Browns QB Johnny Manziel Enters Rehab

Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer first reported that Browns QB Johnny Manziel entered treatment on Wednesday.

Here’s a statement from Manziel’s publicist Denise Michaels:

“Brad Beckworth, friend and advisor to Manziel and his family, has confirmed that Johnny entered treatment on Wednesday. Johnny knows there are areas in which he needs to improve in order to be a better family member, friend and teammate and he thought the off-season was the right time to take this step. On behalf of Johnny and his family, we’re asking for (rest of Manziel in treatement)….privacy until he rejoins the team in Cleveland.”

Statement from Browns GM Ray Farmer on Manziel entering treatment:

“We respect Johnny’s initiative in this decision and will fully support him throughout this process. Our players’ health and well-being will always be of the utmost importance to the Cleveland Browns. We continually strive to create a supportive environment and provide the appropriate resources, with our foremost focus being on the individual and not just the football player. Johnny’s privacy will be respected by us during this very important period and we hope that others will do the same.“

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Pat McManamon previously reported that nearly 20 Browns sources told them Manziel exhibited a “year-long pattern that showed a lack of commitment and preparation, a failure to be ready when given a chance in his first start against Cincinnati and a continued commitment to nightlife, which affected his preparation and work while in the team facility.”

One player told them that Manziel is a “100 percent joke” and team security reportedly found Manziel “drunk off his a–” the morning before the Browns’ season finale.

Manziel, 22, still has another three years remaining on his four-year, $8,247,250 rookie contract, which includes base salaries of $794,936 (2015), $1,169,872 (2016), and $1,294,808 (2017).

During his rookie season, Manziel appeared in five games and threw for 175 yards while completing 51.4 percent of his passes to go along with no touchdowns and two interceptions. He did contribute 29 yards rushing and a touchdown.