CLEVELAND, Feb. 2 (UPI) — Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has checked into a treatment facility due to non-specific personal issues Manziel’s family has confirmed.
“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,” Manziel family friend and adviser Brad Beckworth said in a statement.
The end of Manziel’s rookie season was marred in let downs and controversy, as the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner was more of a star on Instagram, posing for photos in Miami and Aspen within days of each other, than on the field. Manziel famously lost his first NFL start and arrived late for the Browns’ season finale against Baltimore.
“We respect Johnny’s initiative in this decision and willfully support him throughout this process. Our players’ health and well-being will always be of the utmost importance to the Cleveland Browns,” Browns general manager Ray Farmer said.
Despite Manziel’s repeated public promises to focus more exclusively on football, the 22-year-old displayed “a continued commitment to nightlife” as the season came to a close according to ESPN.
“On behalf of Johnny and his family, we’re asking for privacy until he rejoins the team in Cleveland,” Beckworth requested.
Breaking: #Browns QB Johnny Manziel has entered treatment Wednesday according to publicist Denise Michaels. Details coming soon— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) February 2, 2015
Statemnt on #Browns Manziel entering treatement: “Brad Beckworth, friend and advisor to Manziel and his family, has confirmed that Johnny..— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) February 2, 2015
…entered treatment on Wednesday. Johnny knows there are areas in which he needs to improve in order to be a better family member, friend.— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) February 2, 2015