Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel admitted he made some rookie mistakes this offseason (while defending his right to party, Beastie Boys style).
But the man who signs the checks that lead to all the money phones said he wants to see his first-round pick straighten up.
“I don’t want to wear this subject out,’' Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “Johnny said it himself. He made some mistakes. We expect better from him. I’m sure he’ll perform now. We’re anxious to see what he can do on the field, which is what really counts.”
Asked if Manziel had learned his lesson, Haslam replied: “We’ll see.”
Manziel’s close with Cleveland basketball superstar LeBron James, and Haslam said he hoped Manizel emulated players such as him, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.
“I think the really great athletes make their news on the field, not off the field,’' Haslam said. “Hopefully, Johnny can look at guys like LeBron and Brady and Peyton and Jeter and pattern himself after those guys who make their news on the field not off the field.”
Haslam didn’t specify if he spoke one-on-one with Manziel, but said: “I think we’re all on the same page with Johnny.
“We put tremendous emphasis on working with our players both on and off the field.”
Those words should serve as a stern warning to Manziel.
And if he doesn’t change his ways, Haslam may be forced to try to get a rebate on that first-round pick.