Manziel Banned First Four Games For Substance Abuse

Johnny Manziel has been suspended for the first four games of next season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

The suspension announced Friday is not related to the NFL's domestic violence policy, but the free agent quarterback would be subject to it if he signs with another team. Manziel, released by Cleveland in March, is facing an assault charge in Dallas involving former girlfriend Colleen Crowley. The league is reviewing that case.

The 2012 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Texas A&M was suspended the same week he posted pictures on Instagram from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The post included a reference to his father, Paul Manziel, who called his son a "druggie" following a report from The Associated Press of one of his attorneys mistakenly sending a text that indicated doubts whether Manziel could stay clean.

NZ Herald