By Ben Baby , Staff Writer Contact Ben Baby on Twitter:
Johnny Football is back in school.
The former Heisman Trophy winner and Cleveland Browns quarterback has re-enrolled at Texas A&M, a source close to Manziel confirmed Monday morning.
Manziel left for the NFL before completing the courses required to receive his degree in recreation, parks and tourism sciences. He is currently listed as a senior.
The Tyler native and former Kerrville Tivy standout will continue to live in Los Angeles and take online classes, according to TexAgs.com"s Billy Liucci.
It"s unclear how many hours Manziel is taking this semester, according to a source. Someon Twitter started wondering Mondayif the embattled Aggies legend was back in College Station.
According to this screenshot, it looks like Manziel is interested in getting a degree.
If your eyes can"t squint a ton, he says, "I am an RPTS major and have been out of school a couple of years but I"m trying to get back on track so I can graduate."
Per his Snapchat account, Manziel was recently in College Station.
Manziel hasplayed 15 games in the NFL since being drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 draft. The Browns released him in March (just part of what"s been a tumultuous year)and he currently facesa misdemeanor domestic violence charge.
If and when he ever returns to the league, he must first serve a four-game suspension for violating the league"s substance abuse policy.
But as of now, it looks like he won"t be playing professional football again in the near future. Over the weekend, Manziel was spotted on campus, a place where Aggies may see him often this fall.
Twitter: @Ben_Baby
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A Cleveland Browns Johnny Manziel Farewell Tribute
Johnny Manziel, in a Dallas courtroom after a bond hearing, faces an uncertain future. (Smiley N. Pool/Staff Photographer)
Theres no date set for when former Aggie and Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel must appear in court on his domestic violence case.
Hes heading back to Los Angeles just to go about his life, his attorney Bob Hinton said after Manziel appeared in a Dallas courtroom this week.
Manziel, 23, is accused ofkidnapping, hitting and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, in January at Hotel ZaZa in Uptown Dallas during a fight over another woman. They broke up in December after dating for two years.
Johnny Manziel, with Colleen Crowley at a Texas Rangers game last spring, faces a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. (2015 File Photo/Smiley N. Pool)
Crowley, 23, told police that Manziel had invited her to his hotel room to talk and that he slapped her head, rupturing her eardrum and causing her to lose her hearing. She said he then dragged her by the hair and forced her into a car, which he drove to Fort Worth, where she lives.
Here are three lingering questions about the former Heisman Trophy winner and his future:
1. Why is the domestic violence case against Manziel a misdemeanor and not a felony?
The misdemeanor all comes down to serious bodily injury, said Dallas defense attorney Toby Shook, a former top Dallas County prosecutor who is not involved in the Manziel case.
That means, he said, death, substantial risk of death or protracted loss or impairment.
Shook said he doesnt believe that applies.
The fact that she got her hearing back, I dont think they could prove serious bodily injury, Shook said. They were weaker on that, so that is probably why they went with the misdemeanor.
Had Crowleys hearing loss been permanent, Shook said, the charge might have been a felony.
Crowley also accused Manziel of kidnapping her by forcing her into the car. But Shook saidits not a strong case for kidnapping. He suggested the alleged act could be interpreted as unlawful restraint but that is also a misdemeanor.
2. Will Manziels case go to trial?
I think theres a good chance it goes to trial because of the effects it could have on his professional football career, Shook said.
Johnny Manziel mug shot
If Manziel wants to play again, Shook said, he will want a chance to clear his name if his attorneys cant get the case dismissed.
3. Will Manziel play in the NFL again this year or ever?
From Dallas Morning News reporter Brandon George, who covers the Dallas Cowboys:
Its unlikely Manziel could regain the trust of an NFL team in time to see the field in 2016.
He is free to sign with any team, but why would an organization take on a player who has consistently shown his priority is partying over practicing? Furthermore, most NFL teams addressed their quarterback needs in last weeks draft and would be less willing to take a chance on Manziel.
