According to multiple published reports Monday morning, Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has sought treatment for undisclosed personal issues.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer and several other reporters, Manziel “entered treatment” last Wednesday, an advisor for the quarterback said Monday, according to a statement released by Manziel’s publicist.
“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 off-season was the right time to take this step,” the publicist told the Plain Dealer and other media outlets. “On behalf of Johnny and his family, we’re asking for privacy until he rejoins the team in Cleveland.”
The 22-year-old Manziel appeared in just five games as a rookie, making two starts before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury.
UPDATE: Browns General Manager Ray Farmer has released the following statement on Manziel, per Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal:
“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.”