Manziel back in building as Browns pack away empty season

A couple hours before he was sacked as the Cleveland Browns’ head coach, Mike Pettine said wasn’t sure where quarterback Johnny Manziel was this weekend in the wake of USA TODAY Sports’ report late Saturday night that the former Heisman Trophy victor was gambling in Las Vegas.

Veteran NFL reporter Peter King tweeted out Sunday that the Browns were “so done” with Manziel after he failed to attend a mandatory concussion protocol session.

“We’re excited to get going on the search and find the right head coach, who I believe should be the leader of the team and the face of the franchise”, Haslam said. While his teammates finished the season, Manziel was reportedly in Las Vegas. Haslam said Sashi Brown has been promoted to vice president of football operations and will have control over personnel decisions and the 53-man roster.

Last week, newly-fired Browns’ coach Mike Pettine announced that Manziel will miss the Week 17 finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, due to a concussion suffered when he rushed for 108 yards in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. In his final postgame news conference Pettine was asked if Manziel had been in Las Vegas, he said “I don’t know”. There is speculation that Manziel wants to sign with the Cowboys. “It’s hard for me to say because I don’t exactly know what happened”. The report said he ate at a restaurant in the casino and sat down at a blackjack table. “I think we saw his ability to play, and if they give him another chance and he’s ready to work, I think [the players are] ready to keep giving him a chance”. “Two years ago Mr. Haslam fell in love with Coach Pettine for a reason and unless that reason has changed I would urge maybe some continuity”.

Cleveland must be too slow-paced for Johnny Manziel, which must be why he is trying to force his way out.

Manziel lost the starting quarterback job and was demoted from starter to third string when that video appeared and when he lied to the coaches about when it was filmed.

Some players said Haslam tried to reassure them this morning they’re going to try and make it a positive outcome. Haslam agreed that’s a key position for any team.

They can continue with him and hope he gets his personal and professional life together.

“When we were on the clock, I said, if we pick the other guy – any other guy – it would be a ticket to parity, more 8-8 seasons”.

According to ESPN, Pettine met with team owner Jimmy Haslam Sunday night, at which time the coach was informed that he was being let go.

“He’s one of the people who brought me in and I think you always remember your first National Football League coach”.