Johnny Manziel's collection of troubling personal labels is growing: Alleged domestic abuser, unprofessional professional football player, party animal, drug addict and above all: out of control 23-year-old millionaire.
Just this offseason alone, Manziel was cut by both the Cleveland Browns and two separate sports agents, in court on domestic violence charges, in Los Angeles destroying rental houses and traveling all over the country, partying wherever he lands. The former first-round pick and Heisman Trophy winner is living on the edge.
Although he's unemployed right now, people within the NFL, the Browns and Manziel's personal life are still trying to help. NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent told 610 Sports' "The Rob Maaddi Show" in Philadelphia on Wednesday about the league's efforts to work with Manziel to get his life back together. But Vincent was quick to point out that Manziel's willingness to accept help is lacking:
You can have all the resources and they’re endless, confidential resources in your hometown, the individual club where the players or family members live. They’re there. They’re available. But if an individual is not willing to meet you halfway to get assistance, it’s very difficult because it’s something you can’t make an individual do anything.
We’re just hoping that moment happens where Johnny is willing to accept some assistance and get the help that he really needs to just function as an individual. Forget football. But to really get his life turned around so that he can function as a good citizen and a good young man.
Vincent told the show that the Browns' ownership, general manager, head coach, player engagement director and many others have personally reached out to Manziel. He himself has tried, but to no avail. As far as Vincent knows, the only way to keep track of Manziel is through social media -- he's not returning their calls.
And when there's only one-way communication, frustration can set in with both parties. Manziel's father Paul has tried to have him complete rehab, but has been rebuffed by Johnny into an apparent breaking point. He told ESPN earlier this week that, "I hope he goes to jail. I mean, that would be the best place for him," adding that his son is a flat-out "druggie" before essentially disowning him:
I'm done. I'm done talking about it. I'm doing my job, and I'm going to move on. If I have to bury him, I'll bury him. That's the fact. So if not, if he calls me and needs help, I'll go get him. Until then, he's on his own. I've done everything I can do. There is nothing [else] I can do as a father. Nothing. ... It is what it is. He's a druggie, and everybody needs to accept it.
Johnny responded to his dad on Tuesday with a #hiDad Instagram from Cabo San Lucas, where he's reportedly spending the week before committing to sobriety on July 1.
Even if Manziel manages to emerge out of his as a clean, decent person, his NFL career is still in doubt. Manziel's reportedly seeking a plea deal in his domestic violence case, but no matter the outcome of the case, the NFL will likely impose a suspension for domestic violence when and if he's able to return to a team. Still, Vincent isn't giving up quite yet.
"We’ll continue to keep reaching out, letting Johnny know we love him, we care for him and we’re here when he’s willing and wants and is able to accept assistance, we’ll be there for him," he said.
