James’ firm cuts tieswith Manziel
Cavs star expressed concern about QB
On the day that LeBron James expressed concern and support for Johnny Manziel, the marketing agency run by the Cleveland Cavaliers star and his friend, Maverick Carter, cut ties with the troubled Cleveland Browns quarterback, USA TODAY Sports confirmed.
Cleveland.com on Wednesday first reported the LRMR move. “We’ve decided to end our formal business relationship with Johnny,” Carter told Cleveland.com. Carter said the decision to end the relationship with Manziel “coincides with LRMR’s plan to expand its growing entertainment products.”
Carter also said Manziel needed to focus on personal growth.
Earlier, before James and the Cavaliers played the Washington Wizards, James said he was worried about Manziel, who hasn’t been able to stem his string of off-field incidents and who spent time in rehab last year.
“I’m more concerned with him individually,” said James, who met Manziel when he was the quarterback at Texas A&M.
Manziel, 23, who missed the Browns’ regular-season finale while under the NFL’s concussion protocol, spent Saturday dining and gambling at Las Vegas’ Planet Hollywood casino, USA TODAY Sports reported.
“I don’t know all the details on it. I haven’t been all up on it, but I’ve heard a little bit of it,” James said. “It’s a distraction not only for himself but for everyone that’s around him, including family, people that represent him. He’ll figure it out at some point. We all do.”
Manziel played in nine games (six starts) this season and threw for 1,500 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions and completed 57.8% of his passes. The Browns went 3-13 and fired their coach and general manager.