CLEVELAND — Johnny Manziel entered treatment on Wednesday, adviser Brad Beckworth told ESPN.com on Monday through a spokesman for the Browns quarterback.
“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,” Beckworth said.
“On behalf of Johnny and his family, we’re asking for privacy until he rejoins the team in Cleveland.”
The quarterback is expected to be in rehab at least a few weeks, but the amount of time depends largely on what doctors recommend, according to a source close to Manziel.
The quarterback is voluntarily entering treatment as a direct result of his lifestyle away from the field, and he informed people in his circle last week that he wants to “figure out his value system,” a source said.
A source told ESPN’s Darren Rovell that a casino in Las Vegas offered Manziel six figures to host a Super Bowl party, but he declined.
Browns general manager Ray Farmer said in a statement that the team 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.”
Manziel also received support from a player on a division rival. Baltimore Ravens receiverTorrey Smith took to Twitter soon after the news broke.
Speak On It!