The hits keep on coming for NFL star Johnny Manziel , and that’s hardly a good thing. Now a free agent, the former Cleveland Browns quarterback has bounced from one controversy to another over the course of recent months, developing a reputation for poor decision-making and an explosive temper. According to TMZ , Manziel’s propensity for physicality manifested once again this weekend, leading to a brief but violent altercation at a Las Vegas club.
The online celebrity news and gossip outlet reports that Johnny Manziel was on hand at the Jewel Nightclub at the Aria on Friday night when recording artist Drake showed up for a surprise show. A melee ensued in which folks made a dash to get to the front of the stage. Manziel – affectionately known to fans by the moniker “Johnny Football” – apparently did not take well to the scrum that ensued, punching a fellow club patron who had apparently pushed him during the hubbub. TMZ posted video of the incident online.
Security intervened to make sure things did not escalate further and Johnny Manziel was later escorted out of the venue.
Manziel’s Vegas misadventure is something of a prime example as to why the 23-year-old athlete – once regarded as the NFL’s hottest young prospect – has fallen into a seemingly endless cycle of disrepute. In late April, Manziel was indicted for assault stemming from an incident in which he allegedly restrained, struck, and threatened his longtime girlfriend. He was released by the Cleveland Browns the month before, due in part to the aforementioned criminal allegations but also in light of his lackluster performance on the field.
As noted by the Washington Post , Johnny Manziel’s high-profile legal troubles appear to have damaged his reputation so much at this point that he might not get picked up by another NFL team prior to the start of the forthcoming season. Manziel was reportedly under consideration for a spot with the Dallas Cowboys at one point, but team owner Jerry Jones later backed off the prospect, publicly stating that he thinks Manziel’s priority at the moment should be “getting his life in order.”
Complicating matters for Johnny Manziel is the fact that he has been dropped by two agents, making it even more difficult for the athlete to engage in negotiations with the NFL. One of his former agents, Drew Rosenhaus, had previously indicated he might consider representing Manziel in the future if the football player sought treatment to address his use of alcohol.
For his part, Johnny Manziel might not even be of a mind to return to the NFL in the near future. A recent report by NBC Newsdescribed Manziel as appearing well below his ideal playing weightand “emaciated.” ESPN analyst Dustin Fox echoed these sentiments, posting a picture of a sickly Johnny Manziel via Twitter.
Hard to believe this guy was starting in the NFL at QB 6 months ago. Not looking very healthy. Via @TMZ_Sports pic.twitter.com/6BDZ2dgpIt
— Dustin Fox (@DustinFox37) May 19, 2016
It is worth noting that Manziel is currently out of jail on bond as the above-noted domestic assault charge remains pending. While it is unknown whether or not charges will be filed as the result of the Las Vegas dust-up, it is entirely possible that the court in the assault case might review Johnny Manziel’s bond at subsequent hearings, particularly if he continues grabbing headlines because of violent altercations.
[Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images]