Johnny Manziel's unfortunate alleged late-night encounter with a Browns fan is unlikely to cost him playing time if that opportunity ever arrives in 2014.
Manziel and his associates were involved in an incident early Saturday morning in which Sandusky, Ohio native Chris Gonos claims a member of Manziel's crew struck him after he asked the quarterback for a hug and took a step in his direction. Manziel's agent released a statement saying that Manziel and his roommate were "accosted by an aggressive man and his associates."
Browns coach Mike Pettine seems comfortable leaving the incident in the past.
"Unless something unforeseen comes up, just given what I know, it would not have an impact on any decision to play him," Pettine told ESPN's Mike and Mike (via the Northeast Ohio Media Group).
Pettine added that he "never considered" playing Manziel in Sunday'swin over the Atlanta Falcons, but that had nothing to do with the alleged fan incident. Brian Hoyer threw three interceptions in the game before leading Cleveland on a game-winning field-goal drive.
"I've had a talk with Johnny as has (general manager) Ray (Farmer)," said Pettine. "I mean, he was very upfront with us and notified us immediately what had occurred. But as far as in the building, he's been a true professional, he's done everything that's been asked of him -- but obviously this is something that's unfortunate."
Manziel won't be available to speak to the media until Friday. You can safely assume this topic will come up.
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