Pettine stresses making 'good choices' as players get long weekend
The Browns finished practice in the late morning Thursday and many of the players were quickly seen exiting for the parking lot to begin their long weekend off from football.
Pettine said he and his fellow coaches addressed the team before dismissing the team.
"We want to make sure that we come back fresh and focused," Pettine said. "At the same time, you hate dwelling on the negative, but we've very aware of the scrutiny that NFL players are under. We're more under -- coaches and players -- more under a microscope than most.
"They represent not just themselves, but their families and the Cleveland Browns -- their teammates -- when they're out of the building," he said. "I just kept stressing it to them. Surround yourself with good people. Make good choices. It's a good group, and I think that the time off will be well spent. I'm certain they're going to come back fresh and focused."
QB Johnny Manziel has not been on TMZ and other media outlets since before he arrived for training camp. He's expected to return to Texas for the Texas A&M/Arkansas football game this weekend.
Pettine was asked if he had any specific message for Manziel.
"No. Nothing special," Pettine said. "The position coaches handle that just as far as we want to know, 'Hey, where are you going to be? What are you up to? To me, it's...we'll check in with our guys over the time, but we didn't treat him any different."
A team spokesman said Manziel had already left the locker room before the media was permitted to enter after practice.
The NFL has a sign in each locker room regarding the NFL's personal conduct policy that has at the top "YOUR OFF FIELD CONDUCT MATTERS."
Ironically, the sign is hanging right next to Manziel's locker in the Browns' locker room.
