Bernie Kosar says Manziel won’t return his phone calls

By Nate Ulrich

Akron Beacon Journal

Bernie Kosar has reached out to troubled Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel in hopes of offering advice, only to be stiff-armed by the former Heisman Trophy winner from Texas A&M University.

Kosar — a Boardman High School graduate — told USA Today that Manziel hasn’t returned his messages.

“I’m embarrassed to even tell you how many times I tried,” Kosar, who played quarterback for the Browns from 1985-93, said. “I have tried to call him directly 18 different ways. If he chooses not to talk to me, that’s his choice.

“I’m not mad at him. But there’s a point where there’s an element of respect that’s involved.”

Kosar conceded there’s “definitely a possibility” Manziel, 23, could waste his NFL career if he continues to submit to hard partying.

Manziel, who checked into a rehabilitation facility specializing in alcohol and drug addiction treatment nearly a year ago and stayed for more than 10 weeks, didn’t attend the Jan. 3 season finale while in the NFL’s concussion protocol. He gambled and partied in Las Vegas the previous night, according to reports. Owner Jimmy Haslam said Manziel didn’t report to team headquarters the morning of Jan. 3 for scheduled treatment the Browns require of players in the protocol.

“I can’t comprehend him not wanting to be (at the finale),” Kosar said. “Because maybe he’ll pick something up, maybe he’ll get the intensity of it, maybe he’ll learn a trick play, maybe he’ll see what you’re going to have to do hopefully next year and show your commitment to the team.”

Kosar explained he wants to tell Manziel, the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 draft, he cannot expect the rest of the team to do the right thing if he doesn’t.