Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel checks into rehab: report

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel entered treatment at a rehabilitation center on Wednesday to "improve in order to be a better family member, friend and teammate," a Manziel spokesman told ESPN.com.

"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 offseason was the right time to take this step," adviser Brad Beckworth said through a Manziel spokesman.

"On behalf of Johnny and his family, we're asking for privacy until he rejoins the team in Cleveland," Beckworth said.

Manziel’s high school football coach plans to reach out to his former star player as soon as possible to offer support in the wake of news he entered a treatment facility last week.

“I hope he gets peace and comfort and the assistance he needs to fight whatever demons he’s dealing with,” said Mark Smith, who coached Manziel at Kerrville Tivy and is now head coach at Madison.



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“Too many people want to judge him and not help him. I want to help him in any way I can.”

Browns general manager Ray Farmer told ESPN in a statement that the Browns organization supports Manziel's decision.

"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," Farmer said.

"We continually strive to create a supportive environment and provide the appropriate resources, with our foremost focus being on the individual and not just the football player. Johnny's privacy will be respected by us during this very important period and we hope that others will do the same."

Several sources told ESPN that Manziel's behavior showed a "yearlong pattern that showed a lack of commitment and preparation."

The Browns fined Manziel for being late to a physical therapy session for an injured hamstring on Dec. 27, the day after he allegedly threw a huge party with multiple Browns players.

Manziel, who previously apologized for "looking like a jackass," apologized on Dec. 29 for his behavior.

"It sucks because of the perception I've based around myself -- I've done this to myself -- that that was allowed to be reported and people are just allowed to nod their head and act like that went on," Manziel said.

"Either I'm going to learn or I'm going to be finding something else to do."

Manziel, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Texas A&M, played in five games last season for the Browns, completing 18 of 35 passes with no touchdown completions and two interceptions.

To read more from Manziel's former coach, read the ExpressNews.com version or Tuesday's print edition.

jfechter@mySA.com

Twitter: @JFreports