At the outset of training camp comes a published report indicating the Browns’ organization is concerned about Johnny Manziel’s offseason off-field activities.
Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, citing unnamed sources, reported Friday the Browns were “alarmed” by a few of Manziel’s off-field actions since joining the organization, with the now-infamous dollar bill picture particularly of concern to the club.
Moreover, the Plain Dealer reports that Manziel’s play in OTAs “regressed” as the workouts went on — and that members of the organization believed it could be chalked up to Manziel not being diligent enough in his work.
What’s more, the Plain Dealer, citing sources, reported that some in the organization believed Manziel had “lost ground” in the battle to beat out Brian Hoyer for the starting job.
In more positive news for Manziel, the Plain Dealer reported that Manziel practiced well on Thursday. But it’s clear Manziel’s first professional offseason didn’t exactly go as some in the organization as hoped. Now, it’s on the Browns’ first-round pick to prove any discussion of his off-field habits is much ado about nothing.
But for now, before the games have begun, it is definitely much ado about something — especially when there’s now a report from one of the club’s long-time beat writers indicating there’s concern he wasn’t putting in the necessary time this offseason.