Quarterbacks who cant make it work in downtrodden Cleveland and there have been several usually dont resurrect their careers elsewhere.
Even if a team took a big chance on Manziel, he is facing the possibility of a lengthy suspension when he returns to the NFL because of his involvement in a domestic violence case. Manziel doesnt have to be convicted for the NFL to suspend him for a violation of the leagues personal conduct policy.
Bottom line: Its almost a certainty that Manziel wont play professional football in 2016.
And, after being dropped recently by two agents, Manziel faces a long road back to the NFL at any point.
Read more on Manziel:
Johnny Manziel arrived at the Dallas County courthouse with his attorney Jim Darnell for a bond hearing Thursday. (Rose Baca/Staff Photographer)
A Cleveland Browns Johnny Manziel Farewell Tribute
Johnny Manziel (center right) attended a Justin Bieber concert hours after a grand jury indicted the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner. Bieber (left) and Manziel posed for a photo with Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (right).
Former Aggie and Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manzielwont appear in court until next month in his domestic violence case.
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Dallas County criminal court Judge RobertoCaas set bail for the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner at $1,500, which is typical for a misdemeanor domestic violence case.Prosecutors and Manziels attorneys agreed on the amount, and there will be no formal bail hearing.
Manziel must appear in court on May 5 for Caasto tell him the conditions of his bail. He will turn himself in next week, his attorney said.
Manzielisaccused of kidnapping, hitting and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, earlier this year.
The indictment accuses Manziel of intentionally and knowingly causing bodily harm to Crowley by striking complainant with a hand and by forcing complainant into a vehicle and against a vehicle dashboard.
His lawyers have said Manziel will plead not guilty.
The partying continues
So far, Tuesdays indictment on assault charge hasnt seemed to put a crimp in Manziels adventures.
Hours after his indictment, he joined Browns cornerback, Joe Haden, and others at a Justin Bieber concert in Cleveland.
Manziel and Colleen Crowley attend a Texas Rangers game. (File Photo/The Associated Press)
Manziel was cut by the Browns in March after two tumultuous seasons marked by inconsistent play and off-the-field headlines aboutpartyinganddrinking. He did a stint in rehab.
Many people are worried about him. His father is fearfulfor his sons life.
Nate Fitch, a friend of Manziels since middle school in Tyler, recently went onThe Ben & Skin Showon 105.3 FM The Fan in an attempt to get Manziel to seek treatment.
Fitch believes that Manziel who he said dreams of one day playing for the Dallas Cowboys has substance abuse issues. He said he and the mercurial Manziel no longer hang out, but they still talk and he wants the best for his friend.
The path that he is on is not one that really gets better by itself. And unless something happens, somebody intervenes, somebody close to him is able to get through to him whoever is that person, whether its me, a stranger out there or somebody of influence, it has to be done with love and compassion, Fitch said on the show. You cannot shame somebody in his position into seeing what is going on. You just have to love them through it and meet them where theyre at. If somebodys able to do that, then h**l find a way out.
Twitter: @byjenemily
Manziel went with former Browns teammate Joe Haden, whose wife Sarah posted a picture of the group from the concert on Instagram.
Once it became clear that the Cleveland Browns planned to part ways with QB Johnny Manziel -- a move that became official Friday -- many pointed to the Dallas Cowboys as a team that might have interest in him.
But even the Cowboys are keeping their distance from the former first-round pick. A source told The Dallas Morning News that the team will not even consider Manziel "until he gets his life back in order."
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was enamored with Manziel prior to the 2014 draft and reportedly wanted to take him with the 16th overall pick. However, he was persuaded not to do so, and Dallas instead drafted offensive lineman Zack Martin.
Manziel"s off-field behavior remains a serious concern, as his partying has affected his development, has resulted in a rehab stint and could land him in serious legal trouble. A grand jury will decide whether Manziel will face charges for an alleged domestic violence incident with his ex-girlfriend in January.
