Friday, October 30, 2015
Associated Press
BEREA
The NFL’s investigation into Johnny Manziel’s recent domestic incident remains open.
Spokesman Brian McCarthy said Thursday that “no decision has been made” on Manziel, who is facing a fine or suspension from the league if he broke its personal conduct policy during an Oct. 12 argument with his girlfriend. Colleen Crowley told police that Manziel hit her when the couple quarreled in his car.
Manziel was interviewed Wednesday night by NFL senior advisor Lisa Friel, a former New York prosecutor who handles many of the league’s off-field matters, at the team’s facility. Manziel was represented by an official from the player’s union.
Browns coach Mike Pettine said the team expects the matter to be resolved soon, but maybe not before Sunday, when Cleveland hosts the Arizona Cardinals.
“Expect it soon, but I know they have their timetable,” Pettine said. “I know there are reports out there, but we, especially from a coaching standpoint, are bunkered in, preparing for the game. When we get word, we get the word.”
Pettine said he was not questioned by Friel.
The Browns are eager to find out if Manziel will be available because there’s a chance he may have to start; Josh McCown is nursing a sore right shoulder and ribs. Manziel continued to take the majority of snaps with Cleveland’s starting offense as McCown was limited in practice Thursday.
Browns Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas anticipates the 36-year-old McCown being ready for Sunday’s game.
“Until you tell me he won’t be out there, I’d expect him to be out there,” Thomas said. “He was limited today and it was pretty windy, but he looked like Josh McCown. He did a pretty good job out there.”
McCown was injured in last week’s loss at St. Louis. He was sacked four times, took a wicked shot to the chin and toughed it out before he was replaced by Manziel in the fourth quarter.
McCown only threw a few soft passes on the sideline during the early portion of practice. He was without a helmet or shoulder pads while chatting with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam as his teammates worked out.
Manziel has not spoken to reporters this week. He was not in the locker room again Thursday during the portion it was open to media members.