Johnny Manziel indicted by grand jury on assault charge

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has been indicted by a Dallas County grand jury on an assault charge after being accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend.

The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner was indicted on Tuesday after the grand jury reviewed evidence in the assault case on Thursday, determining there was enough evidence to charge Manziel on allegations he attacked Colleen Crowley earlier this year.

The grand jury referral says that Manziel, "intentionally and knowingly and recklessly caused bodily injury to another, namely: Colleen Crowley".

Crowley told Dallas police Manziel had repeatedly hit her and threatened to kill her during a night out on January 30.

Manziel's attorney released a statement on Tuesday, announcing his client's intention to plead not guilty.

"We certainly respect the decision of the grand jury but of course they only hear part of the case: What the D.A. chooses to share with them. We don't know what that was. This case will now be assigned to a court in Dallas County where the parties are able to join the issue," Jim Darnell, lead counsel for Manziel, said.

"Johnny will certainly plead 'not guilty' and we believe the evidence will support that plea. Out of respect for Ms. Crowley, we will not try the case in the press. We do, however, believe that Johnny will be acquitted at the conclusion of the case."

If found guilty, Manziel would face the possibility of a year in jail and a $4000 fine.