The Cowboys haven"t always avoided players with troubled pasts in recent years but are doing so in this case.From The Dallas Morning News report:
Jerry Jones clearly has an affinity for Manziel. He has shown an inclination during his time as Cowboys owner to minimize the negatives of a player in his desire to hit it big.
But Manziel finds himself in such a downward spiral over these past three months it"s hard for Jones or anyone else to see the potential reward through the risk.
Jones has expressed a desire to acquire or draft a young QB to learn under Tony Romo, who is recovering from yet another procedure on his troublesome left collarbone.
But Manziel apparently won"t be that QB.
In his two NFL seasons, Manziel has played 15 games (eight starts) and thrown for 1,625 yards and seven touchdowns. He has thrown seven interception and completed only 57 percent of his passes. He also has 259 rushing yards and a rushing TD.
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III throws a pass while warming up during Texans training camp with the Washington Redskins at the Bon Secours Training Center on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Richmond, Va. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III throws a pass while warming up during Texans training camp with the Washington Redskins at the Bon Secours Training Center on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Robert Griffin III, WashingtonOnce a franchise savior and 2012 Rookie of the Year, he was buried by coach Jay Gruden and was only active for one game this season. The former Heisman Trophy winner from Baylor has much to prove and figures to be motivated. But whether he can regain his rookie form and avoid injuries is another thing. Still, it could be a low-risk, high-reward move. less Robert Griffin III, WashingtonOnce a franchise savior and 2012 Rookie of the Year, he was buried by coach Jay Gruden and was only active for one game this season. The former Heisman Trophy winner from ... more Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle LOSER: Kirk CousinsThe Washington quarterback certainly didnt do anything to quiet the calls for the return of Robert Griffin III or Colt McCoy. Cousins was 21 for 31 for 196 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions. That runs his updated tally of interceptions to 17 in 10 starts. less LOSER: Kirk CousinsThe Washington quarterback certainly didnt do anything to quiet the calls for the return of Robert Griffin III or Colt McCoy. Cousins was 21 for 31 for 196 yards and a touchdown, but ... more Photo: Patrick Semansky, Associated Press 27. Robert Griffin III, Redskins Perhaps the former Baylor star was too good too soon. Thanks to injuries and ineffectiveness, he"s hardly flashed anything resembling his rookie form the past two years, and his relationship with coach Jay Gruden has been rocky to say the least. less 27. Robert Griffin III, Redskins Perhaps the former Baylor star was too good too soon. Thanks to injuries and ineffectiveness, he"s hardly flashed anything resembling his rookie form the past two years, and his ... more Photo: Alex Brandon, Associated Press
Quarterback Robert Griffin III is examined after fumbling in Thursday night"s game against the Lions. He suffered a concussion and hurt his right shoulder.
Quarterback Robert Griffin III is examined after fumbling in Thursday night"s game against the Lions. He suffered a concussion and hurt his right shoulder.
Photo: Matt Hazlett, Stringer Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) stands with his niece Jania Griffin following practice during Washington Redskins training camp with the Houston Texans at the Bon Secours Training Center on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Richmond, Va. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) stands with his niece Jania Griffin following practice during Washington Redskins training camp with the Houston Texans at the Bon Secours Training Center ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
El quarterback de Cleveland, Johnny Manziel, pasa en un partido contra Arizona el domingo, 1 de noviembre de 2015, en Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
El quarterback de Cleveland, Johnny Manziel, pasa en un partido contra Arizona el domingo, 1 de noviembre de 2015, en Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Johnny Manziel was in danger of having the Browns give up on him after two seasons even before his latest off-field incident came to light.
Johnny Manziel was in danger of having the Browns give up on him after two seasons even before his latest off-field incident came to light.
