Johnny Manziel briefly made his first courtroom appearance in Dallas on Thursday morning after his indictment in a domestic violence case — and some think he rudely showed what he thinks of the proceedings.
Manziel was in court less than 15 minutes as Judge Roberto Canas set conditions for his release on $1,500 bond. The 23-year-old former Cleveland Browns quarterback was ordered not to have any contact with Colleen Crowley, the ex-girlfriend who accused him of assault.
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel arrives at court for his initial appearance on May 5 in Dallas.AP“You can’t call her, you can’t text her, you can’t email her, you can’t send her any letters or go to where she’s at,” Canas told Manziel, according to Pro Football Talk.
The judge also instructed Manziel he was barred from possessing any firearms. No plea was entered, but defense attorney Robert Hinton says Manziel plans to plead not guilty.
A ripple of controversy surfaced when, per Yahoo Sports, several people observed Manziel giving the middle finger to the cameras.
Manziel’s hands are clasped behind his back with his right middle finger clearly visible, though it’s a matter of interpretation whether he intends to make the obscene gesture. His horrible reputation doesn’t help the perception.
“He absolutely did not do that,” said a source close to Manziel who was in the courtroom. “He showed nothing but respect for Judge Canas and the entire process.”
The scene was swarmed by media following the former phenom’s descent into problem drinking, unemployment, alleged abuse and possible jail time.
Manziel previously reported to a Dallas-area jail for booking and a mugshot Wednesday afternoon. After posting bail, the Heisman Trophy winner quipped about his mugshot on Twitter.
“Just thankful I had a shirt this time …,” the disgraced quarterback wrote in a since-deleted tweet.
Manziel was referring to his 2012 arrest during his freshman year at Texas A&M. He was charged for fighting and carrying a fake ID. He took a shirtless mugshot before spending a night in jail.
Manziel’s family, particularly his father, Paul, has expressed concerned for his well-being, but they put up a united front on sister Meri’s Instagram account later Wednesday evening. In the clip, which has yet to be taken down, Manziel and company are all smiles as music drones in the background.
“I’m obsessed with these people,” the youngest Manziel posted.
The former Texas A&M star was indicted by a grand jury last month after Crowley alleged he hit her and threatened to kill her during a night out in January. Manziel faces a Class A misdemeanor that carries up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
With AP
