Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel was demoted because he lied to the team's coaching staff, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. Manziel reportedly told the Browns staff that the video of him partying and drinking was much older than it actually was. He also told the people who filmed the video to lie when asked as well, according to the report.
Johnny Manziel reportedly demoted for lying to Browns coaches about partying video
Manziel is now the third-string quarterback.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Manziel went from being named the starting quarterback to being demoted not to backup status, but third-string status. Josh McCown is now the starter, with Austin Davis serving as the primary backup. Manziel reportedly lied directly to coach Mike Pettine, and might have kept his starting job if he told the truth, according to ESPN.
The video shows Manziel holding a bottle of champagne and partying. This is especially concerning as Manziel had a 10-week stint in rehab this offseason and the team stood by him when he returned from that. There was also an Oct. 12 incident with his girlfriend while driving in Ohio, telling police he had been drinking at the time.
It’s unclear what Manziel entered treatment for, but alcohol is a recurring theme with him. Pettine said the most frustrating aspect and biggest concern is the fact that there have been multiple incidents. He said it’s “easier to handle” when it’s a one-time occurrence, but that Manziel’s repetitive poor behavior is a cause for concern.
See More:
