Cleveland Browns Deny "Drunk" Quarterback Johnny Manziel Claims At NFL Football Practice

The Cleveland Browns have denied a report that they lied about falsifying a Johnny Manziel concussion in order to steer away attention from the suggested alternative: "he was drunk." A spokesman for the Browns said this in a statement:

"Johnny Manziel came to our facility on the morning of December 30th and complained of concussion symptoms," said the spokesman. "He was tested by an independent neurologist and entered the league's concussion protocol. He remained in the protocol until January 12th after being cleared by the independent neurologist."

NFL Network's Mike Silver first reported on the matter, citing that multiple sources told him that Manziel had showed up late for a meeting, appearing to be noticeably drunk.

"I've been told by multiple sources that Manziel showed up late to the team facility for a meeting and noticeably drunk on Wednesday, Dec. 30," said Silver.

Manziel was ruled out of the Browns final regular season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to concussion like symptoms. He was scheduled to arrive at the Browns stadium the day of the game to undergo treatment, however he never showed up (many believe he had spent the prior night out in Vegas wearing a blond wig and fake mustache going by the name 'Billy." Can't make that up).

Silver later took to Twitter to explain his report. And while he stands by his initial remarks, he does regret using one particular term.

"If the Browns say they did not lie about Manziel's diagnosis, I will take them at their word, and I regret using that term ("lied")," he continued. "(But) I stand by my original report that Manziel showed up drink at practice and that witnesses believed this was the cause of his behavior.'

Regardless of whether or not the latest Manziel off-the-field incident is in fact true, he will almost certainly be waved by the Browns come March.