Johnny Manziel could face NFL discipline following domestic incident

Johnny Manziel might be a forgotten man on the football field, but he very much appears to be on the minds of the NFL.

The league is investigating Manziel’s incident a few weeks ago in which the Cleveland Browns quarterback and his girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, were questioned by police for what they called a “domestic incident.” No charges were filed, but that might not matter in the NFL’s minds.

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The league is able to punish Manziel for his role in the incident, in which he admitted to police he was drinking and that Crowley said Manziel pushed her head into the car window and that she feared for her life. According to the NFL’s personal conduct policy, as ESPN.com points out, commissioner Roger Goodell can take action against Manziel (or any player), even though no arrest was made and no charges filed.

Manziel also can be placed on paid leave at any time, but that has not happened yet. Here’s how the policy reads:

“If an investigation leads the Commissioner to believe that you may have violated this Policy by committing any of the conduct identified above, he may act where the circumstances and evidence warrant doing so. This decision will not reflect a finding of guilt or innocence and will not be guided by the same legal standards and considerations that would apply in a criminal trial.”

Among the prohibited actions, the policy lists:

• “Actual or threatened physical violence against another person, including dating violence, domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of family violence”

• “Conduct that poses a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person”

The league is not commenting on the matter, which is typical in such matters, and there is not clear timetable for a decision. Manziel could face a fine, suspension or banishment from the league, per the rules.

Browns head coach Mike Pettine said that it was “more than likely” Manziel would serve as the backup in Week 7 to starter Josh McCown against the St. Louis Rams.