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Browns deny Johnny Manziel was drunk at practice

Johnny Manziel - Browns deny he was drunk

By: newsnet5.com staff

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The Cleveland Browns are denying that Johnny Manziel showed up drunk to practice the same week he reported having concussion symptoms.

The Browns released this statement Tuesday, after Mike Silver of NFL.com reported that Manziel was noticeably drunk on Dec. 30.

Johnny Manziel came to our facility on the morning of December 30th and complained of concussion symptoms. He was tested by an independent neurologist and entered the league's concussion protocol. He remained in the protocol until January 12th after being cleared by the independent neurologist.

Silver reported Tuesday that sources told him Manziel showed up to practice late that day, and witnesses noticed that he was drunk.

Silver originally reported that the Browns lied and said Manziel was in concussion protocol 'to try to protect...this irresponsible and very troubled young man.'

He later backtracked, tweeting the following:

1) I've been told by multiple sources that Manziel showed up late to the tea facility for a meeting & noticeably drunk on Wednesday, Dec. 30
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) February 9, 2016

2) He was later placed in the concussion protocol & sent home.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) February 9, 2016

3) I am not a doctor & thus cannot presume to question the diagnosis of an independent neurologist or any medical professional...
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) February 9, 2016

4) I do not have direct knowledge of what Manziel may have told the doctor or doctors who evaluated him, or what might have been suggested.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) February 9, 2016

5) If the Browns say they did not lie about Manziel's diagnosis, I will take them at their word, and I regret using that term ("lied").
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) February 9, 2016

6) I stand by my original report that Manziel showed up drunk at practice & that witnesses believed this was the cause of his "behavior."
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) February 9, 2016