CLEVELAND (AP) – A Browns fan who says he wanted to give Johnny Manziel “a hug” was struck by the rookie quarterback’s entourage at a downtown hotel and was left with a swollen eye and lip, police said.
Police were called to The Metropolitan at The 9, where Manziel has a luxury apartment, after a fight broke out at 2:25 a.m. Saturday.
According to a police report, Chris Gonos told police he was assaulted by “Johnny Football and his entourage.” The 33-year-old fan said he and his girlfriend approached Manziel while waiting for an elevator and he told the popular first-round draft pick: “I’m the biggest Browns fan ever. I love you. I want to give you a hug.”
Gonos said he took one step toward Manziel and was punched by a man listed on the report as Dana Kirk. Gonos contends he was struck several times in the face and “pushed and attacked” by a group of unidentified men who were with Manziel. Kirk said Gonos tried to assault Manziel, and he defended the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner.
Gonos sustained a swollen lip and right eye, the report said. No arrests were made. The report also said the hotel manager said cameras located near the elevators may have captured video of the dispute.