Johnny Manziel Releases Statement, Apologizes To Fans
Johnny Manziel was released from rehab just last week, and he’s finally ready to talk.
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback issued a statement to his fans, sharing just how he felt about the whole situation. As seen on ESPN, Manziel began by sharing his gratitude to those who worked with and supported him through his time in rehab.
Manziel goes on to share his disappointment in himself.
“I owe private apologies to a lot of people that I disappointed but a very public one to the Browns organization and the fans that I let down.”
Manziel goes on to share just what he thinks needs to happen at this point in his life and career.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and it’s my intention to work very hard to regain everyone’s trust and respect. I understand that will take time and will only happen through what I do and not what I say. I also understand there’s a lot of curiosity about this but anyone who has a friend or family-member that’s been through things like this knows it’s an ongoing process. I’m going to continue to ask folks to try to respect my privacy as I determine to what degree I am comfortable talking about a subject which I consider very personal. Most of you have been considerate about that and I thank you for it.”
Manziel ends the statement by saying, “I look forward to seeing my teammates next week and focusing on football and my desire to be the best possible player, teammate, and man that I can be.”
The quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner was known more for his antics off the field than on. During his rookie year, Manziel was not chosen to be the starting quarterback until December.
His stats were less than enviable, though; according to USA Today, “175 passing yards, two interceptions, three sacks, one fumble, and just one (rushing) touchdown.”
His off-the-field actions were more memorable though.
Manziel caught a lot of attention for “swigging champagne from a bottle while floating on an inflatable swan in a nightclub pool; slurring his words while talking into a stack of cash meant to be a telephone; a picture from a nightclub bathroom that appeared to show him rolling up a $20 bill… and missing a walkthrough and treatment session after throwing a party at his condo on the final weekend of the regular season.”
Manziel entered rehab at Caron Pennsylvania in late January. Fans were kept guessing at exactly what was going, as Manziel’s social media accounts were silent during the quarterback’s stay in rehab. After being released from rehab in early April, Manziel made his first public appearance just last week.
Manziel and his girlfriend were seen at a baseball game in Texas.
It appears that Johnny Manziel has some idea of the damage he’s done and all that he will have to do to get back in the public’s and his team’s good graces.
[Photo Courtesy of Edrost88/Flickr]