Photo: David Richard, FRE
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel walks into the locker room after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel walks into the locker room after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Photo: David Richard, FRE Johnny Manziel, Cleveland
Given Manziel"s litany of off-field issues, it seems highly unlikely the next Browns coach and/or GM will want to tie his fortunes to the troubled former Texas A&M star. And given that his trade value figures to be highly low, he could be had for peanuts. But it"s unlikely the Texans will want to take a chance on another unreliable QB after the saga of Ryan Mallett and his alarm clock. less Johnny Manziel, ClevelandGiven Manziel"s litany of off-field issues, it seems highly unlikely the next Browns coach and/or GM will want to tie his fortunes to the troubled former Texas A&M star. And given ... more Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle HOUSTON, TX- SEPTEMBER 07: Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin #10 III looks up at the scoreboard while playing against the Houston Texans on September 7, 2014 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images) less HOUSTON, TX- SEPTEMBER 07: Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin #10 III looks up at the scoreboard while playing against the Houston Texans on September 7, 2014 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. ... more Photo: Thomas B. Shea, Stringer
Heisman winners Johnny Manziel, Robert Griffin III face uncertain NFL futures
They were once Texas legends. They were celebrated Heisman Trophy winners who mesmerized with their strong arms and lightning-quick legs.
Now, Johnny Manziel and Robert Griffin III have suffered mighty falls in the NFL after their respective star turns at Texas A&M and Baylor. They"ve gone from being coveted celebrity athletes to joining the ranks of the unemployed.
Once celebrated to no longer being tolerated, Manziel was officially cut by the Cleveland Browns on Friday.
Manziel"s future employment prospects will be a thorny field for him to navigate. NFL teams understandably will be wary about signing him and giving him a chance to resurrect his career.
"I"d like to thank the Browns for the opportunity they gave me. Nearly two years ago, we all hoped that we were building what could be a championship team for Cleveland," Manziel said in a statement. "I will always remember the support I received from the organization, my teammates and especially the fans."
The future for Griffin is comparatively much brighter than Manziel"s. He visited with the New York Jets on Friday.
Manziel is a small, mobile, dual-threat quarterback who has flashed potential on the field. Off the field, Manziel is a disaster.
He has multiple known substance-abuse issues that prompted him to spend two months in an inpatient treatment facility last year. He remains under investigation for an alleged domestic violence incident in Dallas involving his former girlfriend Colleen Crowley, a Houston native and Texas Christian student. Manziel allegedly ruptured her left eardrum, the second time he has been alleged to have hit Crowley. The case is being presented to a grand jury for potential charges.
Meanwhile, the NFL is investigating Manziel under its personal-conduct policy. So, a suspension could be in the offing.
Manziel"s woes pile up
Manziel"s sobriety and mental health are in serious question. He threatened to kill Crowley and himself, according to her affidavit to law enforcement authorities. And his father, Paul, has expressed frustration that Manziel refuses to go back to a rehab facility.
Manziel"s rocky two-year tenure with the Browns only lasted this long because the Browns didn"t want to cut him earlier due to salary-cap implications.
Manziel, who signed a four-year, $8.254 million rookie contract in 2014 after being drafted with the 22nd pick of the first round, is unlikely to be claimed off waivers.
As much as Manziel has embarrassed the Browns off the field, including chugging champagne atop a swan float at an Austin nightclub and skipping or being late for team activities, his on-field performance hasn"t been sterling. He has gone 2-6 as a starter in two NFL seasons, passing for 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions for a pedestrian 74.4 passer rating.
His NFL future is uncertain as most teams will be hesitant to bring this kind of baggage into their locker room. Once known as Johnny Football in College Station, Manziel has been Johnny Drama in the NFL.
Griffin was cut by Washington after a rough couple of seasons since being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Griffin clashed with Mike Shanahan and Kyle Shanahan about his role in the offense. He spent this past year backing up Kirk Cousins.
As a rookie, Griffin passed for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. For his career, Griffin has passed for 8,087 yards, 40 touchdowns and 23 interceptions for a 90.6 passer rating.
However, Griffin is widely viewed as damaged goods in NFL circles. Without his trademark mobility, Griffin isn"t enough of a pocket passer to lead a franchise. He also has drawn criticism for his ego and diva tendencies.
