Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson has weighed in on the Johnny Manziel case to say he is concerned not only about the quarterback but also about his ex-girlfriend, who he hopes is "getting the help that she needs to move beyond this situation."
"Obviously, there was more information that came out during the week," Jackson said Saturday night in San Francisco during Super Bowl festivities, according to Cleveland.com. "And when I think about those things, first and foremost to the young lady, I hope that she's getting the help that she needs to move beyond this situation."
Dallas police said Friday night that they were launching a criminal investigation into a domestic violence assault complaint filed against Manziel, who was involved last weekend in an altercation in which he allegedly struck his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, several times.
"And then No. 2, I don't know Johnny. I've never talked to Johnny. But I don't want to see any young man's life be at risk in any situation," Jackson said after the NFL Honors show, according to the Cleveland website.
The Browns said earlier this week that they intend to release Manziel next month after only two seasons.
"I know our organization well enough that the powers-that-be would reach out and create any environment that could help," Jackson said. "Because we're not about hurting people. We're about saving people. I know that without question.''
Dallas police said detectives would determine what, if any, criminal charges Manziel would face. They noted that it is not uncommon for victims of domestic violence to question or delay reporting an assault.
Manziel has been dropped by his agent, and his father has said he fears for his son's life. Crowley has received a protective order against the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, which prevents him from seeing her for two years.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said last week that the team had reached out to Manziel several times -- to no avail -- in the wake of the alleged incident.
"I think Jimmy said it best: This is not about Johnny the football player,'' Jackson said Saturday night. "This is about Johnny the man, the young man, and I would feel that way about any young player across the National Football League because we all understand the trials and tribulations that men go through, and sometimes you feel like you're isolated and alone.
"What I would say to any young player -- not just Johnny but any player who is going through a lot of different things -- you're not alone. There's help available, and people are willing to help, but sometimes you have to reach a desire to accept the help as you move forward in your life. But again, it's not about football. It's about a young man's life."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.