The Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Johnny Manziel can’t stay out of the headlines for his off the field activities. This past weekend he was questioned by police after a bystander saw him arguing with his girlfriend on the side of the highway. She tried to exit the car and Maznziel put her back in. He told police he consumed alcohol before the argument. No charges were filed. This isn’t the first time Manziel has been in trouble.
In June of 2012, when Manziel was at Texas A & M, he was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, giving false information to law enforcement, and possession of a fake ID. He pled guilty as he failed to properly identify himself. USAtoday.com stated that Manziel had to pay $2,000, spend two days in jail, and pay $232 in court costs.
Manziel attended the Manning Passing Academy in the summer of 2013. He was kicked out for sleeping in meetings and oversleeping. His troubles weren’t over. Manziel allegedly was paid $7,500 by an East Coast autograph booker which is an NCAA violation. The NCAA conducted an investigation and didn’t find any wrongdoing. In January this offseason, he checked himself in to a rehab facility for alcohol and substance abuse. The Cleveland Browns were hoping this was the end of his dilemma.
The Browns activated him as backup quarterback on Sunday after his latest incident and don’t have any plans to discipline him right now. According to cbssports.com, CBS NFL Analyst Bill Cower said, “I’ve watched Johnny Manziel now for a year and a half and I think he’s a backup quarterback at best. And he’s a distraction off the field. And listen, I believe in second chances, but after the second chance, to me, there’s a zero-tolerance policy. He can’t put himself into the position he put himself into. I would ask for his release and I would do it for this reason: In that locker room, players want accountability … and that’s the message that needs to be sent right here, that you’re accountable for your actions both on the field and off the field.”
The Cleveland Browns have a problem with Manziel. They can’t trust him off the field. Cutting him won’t do him any good and he hasn’t learned from his actions. There is a simple solution if they want to keep Manziel on the roster. The Browns should hire a professional babysitter. This person can keep a constant watch on Manziel. Hopefully, the Browns wouldn’t need to worry about what he is doing off the field and he might stay out of the headlines.
What should the Browns do to ensure Johnny Manziel stays out of trouble?
Not answering your direct question but the situation is sad, stupid and bad for all involved. Old saying, “Your first loss is your best loss. ” Cleveland would do well to be rid of him whatever the wasted cost. Now Cleveland is “throwing good money after bad to cite another trite phrase.” Cleveland and the NFL do not need the Miezel experience. Spare us all!