What"s known about Griffin, who appears sincerely humbled by his decline in status, is that he seems ready for a fresh start and would embrace another chance in a different NFL city.
Backup role?
At some point, Griffin is sure to resurface as long as he"s healthy and ready to accept being a backup.
Whether Manziel plays in the NFL again, though, is very much in doubt because of his pattern of misconduct.
Even while being investigated by Dallas police, Manziel continues his hard-partying ways with plenty of evidence on social media from Miami to Las Vegas that he hasn"t changed. The logical conclusion for any rational NFL franchise to reach is that Manziel isn"t a safe bet to invest in for a second act of a mercurial career.
TMZ Sports caught up with Gonzalez on Wednesdayand asked him about the former Texas A&M quarterback"s recent tear of partying.
"That kid doesn"t get it, does he." Gonzalez responded.
He was asked about career prospects for Manziel, who"s expected to be cut by the Cleveland Browns:
"It"s on the verge of being over. I don"t know who"s gonna give him a shot. He might get one more shot, and he better take advantage of it, otherwise it"s over. Who"s gonna put up with that? If you"re not good and you"re messing up, people aren"t gonna take a chance on you."
Meanwhile, TMZ spotted Manziel rolling into Hollywood nightclub Warwick on Wednesday night. That"s three nights in a row at Tinseltown establishments.
Manziel"s been reported to be on a partying tear the last two weeks, including stops in Miami and Las Vegas for UFC 196 with Josh Brown.
All the while, Manziel"s domestic violence case is in the hands of the Dallas County district attorney.
Officials received the file from the Dallas Police Department last week. DPD completed its three-week investigation Thursday into whether Manziel should be charged with domestic violence in an alleged attack on his ex-girlfriend.
Police did not charge Manziel, and now a grand jury will decide whether there is enough evidence to indict him on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge.
Manziel is accused of kidnapping, hitting and threatening to kill Colleen Crowley in January. Prosecutors review grand jury referrals before presenting them to the grand jury.
Michael Irvin Says Jerry Jones Can Save Johnny Manziel
Ryan Leaf hears the stories about Johnny Manziel and he can relate. He"s been there, a big-time college quarterback drafted in the first round but unable to get it together on and off the field.
"It feels like I"m holding up a mirror," Leafsaid Friday of Manzielon "The Dan Patrick Show."
"When I hear some stories come out, I go, "Oh my G*d, I did that!" That"s how I behaved."
Manziel"s ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley,accused the Cleveland Browns quarterback of striking her several times last weekend.
Manziel has denied assaulting Crowley, and the Fort Worth and Dallas police departments have closed their investigations of the alleged incident without arrestingManziel on suspicion of committing any crimes. The NFL has opened its own investigation.
Manziel has had a tumultuous two seasons with the Browns, who have indicated they plan to release the quarterbackwhen they can make roster moves in March.
Leaf was drafted second overall by the San Diego Chargers in 1998. He played parts of three seasons with San Diego before he was released at the end of the 2000 season. He failed to make the cut the following preseason with Tampa Bay and Dallas.
He said his poor play wasn"t because of substance abuse and admitted that he could have used behavioral counseling like that sought by Manziel.
"When this happened last year, I thought that was the greatest thing," Leaf said of Manziel seeking treatment. "Imagine if I would have done that, just to go getbehavioral counselingwhen I was inmy second year when things were falling off the rails.
"Sometimes things just start to spiral. You have to be out of football for a year ... to get your stuff right."
Michael Irvin Says Jerry Jones Can Save Johnny Manziel
Johnny Manziel likely will be cut by the Cleveland Browns next month. If and when that happens, the quarterback"s search for a new team will take place without the help of agent Erik Burkhardt, who announced Friday he"s dropping Manziel as a client.
"It is with deep regret that, after several emotional and very personal discussions with his family, his doctors and my client himself, I have made the decision to terminate my professional relationship with Johnny Manziel," Burkhardt said in a statement.
