Browns demote Johnny Manziel to third string, consider cutting ties

cbs ^ | November 24, 2015 3:51 pm ET | Sean Wagner-McGough | Staff Writer

[BenLurkin]

The decision to bench Manziel comes just days after a video emerged that seemed to show Manziel partying and holding a bottle of alcohol during the Browns' bye week.

"Josh McCown will be the starting quarterback on Monday night against the Ravens. I informed the quarterbacks of that decision after I sat down and spoke with Johnny, Flip (John DeFilippo) and Kevin (O'Connell) after practice today," Pettine said in a statement. "Johnny will be the third quarterback. I've spoken to Ray (Farmer) and Jimmy (Haslam) to inform them of my decision, and they are in full support."

Just a week ago, Manziel was declared the starter for the remainder of the season. And in Manziel's most recent start two Sundays ago, he showed clear signs of improvement, throwing for 372 yards and completing 73 percent of his passes against the Steelers.

But during the Browns' bye week, Manziel, who spent time in rehab this offseason, was reportedly spotted at a bar, leading Pettine to say that he was disappointed in Manziel. That feeling of disappointment seems to have led to the decision to send Manziel to the bench.

"Everyone in this organization wants what is best for Johnny just like we do for every player in our locker room. I'm especially disappointed in his actions and behavior because he has been working very hard," Pettine said. "The improvements from last year to this year have been tremendous but he still has to consistently demonstrate that he has gained a good understanding of what it takes to be successful at the quarterback position on this level. It goes well beyond the field. We are going to continue to support him in every way possible, but at this point, we've decided it's best to go with Josh as the starter going forward."

[ilgipper]

You had that right. The fact he lied to them about it is total justification. That’s a serious no-no. I completely support the decision with that piece of info. If it was just going out and having a good time, that’s one thing. Straight-out lies to the coach is worth significant ramifications.