Johnny Manziel is cut by the Cleveland Browns after two NFL seasons plagued by drinking and domestic abuse allegations

  • Johnny Manziel was released by the Cleveland Browns Friday morning
  • The quarterback was selected with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2014 draft by the Browns
  • Manziel, who has had problems both on and off the field, was seen partying in Los Angeles earlier this week 
  • The Browns released a statement about Manziel's release with his stats with the team, including number of interceptions he threw for each year 
  • Manziel will still be paid $7.7million despite being let go two years early from a four-year contract 
  • The quarterback sought treatment for his drinking in college, and entered rehab early last year
  • Manziel released a statement Friday saying; 'I'd like to thank the Browns for the opportunity they gave me' 

Johnny Manziel has been cut by the Cleveland Browns. 

The disgraced quarterback, who has had problems both on and off the field since being drafted by the Browns with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2014 draft, was waived by the team early Friday.

The move comes as no surprise and Manziel seems to be unfazed, having been spotted partying with friends in Los Angeles earlier this week. 

Manziel was only two years into his four-year contract with the Browns which was worth a reported $8.245million. Despite being cut, Manziel is still guaranteed $7.7million of that contract. 

The 23-year-old also scored some of the most coveted, and lucrative, endorsement deals in the sports world after being drafted with, among others, Nike, McDonald's, MusclePharm, and Snickers.

Manziel released a statement Friday saying; 'I'd like to thank the Browns for the opportunity they gave me - nearly two years ago, we all hoped that we were building what could be a championship team for Cleveland.

'I will always remember the support I received from the organization, my teammates and especially the fans.' 

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Gone: Johnny Manziel (pictured in November) was released by the Cleveland Browns Friday morning

Gone: Johnny Manziel (pictured in November) was released by the Cleveland Browns Friday morning

Farewell: The quarterback was selected with the No. 22 over pick in the 2014 draft by the Browns (above in November)

Farewell: The quarterback was selected with the No. 22 over pick in the 2014 draft by the Browns (above in November)

Johnny Manziel
Johnny Manziel

Not bothered: Manziel was spotted parting in Los Angeles on Monday night (above) with friends

The team broke the news of Manziel's release on Twitter, including a statement that read; 'Manziel appeared in 14 games with eight starts after being selected by the Browns in the first round of the 2014 draft.

'He completed 147 of 258 passes for 1,675 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. He added 259 rushing yards and one score.

I'd like to thank the Browns for the opportunity they gave me - nearly two years ago, we all hoped that we were building what could be a championship team for Cleveland. I will always remember the support I received from the organization, my teammates and especially the fans. 
- Johnny Manziel 

'Last season Manziel started six games and threw for 1,500 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions, while adding 230 rushing yards.'

The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner has struggled since he was selected by the Browns in the first round of the 2014 draft, playing in just 14 games over the course of his professional career and becoming better known for his partying than his actual game play.

There had been some promise that this season would be better for the quarterback after he completed a lengthy stay in rehab in early 2015, but he was spotted partying on multiple occasions and was involved in another incident with his girlfriend Colleen Crowley in October where she alleged he had slammed her head into a window.

The NFL is still looking into the claims Crowley made back then to see if he violated the league's personal-conduct policy.

That investigation, and the possibility he may soon face domestic abuse charges for a January incident that occurred between him and Crowley, will likely cause problems for him as he looks to sign with another team.

There has been some talk Manziel could go to the Dallas Cowboys and play behind Tony Romo or perhaps the Denver Broncos, but it is still unclear what his professional future holds. 

Manziel had a few decent games this past season, which should be reason enough for some team to take a chance on him despite his troubles. 

A month after the October incident with Crowley, Manziel played a strong game against the Steelers while stepping in for an injured Josh McCown, and despite losing 30 - 9 Mike Pettine announced on November 17 that Manziel would start for the rest of the season.

Pettine also said that he had let Manziel know how serious he had to take the position and there could be no missteps.

Seven days later, on November 23, video and multiple photos emerged of Manziel partying in Austin with a champagne bottle.

Pettine announced the following day that Manziel had been replaced and would now be the third-string quarterback. He also told the media how frustrated he was with Manziel.

Two days after that it was revealed that Manziel had lied to Pettine about when the video was filmed, and told his friends to lie as well so he could avoid getting in trouble with the Browns.

The Browns quarterback problems continued with McCown breaking his collarbone just four days after that, but it was Austin Davis who was brought in to replace the injured player.

Then, the Browns gave Manziel yet another shot when he started against the San Francisco 49ers on December 7, a game the team won.

He started for the rest of the season until he suffered a concussion and was ruled out for the final game of the season.  

Party rock: Manziel was also spotted in Las Vegas with Scott Disck last weekend (above)

Party rock: Manziel was also spotted in Las Vegas with Scott Disck last weekend (above)

No worries: Manziel (center) was spotted chugging champagne just days after his disappointing rookie season ended with a friend (left) and then girlfriend Colleen Crowley

No worries: Manziel (center) was spotted chugging champagne just days after his disappointing rookie season ended with a friend (left) and then girlfriend Colleen Crowley

Then things began to deteriorate to a point of no return between Manziel and the Browns when he allegedly skipped the last game of the season to party in Las Vegas after being declared ineligible to play.

