While Manziel did nothing illegal, the sight of him out on the town must be disconcerting to the Browns and coach Mike Pettine, who selected the former first-round pick as the starter for Cleveland’s final six games. Otherwise, it looks like this is going to turn into a unsafe pattern for Manziel and the Browns. Pettine, whose job could be in jeopardy if the Browns (2-8) don’t demonstrate some progress the rest of this season, said owner Jimmy Haslam and general manager Ray Farmer support his decision.
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Manziel, who spent three months in a rehabilitation facility he entered voluntarily in January, was seen in video and photos purportedly partying with alcohol last week during the team’s week off. He was coming off a 372-yard passing performance in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game in which he played well and earned further opportunities. “It goes well beyond the field”, the Browns’ statement continued and added that the franchise is “going to continue to support” the second year pro.
“We’re always concerned about our players outside of the building”, Pettine said November 17.
“It’s a little easier to handle when it’s a one-time occurrence”, Pettine said.
Pettine said he had watched the video in which Manziel holds a large bottle while singing and dancing at a nightclub in Austin, Texas.
Pettine said he would meet with his assistants and Manziel to discuss the team’s plans. Backup quarterback Josh McCown told Cleveland.com “I’ll be ready to go” if the Browns need him, but also wished the best for Manziel.
Manziel does not deny being at the club over the bye week but says he hasn’t seen the footage and that the video may be old.
“Things that are really important-it’s not what I’m doing off the field”. Afterward, both Manziel and Crowley downplayed what happened, and the National Football League did not discipline Manziel following an investigation.
The announcement comes just one week after Pettine named Manziel the Browns starter for the remainder of the 2015-16 season. That’s hard to swallow, for sure. “There’s some youth involved in some of the decision making that might not be the best, but I certainly don’t count him out by any stretch”. I feel like we’ve gained some ground.
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On the season, McCown is 165-of-254 for 1,897 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions.
