Video emerged this week of Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel partying, allegedly during the bye week. Many people saw the news and asked, "Why is this a big deal?"
It's a big deal because Manziel made a promise. A promise to the fans, the Browns and, most importantly, himself.
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He was explicitly asked before the bye week if he would behave, and here's what he said (via Cleveland.com):
"I let (Mike Pettine) know that I'm not going to do anything that's going to be a distraction to this team or be an embarrassment to the organization. I'm going to get a chance to go and relax like everybody else in this locker room is. I don't think they're going to have to worry about me this week."
Well, guess what: The Browns did have to worry about him this week.
Manziel finally earned the right to be named the starting quarterback for the rest of the season and squandered it within a week. Not only was he benched, but he was demoted to third string. Pettine expressed deep concern for Manziel in his released statement.
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“Everyone in this organization wants what is best for Johnny just like we do for every player in our locker room," he said. "I’m especially disappointed in his actions and behavior because he has been working very hard. The improvements from last year to this year have been tremendous but he still has to consistently demonstrate that he has gained a good understanding of what it takes to be successful at the quarterback position on this level. It goes well beyond the field. We are going to continue to support him in every way possible, but at this point, we’ve decided it’s best to go with Josh as the starter going forward.”
When he was Johnny Football running around SEC defenders at College Station with sparklers in his mouth, his persona was fun. Now, it's just sad.
Manziel needs help.
Earlier this year when he checked himself into a facility specialized for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, his situation turned serious. He sought help for his problems, and now he's struggling again with the issues that placed him there in the first place.
He appeared to be taking the right steps, saying he would "work very hard to regain everyone’s trust and respect." Instead, he's just abused that trust and respect.
Some might say this is an overreaction to a video of a 22-year-old partying. But this isn't a typical 22-year-old. Manziel, and everyone else, needs to realize this. He was picked to be the face of the franchise. Do you see pictures or videos of any other starting quarterback partying at this point in their career?
Granted, Manziel is under a microscope, but it doesn't take close examination to see his faults this season. He had cops called on him after a domestic dispute where his girlfriend claims he hit her. He also admitted to drinking in that incident. There were then pictures of him earlier this month partying at Texas A&M following the Browns' Thursday night game.
It's easy to say Manziel is just a kid trying to have a good time when he's not playing. But it's more than that, and clearly the Browns agree.