"Though I will remain a friend and Johnny supporter, and he knows I have worked tirelessly to arrange a number of professional options for him to continue to pursue, it has become painfully obvious that his future rests solely in his own hands. His family and I have gone to great lengths to outline the steps we feel he must take to get his life in order. Accountability is the foundation of any relationship, and without it, the function of my work is counterproductive.
"I truly wish the best for Johnny and sincerely hope he can, and will, find the kind of peace and happiness he deserves."
Ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley accused Manziel of striking her several times last weekend. The Fort Worth and Dallas police departments have closed their investigation of the alleged incident without charging Manziel with any crime.
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Manziel denied assaulting Crowley during an interview with TMZ.
Earlier this week, the Browns released a statement indicating they will release the first-round pick from 2014 once they can make roster moves in March.
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BEREA, Ohio -- A subdued Browns coach Mike Pettine said Monday he'll likely announce Wednesday if Johnny Manziel will replace Brian Hoyer, and that he hasn't made up his mind yet.
"(I'm) not ready to make a decision on that at this point,'' he said. "I'm not leaning one way or the other, but there's a lot to consider."
Pettine acknowledged that it's a difficult decision and one he'll take very seriously. He'll make it in conjunction with his offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains and general manager Ray Farmer. The 7-5 Browns are in the thick of a playoff hunt and will host the 8-4 Colts on Sunday. Indianapolis walloped the Redskins and Colt McCoy 49-27 Sunday.
"I don't know where I want to go, and it's certainly important,'' Pettine said. "We'll spend a lot of time on it. I'll lean on the people I trust to help make it."
Asked if he still believes in Hoyer, who's 7-5 this season but slumping over the past five games, he didn't answer directly. For his part, Hoyer said Monday "you don't get to 7-5 just lucking into it'' and feels he deserves the nod.
"As I said yesterday, I just felt we needed to make a change,'' he said. "We needed a spark. We had been listless for a good amount of time. Really two of the past three games on offense (we've) had those issues. I think the defenses had a lot to do with it.
"Atlanta, I do think that we were very confident. It was our highest yardage production output of the year, but interceptions were obviously a concern. I don't want to say that he was taken out because we lost confidence. It was a decision in-game to spark our team."
Pettine was asked what's holding him back from saying 'Hoyer's our guy.'
Browns' Brian Hoyer still confident he can get the job done Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer says he is confident he can get the job done in the remaining four games as they make a run for the playoffs despite being benched for Johnny Manziel during the loss to the Bills. It is not yet known who will be the starter Sunday against the Colts.
"We believe that competition is a cornerstone of what we do,'' he said. "We do look at the body of work, but I think given the play recently at that position that it's time to discuss it....it's our normal procedure that we do week to week, and this week is no different."
Pettine admitted that this isn't the first time the staff has discussed switching to Manziel. Hoyer, 10-5 as a Brown overall, has faltered over the last three games, throwing one touchdown pass and six interceptions in that span and earning ratings of 61.2, 52.3 and 51.0. He's gone 1-for-9 in the redzone in those three outings, and his once top-10 rating has toppled to No. 27 at 79.9. He's mustered one touchdown pass in the last 15 quarters, and none in the last nine. He's last in the NFL in third-down passing.
What's more, the defense has gifted him with 17 takeaways over the past six games -- most in the NFL in that span -- and he's spun them into only three touchdowns. If not for some horrible clock management on the part of Falcons' coach Mike Smith, the Browns would likely be in the midst of a three-game tailspin with a 6-6 record and -- and virtually out of playoff contention.
"After Houston it certainly came up,'' said Pettine. "After some of the mistakes last week it came up. Just where we've been and the level of Brian's play, it's warranted discussion, but to me it's not just that one position. Anytime we're having a player not perform to our standards on a given week, it comes up for discussion.''
