An affidavit by former girlfriend of Cleveland Browns quarterback, Johnny Manziel, alleges the football player assaulted her, held/transported her against her will, and threatened to kill her. The victim’s name does not appear here to avoid further victim-blaming/shaming, which is often the case when American sports stars are accused of assaulting or raping women.
A Tarrant County (Texas) judge signed off on the protective order against Manziel on Friday, according to WTAA-TV.
On January 30, the former girlfriend says Manziel restrained her in his hotel room, and then restrained her as he directed her down to his car. That’s where she pleaded with the hotel valet for help. The valet reportedly did not know what to do—and did nothing. What ensued after was the victim trying to escape from the car by foot, being dragged back, and being hit so hard she has a temporary loss of hearing done to her eardrum being ruptured. The fight continued:
They then left Dallas for her apartment in Fort Worth. During the ride, Manziel allegedly threatened to kill both himself and her. The fight continued at the apartment where Manziel allegedly smashed the victim’s phone, and she pulled a knife out of her knife block and advanced toward him, according to the affidavit. He fled.
The Dallas Police is conducting a domestic violence criminal investigation. Manziel, a Heisman Trophy winner, has had other run-ins with the law and domestic violence including one last October in Avon, Ohio. His girlfriend at the time claimed he hit her, as well. No charges were filed in that report.
Still, the event heightened the spotlight on Manziel, who has been long accused of partying too much and squandering his talents in the process. He went to an alcohol- and drug-treatment center in Caron, Pennsylvania, in early 2015, soon after the end of his rookie NFL season.
NFL.com reported last week that Manziel is expected to be dropped from the team in March. The Browns’ Executive VP of Football Operations Sashi Brown released a statement last Tuesday:
"We've been clear about expectations for our players on and off the field," Brown said. "Johnny's continual involvement in incidents that run counter to those expectations undermines the hard work of his teammates and the reputation of our organization. His status with our team will be addressed when permitted by league rules. We will have no further comment at this time."
Rapoport previously reported that when new coach Hue Jackson took over the team, Manziel's fate was sealed.
The accounts of Manziel’s January 30, 2016, alleged attack and the report from October 12, 2015, are all too familiar in domestic violence reports. When not addressed, such incidents often lead to homicide. An average of three to four women are murdered by a husband or boyfriend every day. If guns are present, there is 500 times more of a chance of a homicide. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch is cracking down on domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline describes domestic abuse:
You may be experiencing physical abuse if your partner has done or repeatedly does any of the following tactics of abuse:
- Pulling your hair, punching, slapping, kicking, biting or choking you
- Forbidding you from eating or sleeping
- Damaging your property when they’re angry (throwing objects, punching walls, kicking doors, etc.)
- Using weapons to threaten to hurt you, or actually hurting you with weapons
- Trapping you in your home or keeps you from leaving
- Preventing you from calling the police or seeking medical attention
- Harming your children
- Abandoning you in unfamiliar places
- Driving recklessly or dangerously when you are in the car with them
- Forcing you to use drugs or alcohol (especially if you’ve had a substance abuse problem in the past)
If you are a victim, or know someone experiencing abuse/domestic violence, there is free and confidential help available. Visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline website at The Hotline.org or call 1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). The organization also offers live chats. If there is immediate danger, first call 911.
It’s important to remember that If you are experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone—and it’s not your fault. Please seek help.