Shirtless: Manziel's 2012 mugshot following his disorderly conduct arrest

Shirtless: Manziel's 2012 mugshot following his disorderly conduct arrest

Manziel was reportedly spotted trying to go incognito while gambling and drinking by wearing a blond wig.

He has denied claims he was in Vegas, and said he had been at his home in Cleveland alone with his dog. 

Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown released a statement in early February that basically let everyone know the quarterback was finished with the team, saying; 'We've been clear about expectations for our players on and off the field. 

'Johnny's continual involvement in incidents that run counter to those expectations undermines the hard work of his teammates and the reputation of our organization. 

'His status with our team will be addressed when permitted by league rules. We will have no further comment at this time.'

The NFL also reached out to offer Manziel help, with Troy Vincent, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, saying; 'We wish to give Johnny as much support as he is willing to receive, we can't make anyone do anything.

'I've seen his father make a statement, reach out to the family to make sure the family knows the National Football League, the Cleveland Browns, the players association — everyone's here to support you, but you have to embrace it.' 

Claims: Manziel assured the Browns during the NFL draft that he had 'grown up' and cooled it with the partying

Claims: Manziel assured the Browns during the NFL draft that he had 'grown up' and cooled it with the partying

Cheers: Manziel (far left) has twice been in rehab, once while in college and again early last year

Cheers: Manziel (far left) has twice been in rehab, once while in college and again early last year

Ladies love Money Manziel: The quarterback jetted off to Cab for a weekend after the Browns seemed to suggest he would be cut in early February 

Ladies love Money Manziel: The quarterback jetted off to Cab for a weekend after the Browns seemed to suggest he would be cut in early February 

Even his own father admitted he was afraid for his son, saying in an interview with the Dallas Morning News in early February that the family had twice asked Manziel to go back to rehab. 

The family also admitted Manziel to a psychiatric and chemical dependency hospital which he was able to leave after he refused to get treatment for his addiction.

Paul Manziel said that he was concerned his son would not live to see his next birthday.

Friends of Manziel came to his defense soon after, saying the quarterback was fine. 

A week later, Manziel seemed to have no cares in the world though as he jetted off to Cabo San Lucas on a private jet and stayed at a plush $2,500 a night villa.

The under-fire NFL star was joined by four friends for the six-day sunshine break, sources told DailyMail.com.

And sources close to the Cleveland Browns quarterback say the all-male group threw wild parties at the luxury villa inviting as many as 15 girls a time to join them.

Witnesses say the five-bedroom property was littered with bikini-clad girls hanging by the pool throughout the week at the beginning of February as the group enjoyed themselves.  

Rolling in the deep: Just before his first season began with the Browns a photo emerged of Manziel rolling a bill by a sink with friends

Rolling in the deep: Just before his first season began with the Browns a photo emerged of Manziel rolling a bill by a sink with friends

Troubles: Just days into his training with the Browns  the local press began calling him out on his partying, which they cited as the major reason for his poor performance on the field

Troubles: Just days into his training with the Browns the local press began calling him out on his partying, which they cited as the major reason for his poor performance on the field

Manziel was known for his partying while at Texas A&M, but said he was a changed man during the 2014 NFL Draft, noting that he had 'grown up', before being selected 22nd overall by Cleveland.

He also texted the Browns during the draft saying if they selected him they could 'wreck this league'. 

Just days into his training with the Browns however, the local press began calling him out on his partying, which they cited as the major reason for his poor performance on the field.

MANZIEL'S TIME IN CLEVELAND

May 9, 2014 - Johnny Manziel is selected by the Cleveland Browns with the No. 22 pick in the NFL draft.

June 10, 2014 - A photo emerges on Twitter of Manziel splayed out on a floating swan chugging champagne. 

July 4, 2014 - A photo emerges of Manziel rolling up a bill by a bathroom sink in Vegas. 

July 25, 2014 - The Browns tell reporters they are concerned about Manziel's behavior and a day letter tell the quarterback they 'expect better from him.'

August 18, 2014 - Manziel is fined $12,500 after flipping off the Redskins bench in a preseason game. 

August 20, 2014 - The Browns announce that Brian Hoyer will start at quarterback.

November 22, 2014 - Manziel and a fan get into an altercation in the lobby of his building at 2:30am, just hours before he is set to fly to Atlanta with the team.

December 14, 2014 - Manziel starts for the first time in his career in a 30 - 0 Browns loss.

December 27, 2014 - Manziel oversleeps and misses a team walk-through and treatment after a night out drinking.

January 1, 2015 - Manziel rings in the New Year partying in Miami.

January 23, 2015 - An ESPN story emerges about Manziel's party ways in college and difficult first season, claiming he sought counseling for drinking while in school at Texas A & M.