Pettine stressed that Manziel's involvement in a fight at his downtown apartment building in the wee hours before the Browns' flight to Atlanta the following day had nothing to do with the fact he "never considered'' using him against the Falcons, a game in which Hoyer threw three interceptions. Two of them were in the final five minutes, and Hoyer pulled out the 26-24 victory with a field goal in the final 44 seconds.He said they've addressed behavior with Manziel and everyone else on the team but that "we're not going to overdo it. As I said before, we're not going to micromanage our players outside of the building. At the same time, they know that there is a standard that they need to live up to. I think Johnny understands that certain positions should be held higher than others."He indicated that Manziel is ready for the challenge of this playoff run if called upon. After the Colts, the Browns host the first-place Bengals (8-3-1), then finish on the road at Carolina and against the 7-5 Ravens.
"His attitude and effort and energy and just overall quarterback play, it's shown steady improvement through the year,'' said Pettine. "We see a lot of him in practice week to week. We got a taste in the game of what he's capable of. We saw some of that in preseason. It's not like this is the first time we've seen him out there."He said Manziel had a couple of hiccups in his debut "but showed good energy, made some throws. I know he missed Travis (Benjamin) on the one boot. I thought the throw to (tight end Jim Dray) was in a pretty tight window, I thought Jim made a heck of a catch. I thought he was very decisive on the scramble for the touchdown.''
However, the Browns will have plenty to consider when they huddle up to make the decision over the next two days.
* Manziel would be making his starting debut against Andrew Luck and the Colts, who are first in the NFL with 31.8 points per game.
* He'd be without his starting tight end in Gary Barnidge (ribs) and clutch third-down receiver in Miles Austin, who remains hospitalized in Buffalo with a kidney injury.
* He might have to play with a third-string center in Ryan Seymour if Nick McDonald's ankle is still bothering him.
* In the hotly-contested AFC North race, every game will be a virtual elimination proposition.
But Pettine will throw anything out the window that doesn't answer his fundamental question.
"I've said it a million times, "Who gives us the best chance to win this weekend? Period,'' said Pettine. "For us involving the playoffs, we have to win and that's the bottom line. It's not like anything beyond that would influence the decision. It's that simple. It makes it easy when you look at it like that and shut out everything else."
He said he won't paint himself into a corner by saying the decision has to be his last one of the season. "We work very short term, and we're getting down to the end with four left,'' he said. "They're all huge, none more important than this one.''He also stressed that he's getting no pressure from the front office or from owner Jimmy Haslam to start Manziel. He also acknowledged that whole offense played poorly against Buffalo's fourth-ranked defense, but he ticked off Hoyer's deficiencies nonetheless.
"I felt we were stagnant and he had missed some reads and made some poor throws,'' said Pettine. "He wasn't having a very good day. I thought he rushed some throws. There were some instances throughout the game and it was just a cumulative thing. Just felt we needed to make a change."
The Cleveland Police Departments report stated that Johnny Manziel was approached by a fan named Chris Gonos who says he was assaulted by the rookie quarterback and his entourage.The incident was reported at 2:36 a.m. from the Metropolitan at The 9 hotel in Cleveland. The report does not indicate that police made any arrests.
A Manziel associate, listed as Dana Kirk, told police the victim attempted to assault his client and he defended him, according to the police report. Gonos, the alleged victim, told police he was assaulted by Johnny Football and his entourage after he tried to approach Manziel as a fan by saying, Im the biggest Browns fan ever, I love you, I want to give you a hug, according to the report.
A statement made by Manziels agent paints a slightly different picture of the incident.
Johnny and his roommate had been out to dinner earlier in the evening with Johnnys mother, who is staying with him this week, Erik Burkhardt said in a statement. There was no entourage. Johnny and his roommate were trying to get on the apartment elevator at his home when they were accosted by a very aggressive man and his associates. It was an unfortunate situation and he immediately let [Browns general manager] Ray Farmer and the team know what happened.
There is either a gap in the evening between dinner with mom and 2:36 a.m., or Manziels mom doesnt mind eating late. Either way, we imagine Teddy Bridgewater had been asleep for several hours at 2:36 a.m. Saturday, cuddling up to his playbook.
