As if things couldn't possibly get any worse for quarterback Johnny Manziel and the Cleveland Browns, it was announced Monday that Manziel has voluntarily chosen to enter a treatment facility, according to ESPN.
Family adviser, Brad Beckworth, announced the move through Manziel's agent, Erik Burkhardt.
"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."
Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plains Dealer tweeted that Manziel actually entered the facility on Wednesday of last week.
Cleveland Browns GM Ray Farmer released this statement on 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. 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."
The crushing news comes in the wake of one of the best and most entertaining Super Bowls in recent memory and provides yet another indication of just how far the Cleveland Browns are from being able to compete - on and off the field - with the likes of the Patriots and the Seahawks.
There was talk during the season - along with pictures and media reports - that Manziel was unprepared for the rigors of the NFL and expectations on him to conduct himself as a professional.
After the season ended, a report from ESPN highlighted a number of issues with Manziel's approach to the game and to his career, oftentimes choosing his social life over preparing for the week's game.
