morning, and later in the day he learned the NFL has found no reason to discipline him based on its investigation of his role in an October roadside incident involving Manziel and his girlfiend.
No charges were filed, but Colleen Crowley in the original report told police that Manziel had pushed her head against a window. The NFL’s statement Tuesday said that league officials had spoken with Manziel and Crowley and have concluded that there’s “insufficient basis” to discipline Manziel.
League investigators came to Cleveland two weeks after the Oct. 12 incident to discuss it with Manziel.
The full statement said: “Consistent with the procedures of the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, we have examined the available evidence regarding the recent incident involving Johnny Manziel. Our investigation included a thorough review of information from law enforcement and our own interviews with multiple individuals, including the two involved in the incident. Based on the information gathered, we have concluded that there is an insufficient basis on which to take disciplinary action. In all cases of this nature, our concern under the Personal Conduct Policy goes well beyond the issue of discipline, and we have made comprehensive professional resources available on a confidential basis.”
The Browns are off this week and return to action Nov. 30 vs. the Ravens. Manziel has started the last two games but told reporters he was “caught off guard” by the team’s announcement Tuesday that he’ll be the starter for the rest of the season.