Browns Deny Lying About Johnny Manziel’s Concussion

CLEVELAND (AP/STAFF) — The Browns say Johnny Manziel was diagnosed with a concussion late in the season by an independent neurologist, countering an NFL Network report they lied about the injury to cover up the troubled quarterback showing up intoxicated for practice. The team issued a statement Tuesday saying Manziel, who is from Tyler, reported to the team’s facility on December 30, three days after a loss to Kansas City, complaining of concussion symptoms. The Browns say Manziel was tested by the neurologist and was entered into the league’s concussion protocol. The team says he wasn’t cleared from the protocol until January 12.

The league’s in-house network reported citing an unnamed Browns player that the team “lied” to try and protect Manziel, who is being investigated by Dallas police on allegations of domestic violence. On January 3, former coach Mike Pettine said, “No. No. No, that is not the case,” when asked if Manziel was sent home for being inebriated.