BEREA, Ohio (AP) – Browns coach Mike Pettine says he benched Johnny Manziel because the quarterback violated the team’s trust with his behavior during the bye week.
Manziel was demoted from starter to third string on Tuesday by Pettine, who was upset after a video emerged of the second-year QB partying last week in Texas while the Browns were off. Before Manziel left town, Pettine said he made it clear to Manziel that he needed to act in a responsible manner.
Pettine said he hopes Manziel has not played his last game with the Browns. He praised the 22-year-old’s improvement this season, but reiterated that Manziel still has a lot of work to do off the field.
The demotion will make it difficult for the Browns to assess Manziel’s skills and future, but Pettine said the move was necessary and “best for Johnny.”
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