Johnny Manziel has decided to enter into a rehabilitation program to treat his possible dependence on alcohol.
Bleacher Report wrote that the Cleveland Browns quarterback entered the inpatient rehab program on January 28, 2015. ESPN reported that insiders close to Johnny Football said that he raised his hand and voluntarily checked himself into rehab to "figure out his value system."
The treatment is supposed to last a few weeks but will largely depend on doctors' recommendations. The Cleveland Browns are currently expecting Manziel to be at training camp but will have to wait until he is ready.
Ray Farmer, General Manager of the Browns also issued a statement based on a Fox News report. He said that they support Manziel in his decision.
"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," said Farmer.
Fox News also wrote that the Cleveland Browns issued a statement confirming Manziel entering rehab. The statement read, "Brad Beckworth, friend and advisor to Manziel and his family, has confirmed that Johnny entered treatment on Wednesday. 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. On behalf of Johnny and his family, we're asking for privacy until he rejoins the team in Cleveland."
ESPN reported that Manziel checked himself in after a tumultuous NFL season, which made many question whether it was still good to keep him on the Browns lineup. The quarterback has been a problem for the Browns since he became part of the team. His antics off the field initiated speculation that he might not be serious and fit to be the Browns' quarterback. After a couple of untoward party incidents, Manziel promised that he would clean up his act and focus on football. Manziel realized that it was time to exercise more discipline off the field and focus more on his game.
The Browns previously acquired Manziel using their 22nd pick in the 2014 NFL draft. He completed 51.4 percent of his passes in five appearances with no passing touchdowns and a couple of interceptions. With Brian Hoyer entering free agency, Manziel is heavily depended on by the Browns to become their main signal caller in the following season.