So, when, if ever, are the Browns going to get ahead of the curve on the Johnny Manziel story?
Heck, forget that. When, if ever, are the Browns simply going to get even with the curve on this story?
The Browns’ systematic fumbling, bumbling and stumbling whenever and wherever Manziel is concerned, right from the get-go to the present, is a picture-postcard of why this organization is where it is, with eight straight losing seasons and having lost a staggering total of 18 of its last 21 games going back to 2014. It is a public relations disaster.
Let’s take a quick look at a couple of key points:
*The Browns shocked many by trading up four sports in the 2014 NFL Draft to take Manziel at No. 22 overall, even though anybody and everybody knew he had behavioral issues.
*Instead of having someone be his confidant – his mentor – they let Manziel do what he wants, which is getting into trouble – or at least embarrassing controversy – time and time again. He was unchecked, like a kid in a candy store.
*Manziel checked himself into a rehab facility in the offseason and it’s never revealed why or what for. Do the Browns know? Do they care?
*As the 2015 season plays out and Manziel’s behavior got worse and worse, the Browns expressed surprise at the depth of it. But it still didn’tt dawn on anyone of the club – even though it did to all other citizens of the free world — that these issues are way more serious and threatening than just what happens on the football field.
*Finally, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said the club is worried about Manziel’s well-being.
Now everyone in the free world is at least aware that there’s a problem.
But while everyone else is on to the next chapter of this story – that is, could this troubled young man attempt suicide, as his father fears? – we wonder where the Browns are at.
What the Browns have done – and not done – since draft day in 2014 is criminal. They ought to be ashamed of themselves.
And did we mention that they won’t be able to get even a seventh-round draft choice for a player taken near the top of the draft just two years before? Why should anyone be surprised the Browns have not been able to get themselves turned around?
By Steve King
