Photo Credit: Ron Schwane/AP
Johnny Manziel has been no angel since being drafted by the Cleveland Browns. There have been allegations that he was unhappy in Cleveland and that his partying was becoming a very bad habit. The quarterback has already entered treatment for his drinking and vowed that he was a “changed man”.
It seemed like it should have been a wake up call, however, after being named the starting quarterback a new video surfaced showing Manziel partying. The video posted to social media showed him allegedly partying during the team’s bye week. Manuel lied about when the video was recorded to then head coach Mike Pettine which as expected did not go over too well. Petting made the decision to demote the quarterback to third string which should have been enough of a wake up call for someone who has always dreamed of playing football professionally.
Of course, the Johnny Manziel saga does not end there. Manuel reported that he had concussion-like symptoms days before the Browns’ final game of the season; one he was expected to start. He was declared out for the game and decided to start the offseason a little early. A USA Today reporter and an ESPN radio affiliate in Las Vegas allegedly spotted Manziel in Las Vegas the day before the Browns’ game against the Steelers. The reporter also mentioned that Manziel was wearing a blonde wig, glasses, and a fake mustache. He reportedly was having people call him “Billy”. Manziel was seen gambling, dining, and partying at the Planet Hollywood hotel and casino until 3AM. He tried to stay as under the radar as possible, but when it came time to the pay bill he had to pay with a credit card which revealed that it was indeed Johnny Manziel.
Manziel tried to cover his tracks by posting this picture on his Instagram account. He even tweeted about plays during the Alamo Bowl on Saturday night.
As if this story could not get any worse, it does. Manziel was expected to show up to the Browns facility on Sunday morning before the start of the team’s game. As with any player in the league’s concussion protocol, the player is scheduled to meet with the team doctor. Unfortunately, Manziel chose not to attend the previously scheduled meeting and Browns owner Jimmy Haslam confirmed that “he had no idea” where his franchise quarterback was.
If this story is in any way true it is time for the Browns to cut their losses. Yes, this team is in total crisis mode having just fired both their general manager and head coach, however it is clear Manziel is not their franchise quarterback. He reportedly wants to go play for the Cowboys so just let him go and bring in a competent general manager and head coach who can finally turn this franchise around and bring some respect back to it.
