The Browns just condemned Johnny Manziel as a distraction, and it sounds like his days with the team are numbered
It seems as though Johnny Manziel's time with the Cleveland Browns is coming to a close.
After police responded to another incident with Manziel and his girlfriend over the weekend, the Browns released a harsh statement condemning Manziel's behavior.
The statement from Sashi Brown, director of football operations, read:
"We've been clear about expectations for our players on and off the field. Johnny's continual involvement in incidents that run counter to those expectations undermines the hard work of his teammates and the reputation of our organization. His status with our team will be addressed when permitted by league rules. We will have no further comment at this time."
Furthermore, ESPN's Pat McManamon reports that the Browns plan to move on from Manziel on March 9. They could release him on Monday, February 8, but likely won't, as he'd count $4.8 million against the salary cap.
When the cap increases in March, McManamon reports, the Browns will have the cap space to afford the move.
It's hardly shocking news, as the writing has been on the wall for Manziel for some time. He was first demoted after the Browns bye week when video of him partying surfaced from the weekend off. Then, scheduled to finish the season as the starter, another video of him partying surfaced, and the Browns alleged he had a concussion. He never showed up to concussion protocol before the last game of the season, could not be contacted, and reports said he was seen in Las Vegas that very weekend.
Since, as the Browns undergo organizational rebuilding, it has been clear they have little interest in keeping Manziel. New head coach Hue Jackson hasn't exactly heaped praise on Manziel, reiterating that football has to be the primary focus of his players, and it isn't for Manziel.
The Browns' strong statement on Tuesday only seems to confirm that his days in Cleveland are numbered.