Johnny Manziel formally indicted on assault charge, arrest warrant to be issued

Free-agent quarterback Johnny Manziel was formally indicted by a Dallas grand jury Thursday on a misdemeanor assault charge. An arrest warrant will be issued, and Manziel's attorney says his client is likely to surrender today or tomorrow and post bond, according to Rebecca Lopez of WFAA-TV in Dallas.

If Manziel is found guilty of the Class A misdemeanor assault charge, he faces a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

The charge stems from an alleged domestic violence incident between Manziel and his former girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, that took place in Dallas back in January. Manziel has been accused of hitting Crowley, causing long-term damage to her eardrum.

Manziel's legal counsel issued a statement following the indictment:

Manziel's legal issues add to a long list of recent problems for the troubled NFL quarterback. He was recently dumped by his second agent in two months, and dropped by his biggest sponsor, Nike. Manziel was released by the Cleveland Browns in March and the free agent has not yet garnered any interest from other NFL teams.