I would say that this is definitely not true...he was in Houston partying a few weeks ago. From people I know, he was most definitely using hard drugs and going beyond the point of "he's just having a good time like a regular 20 year old".
If you're wrong about that, I think someone could make a pretty good argument that those "oh, he's just a kid" excuses that we heard from so many enabled the eff out of his issues.
Not sure how he's doing, but his team certainly has its concerns after a recent visit. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12343751/cleveland-browns-unsure-johnny-manziel-future-seeking-starting-qb-mike-pettine-says
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Chris Broussard just said on <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter">@SportsCenter</a> "most people around the league I've talked to think he'll end up in Boston." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoranDragic?src=hash">#GoranDragic</a></p>— CelticsLife.com (@CelticsLife) <a href="https://twitter.com/CelticsLife/status/568145345299021825">February 18, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash">#Browns</a> HC mike Pettine said he has visited Johnny Manziel: he's very determined to come out of it in a much better way.</p>— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyGrossi/status/568137994806411264">February 18, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Now he may have a QB to replace him: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash">#Browns</a> have come to terms with QB Josh McCown on three-year deal.</p>— PatMcManamon (@PatMcManamon) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatMcManamon/status/571450631581507585">February 27, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
A lot of people said that Manziel was going to be the next coming of Tebow, it seems that he may not live up to those lofty expectations.
It gets worse: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Details of Josh McCown’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash">#Browns</a> deal: 3 years for $14M with a chance to make $20M. $6.25M ($5.25M in year 1) is fully guaranteed.</p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/571774095030763521">February 28, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Josh McCown in and Brian Hoyer out. Is there really any difference between these two perennially below average QBs. If Johnny can get his act together he may have the chance to take the reins from 35 year old McCown in a year or two. But at this point that might be asking too much. I wouldn't be surprised if the Browns make a move to add another young QB to their depth chart this offseason.
What is "worse" about it? Josh McCown is exactly the kind of sorry QB that opens the door wide open for Manziel to win the starter's job. If McCown is the only significant move at QB the Brown's make, it's the best possible scenario for Manziel. If he has a pulse, he will earn the starting job next year. If not, he's a cooked goose. McCown will be with the Browns one year. Period. They will cut him next offseason at virtually no cost ($1 million).
But he was also one of the only QB's available with starting experience... for a team that is not only desperate to get good fast, but also one that is trying to distance themselves from knuckle-heads (especially ones that haven't proven anything and there were serious doubts about his ability to make it in this league as is). I feel the Browns are ready to move on from Manziel (and rightfully so, should have never drafted him that high), but won't kick him when he's at his lowest point in rehab.
I liked Johnny in college but he became unbearable last season. One thing McCown is though is a good pro and a fellow Texan (Jacksonville). Maybe they think he can be a mentor. I do hope he straightens out enough to at least give it his best shot.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/browns?src=hash">#browns</a> coach mike Pettine revealed that Johnny manziel is still in rehab</p>— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryKayCabot/status/575058957032689664">March 9, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/browns?src=hash">#browns</a> coach Mike Pettine said he's comfortable with josh Mccown as his starter: "the guy can still play"</p>— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryKayCabot/status/575059225803624448">March 9, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Johnny, Bortles and Clowney. Sammy Watkins also got outdone by Beckham and Evans. Some major disappointments coming out of this draft. Teddy not being one of them.
