Pettine: Manziel in a 'much better place'

By Associated Press | February 18, 2015 at 5:32p.m.

INDIANAPOLIS — Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine says Johnny Manziel is in a “much better place” than he was earlier this month when he entered a treatment program.

Manziel, his family and the team have not said why he sought help.

On Wednesday at the NFL’s annual scouting combine, Pettine said it was Manziel’s choice to get treatment and that the team fully supported the decision. Pettine also says he visited the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner recently, though he could not say when Manziel would return to the team.

Manziel had a rough rookie season, looking unprepared in his first start, a 30-0 loss against Cincinnati. He injured his hamstring on a running play the next week and didn’t play again. He was later fined for missing medical treatment.

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