MANZIEL’S MENTOR CONCERNED
Former QB coach stayed with him after rehab stint
Johnny Manziel’s former coach and mentor is concerned to hear the Cleveland Browns quarterback was drinking alcohol after spending part of the offseason in rehab for an undisclosed reason.
Julius Scott, quarterback coach and offensive coordinator at Tivy High School in Kerrville, Texas, when Manziel played there, told USA TODAY Sports on Saturday he had not heard from Manziel since the quarterback was pulled over by police last Monday after having an argument with his girlfriend.
Manziel admitted to drinking earlier that day, according to police in Avon, Ohio. He said on Twitter on Friday that he was sober when police arrived.
His girlfriend, who police said had her head pushed into the car window by Manziel, said on Instagram that “J &I are good.” She did not press charges.
“If he asked me if I thought drinking was a good idea, I would say absolutely not,” Scott said. “You’d have to have your head examined if you said, ‘It’s OK to go have a couple.’ ”
Manziel was active Sunday but did not play in the Browns’ 26-23 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in Cleveland. Coach Mike Pettine would not address the incident in his postgame news conference, saying there was “plenty of time during the week to talk about it.”
Scott, 55, quit his job in the spring and stayed with Manziel for several weeks at the quarterback’s behest. He said he did not see Manziel drink during that time.
“He kept his sobriety alive and well when I was there,” Scott said.
When asked his reaction after hearing Manziel had been drinking last week, Scott said, “Did that surprise me? Yes, it did.”
Scott said he left a message for Manziel and two of the quarterback’s friends Saturday but had not heard back.
“Until I talk to him I won’t know” what happened, Scott said.
Scott said he last talked to Manziel the day after the quarterback led the Browns to a 28-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 20.
“He seemed to be in a good spot,” Scott said. “Things seemed to be rocking along well.”
Added Scott: “I love that boy, and I’m always going to stand by no matter what.”