NFL Notes: Johnny Manziel, PED Investigation & Seahawks

Johnny Manziel

NFL executive VP of football operations Troy Vincent mentioned during an interview with 610 Sports in Philadelphia that they’re still trying to help Johnny Manziel.

“It’s what you go to bed every night thinking how do you assist someone that’s really not interested or quite frankly doesn’t want to meet you halfway,” Vincent said, via Pro Football Talk. “You can have all the resources and they’re endless, confidential resources in your hometown, the individual club where the players or family members live. They’re there. They’re available. But if an individual is not willing to meet you halfway to get assistance, it’s very difficult because it’s something you can’t make an individual do anything.

“In this particular case, it’s obvious it’s gotten out of control,” Vincent said. “You see his parents. When a father speaks out about losing his son potentially to substance abuse, you know there’s a problem. Johnny’s not returning phone calls. He’s in different states. You kind of see him, you get notice of where he is off social media and that’s a challenge, but we won’t stop. We’ll continue to keep reaching out, letting Johnny know we love him, we care for him and we’re here when he’s willing and wants and is able to accept assistance, we’ll be there for him.”

• Manziel told TMZ that he’s not doing any drugs in Mexico and plans to go “completely sober starting July 1st.”
• Manziel added that he’s determined to make a comeback to the NFL and is now ready to get back to work.

PED Investigation

The NFLPA has sent a letter to the NFL on behalf of Steelers OLB James Harrison and the other players named in the Al Jazeera report reiterating that they have no credible evidence that would warrant them interviewing these players.

Mike Freeman of B/R hears from multiple sources that the NFL is “dead serious” about investigating the matter, and this isn’t just some PR stunt to show that they’re serious about ensuring no player is using PEDs.

Seahawks

• Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times points out that K Steven Hauschka is the only Seahawks player in line to be an unrestricted free agent next year who would be a starter if the season opened today.
• Other Seahawks entering the final year of their contracts include DT Jordan Hill and CB Tharold Simon.
• According to Condotta, the next big move for Seattle will likely be for them to lock up GM John Schneider and HC Pete Carroll to contract extensions at some point in the near future. In fact, Condotta believes the Seahawks could have new deals in place for Carroll and Schneider at some point during training camp, at the latest.
• Condotta mentions DE Michael Bennett as someone to watch in regards to a big-money contract extension, even though he still has another two years remaining on his contract.