FOOTBALL FOLLIES
Did Riders work out Manziel?
Denials flew fast and furious after Thursday’s online report that the Saskatchewan Roughriders worked out quarterback Johnny Manziel.
Such a workout, which was first reported by Justin Dunk of 3downnation.com, would contravene CFL rules because the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have Manziel — who won the 2012 Heisman Trophy while at Texas A&M — on their negotiation list.
Though Riders head coach and general manager Chris Jones denied the workout did occur, Dunk and 3downnation.com stand behind the report.
“First of all, the report stands for itself,” Dunk said Thursday afternoon on CJME radio in Regina. “It’s still up on 3downation and it’s on the Hamilton Spectator’s site. Let’s get that out of the way, first and foremost. I like to deal with the facts and it did happen.”
Dunk said he understands why the Riders and Manziel’s representatives would deny a workout took place.
“There is no reason for the Riders to cop to this because obviously it’s going to result in some sort of discipline from the league,” Dunk told the radio station. “For Johnny Manziel, who is looking himself to get another shot in pro football and preferably the NFL, there are certainly lots of reasons for him to deny this as well.”
Dunk reported the Roughriders conducted a workout with Manziel on Jan. 27 in advance of the Senior Bowl. Dunk reported that the Riders didn’t have permission from the Ticats to conduct a workout — one the Roughriders deny holding.
“The Saskatchewan Roughriders have not held or attended a workout involving Johnny Manziel,” Jones said in a media release.
TSN’s Gary Lawless reported via Twitter that Denise Michaels, a spokeswoman for Manziel, said “her client did not work out for (the Roughriders) or for any (CFL) team.”
As well, the quarterback told TMZ.com “I have had no workouts with any team from the CFL.”
Manziel, who was selected 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2014 NFL draft, has dealt with off-field controversy.
In November, he reached a deal with prosecutors on a conditional dismissal of a misdemeanour domestic assault charge involving his former girlfriend. The 24-year-old has also admitted to struggling with substance abuse.