Michelle Manziel, the mother of former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel, was arrested earlier this month for driving while intoxicated, and new details have surfaced about the circumstances leading to her arrest.
According to a report from TMZ, Michelle Manziel was pulled over by police in Kerrville, Texas, on March 1 at approximately 10 p.m. Officers initiated the traffic stop after noticing her vehicle had a broken tail light. What started as a routine stop quickly escalated when law enforcement detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle.
During the interaction, police observed that Manziel exhibited multiple signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and unsteady balance. When questioned, she refused to take a breathalyzer test. Officers then conducted a field sobriety test, which she reportedly failed. Following these observations, authorities took her into custody and formally charged her with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
The 55-year-old was later booked and released on a $7,500 bond.
A Troubled Pattern?
Michelle Manziel’s arrest has drawn attention due to her son’s well-documented history of legal and personal struggles. Johnny Manziel, who grew up in Kerrville and played high school football at Tivy High School before his legendary run at Texas A&M, has had his own share of legal troubles over the years.
Back in 2012, during his redshirt freshman year at Texas A&M, Johnny was arrested in College Station, Texas, after being involved in a late-night altercation. The incident led to him facing three misdemeanor charges, including failure to produce identification, disorderly conduct, and possession of a fictitious driver’s license. As part of a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to the ID-related charge, while the other two charges were dropped.
His off-field troubles followed him into his brief NFL career with the Cleveland Browns, who selected him 22nd overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. While his talent was undeniable, his personal life often overshadowed his performance.
In 2016, he was accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, which led to a plea deal requiring him to undergo counseling and remain under legal supervision. Reports later indicated that he and the woman reached a private settlement outside of court.
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Johnny Manziel’s Post-NFL Struggles
After just two seasons in the NFL, Johnny Manziel’s professional football career faded amid a string of controversies, including reports of substance abuse and an overall lack of commitment to the game. In the years following his departure from the league, he has spoken openly about his personal struggles, including his battles with bipolar disorder and addiction.
While Michelle Manziel’s arrest is a separate incident, some have pointed to the parallels between her case and Johnny’s past troubles, reinforcing the notion that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to legal and personal difficulties in the Manziel family.
Despite Johnny’s well-documented fall from grace, he has made efforts to turn his life around and has spoken candidly about the importance of seeking help. It remains to be seen how Michelle Manziel will handle her own legal situation moving forward.