January 28, 2015 - Manziel checks into rehab in Pennsylvania. 

April 11, 2015 - Manziel leaves rehab.

September 27, 2015 - After solid regular season performances, Manziel is returned to the starting lineup for the Browns. 

October 12, 2015 - After a day of drinking Manziel is questioned by police when drivers report he has been driving erratically. His girlfriend Colleen Crowley tells officers Manziel slammed her head into a car window. Ni charges are pressed but the NFL opens an investigation. 

November 17, 2015 - Mike Pettine announces Manziel will start for the rest of the season. 

November 23, 2015 - Manziel is seen in video and photos partying in Austin and clutching a bottle of champagne. 

November 24, 2015 - Pettine demotes Manziel to third-string quarterback. 

December 7, 2015 - Manziel is reinstated as starting quarterback for the Browns. 

December 31, 2015 - Manziel is ruled out for the Browns last game of the season due to a concussion. 

January 3, 2016 - Manziel fails to check in with Browns medical staff as reports emerge he partied in Las Vegas with a blonde wig. 

January 30, 2016 -Crowley calls police in Dallas claiming Manziel beat her sparking an investigation that will soon be presented to a grand jury.

February 5, 2016 - Manziel's father Paul says he fears for his son's life after trying to get him admitted to a psychiatric and chemical dependency hospital.

March 11, 2016 - The Browns waive Manziel. 

A source told Cleveland.com at the time; 'Team officials had bought into Manziel's pre-draft promises to tone down the partying and leave his frat-boy lifestyle back in College Station, Texas, and they've been stunned by his non-stop antics.' 

Also causing some alarm before the season even began was a photo snapped of Manziel and later posted to Instagram that showed the footballer at a bar in the process of tightly rolling up a dollar bill while standing over a sink counter, leading some to suggest that he might have been snorting cocaine.

Browns head coach Mike Pettine spoke to Manziel soon after the problematic photo was posted, a photo that could have led to an inquiry or a drug test from the NFL, and said he felt that things were back on track and that Manziel was focused on football once again.

He was soon after fined $12,500 when he gave the Washington Redskins bench the middle finger during a preseason game that aired on national television. 

Two days later the Browns announced Brian Hoyer would be the starter when the regular season kicked off. 

There was also an odd incident during the regular season when he got into a fight with a fan in the lobby of his apartment building, and while alcohol seems to have played a role in the incident, it was the fan who was inebriated, not Manziel. 

The team was concerned however as the indent occurred at 2:30am and they were flying to Atlanta that same morning to play the Falcons. 

A very thorough and detailed story published by ESPN in 2013 said that after his arrest for disorderly conduct back in 2012 and while still at college, Manziel did seek help for an alcohol problem, seeing an counselor for six or seven weeks.

Manziel would later claim this report was false, and that he had never seen a counselor for anger management or for alcohol abuse while in college.  

After a rookie season in which he saw limited game time and suffered difficult losses in his only two starts, Manziel ended the year by angering the Browns.

After partying until well past midnight on a Friday in late December, Manziel, who is suffering from an injured hamstring, skipped out on a Saturday morning team treatment session because he overslept, and in turn was fined by the team.

Manziel was quick to apologize to the team for his behavior, saying; 'It’s about being accountable . . . instead of looking like a jackass.'

And while his season may have been over, many believed Manziel would still tone things down for a bit in the wake of this controversy, which made it all the more shocking when he was spotted partying at FDR Lounge at the Delano in Miami on Over New Year's alongside the likes of LeBron James and Ryan Phillippe, and then seen chugging champagne straight from the bottle on Wednesday afternoon with then girlfriend Crowley and some buddies poolside at the Delano.

Manziel was once again spotted drinking straight from a bottle of booze two weeks ago in Miami, and the disgraced quarterback has been seen partying across the country ever since. 

He partied in Los Angeles, then Las Vegas with Scott Disick and on Monday night was back in Hollywood and photographed exiting two clubs with his friends.

Manziel hit up the The Nice Guy before ending the night at the Ace of Diamonds strip club.

He did not try to hide from the cameras and even smiled despite the fact that police recently asked the Dallas County District Attorney's Office to present a misdemeanor assault case to the local grand jury after Manziel's ex-girlfriend accused him of domestic assault.

Colleen Crowley told authorities that Manziel 'restrained' her while they were in a hotel room on January 30 in Dallas and led her to his car.

Crowley said he then drove her to her car, at which point she attempted to hide from her ex, who she broke up with last December after dating for two years.

'He grabbed me by my hair and threw me back into the car and got back in himself,' Crowley reportedly told police.

'He hit me with his open hand on my left ear for jumping out of the car. I realized immediately that I could not hear out of that ear, and I still cannot today, two days later.'

Manziel then drove her back to her apartment, where after more arguing Crowley claims she eventually pulled out a knife and scared him off, calling police soon after. 

Manziel is denying all of these claims, while Crowley received a two-year order of protection against her ex. 

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