Exiting a club in Hollywood, though it is unclear when, former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel indicated he expects to play football next season. Having cleared waivers after his release from the Browns, Manziel is in the undesirable position of being a free agent before the conclusion of his rookie contract.
One of the few teams long believed to be interested in Manziel, the Dallas Cowboys, have publicly distanced themselves from having any interest in signing the QB. It is unclear if any other team is considering, or is even willing, to bring the embattled free agent aboard.
Johnny Manziel officially cleared waivers, per NFL wire. He’s now a free agent.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2016
A TMZ photographer filmed Manziel as he was leaving a club called The Nice Guy in West Hollywood when he asked the QB if he thinks he will play football next year. Before entering a black SUV with an Uber sticker on the windshield, Manziel turned and answered in the affirmative.
"Of course, my man, have a great night," Manziel said, apparently before realizing who was asking the question. "My TMZ family, I appreciate you bro. To my mom back at home [in] Tyler, Texas, we love you, all of you. Gig 'em Aggies."
Manziel has been a TMZ Sports staple over his tumultuous two years in Cleveland, appearing in the website's headlines more often of late. Despite completing a rehab trip last offseason to show his commitment to football, and specifically to winning the Browns' starting QB job, Manziel has been spotted at various clubs.
While such sightings are not criminal by any stretch, Manziel is under investigation for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Karen Crowley. The first possible instance came in October when a police officer pulled Manziel over in Ohio. He told the police officer he had been drinking earlier, but it was also apparent he and Crowley were arguing.
The incident for which Manziel is being investigated occurred Jan. 30 in Dallas when Crowley said Manziel forced her to get in his car, hit her and threatened to kill her and himself. The Dallas police took the case to a grand jury in late February, resulting in an indictment for Class A misdemeanor assault.
