Cleveland Browns

Browns' Pettine admits there are off-field issues with Manziel

Published Dec. 31, 2015 3:46 p.m. ET

foxsports

Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel will have issues to address this offseason, presumably involving his frequent alcohol-imbibing appearances on social media.

Head coach Mike Pettine acknowledged during his Thursday media session that there are still problems off the field with his big-name quarterback, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Manziel checked into an inpatient rehab facility last February and claimed to be a changed man after a 10-week stay. A specific reason for his treatment was never given, but if it was for alcohol, Manziel obviously hasn't abstained from drinking.

He admitted to police after a domestic dispute with his girlfriend in October that he had been drinking earlier in the day. Manziel was then benched in November just days after being named the team's starting quarterback after video emerged of him partying during the bye week. Another partying video, this time shot at his home, surfaced earlier this week, leading Pettine to say that he would have another talk with his quarterback. The next day Manziel was placed in the concussion protocol after complaining of concussion-like symptoms. Thursday, he was ruled out for the season finale.

Pettine added that the team wouldn't mandate another visit to rehab for Manziel, calling it a "challenge" for the coaches to get his quarterback on the right path. Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo believes Manziel can be the franchise's long-term answer at quarterback, and will take that approach this offseason until hearing otherwise.

"We're fullspeed ahead with Manziel," DeFilippo said adding that Manziel needs to correct his off-field behavior. "It's a lifestyle commitment. You have to eat, breathe, and sleep football.''

One of Manziel's closest friends on the team, cornerback Joe Haden, plans to help Manziel anyway he can this offseason.

"Here is a guy that has an NFL skill set, he's very talented, if you spend some time with him, he's a likable guy, you root for him.

"But there are problems there that we'll talk as we're headed to the offseason about getting addressed. And I've said this before, we want to make sure that all of our players are in good shape as people first, players second. Because I don't think you can be as effective as you can be as a player if things aren't right off the field. And he's a good example of that."