WISE LEADS IN DALLAS
After not playing professional football for more than two years, Johnny Manziel has decided to join the Canadian Football League.
The 25-year-old former first-round pick, who was released by the Browns in March 2016, is signing with the Hamilton TigerCats. The team owned Manziel’s exclusive negotiation rights.
“Made the decision today to sign my contract with the CFL and further my football career after a long break,” the quarterback tweeted Saturday morning. “Very grateful for everyone that’s been supporting me along the way. I believe this is the best opportunity for me moving forward and I’m eager for what the future holds.”
Manziel was hopeful for an NFL comeback after dealing with alcohol and mental health issues — admitting that he suffers from Bipolar disorder — as well as a domestic violence assault charge. He had reached a plea agreement and the charge was later dismissed.
An explosive police report relating to the domestic violence incident, which included Manziel’s then-girlfriend Colleen Crowley telling Dallas cops that the former Texas A&M star “beat the s--t” out of her, was recently obtained by TMZ Sports.
In April, the Heisman Trophy winner participated in the Spring League, a three-week scouting event in Austin, Tx. And earlier the spring, he said “if something (in the NFL) pops up, it pops up. And if if not, and I don’t (get) the opportunity to go back, I’m going to play in the CFL.”
In two seasons and 16 games with the Browns, Manziel completed 147 of 258 pass attempts, throwing for 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.
— Amara Grautski
Aaron Wise shot a 3-under 68 in much windier conditions on the new Trinity Forest course, pulling even with Marc Leishman for the third-round lead at the AT&T Byron Nelson. The 21-year-old PGA Tour rookie had consecutive birdies on Nos. 16 and 17 before a bogey on the final hole to fall into a tie at 17-under 196. He won the 2016 NCAA individual title as a sophomore at Oregon. Leishman shot 69 after setting a 36-hole tournament record previously shared by Tiger Woods. Hometown star Jordan Spieth couldn’t make a move from eight shots back, shooting par 71 and falling 10 strokes behind.