Johnny Menziel was seen as a promising up and coming athlete, who was chosen as the first round draft pick for the NFL. Manziel’s rookie year with the Cleveland Browns, finds the new player in a rehabilitation center.
Despite being a Heisman trophy-winning quarterback, Manziel’s last season did not go according to plan for the player. A statement from the team states, “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.”
The statement concluded by saying, “On behalf of Johnny and his family, we’re asking for privacy until he rejoins the team in Cleveland.”
In the public eye, it has been seen that Manziel likes to “have a good time,” especially while he was participating with the sports program at Texas A&M.
When Manziel started training camp and during the season his behavior carried over to the professional league. One particular photo of Manziel swinging a bottle of champagne while on an inflatable swan in the middle of a swimming pool. Another photo showed a rolled up bill in the bathroom of a Las Vegas bar, which many believe may be a signal that the professional football player was using drugs.
When he came to the NFL he did not see much game time, and sat on the bench for most of the season. He started his first game near the end of the season where the Cleveland Browns would be crushed by the Cincinnati Bengals, with a score resulting in 30-0; a landslide loss for the team. Manziel participated poorly, completing just 10 out of the 18 passes thrown for 80 yards completed; he also threw two interceptions that game.
It appears that the players and loved ones are truly concerned for their teammate. Browns General Manager Ray Farmer, gave this statement regarding Manziel, “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.”
Via NFL
