Johnny Manziel is taking responsibility for his immature behavior, facing down a tough line of questioning at Southeastern Conference Media Days and vowing to straighten out his act in the future.
The Texas A&M quarterback took the college football world by storm last season, winning the Heisman Trophy and establishing himself as one of the most exciting stars in the game. But he was also plagued with off-the-field issues including an arrest last year.
Manziel tried to put his indiscretions into perspective but still took responsibility for his behavior.
”I don’t feel like I’ve done anything that’s catastrophic,” Manziel said. ”Of course, I’ve made my mistakes. It’s time to grow up.”
Manziel has seen his share of problems in the past year. In June 2012 he got into trouble after he gave police a fake Louisiana driver’s license after an alleged bar fight. Police seized Manziel’s wallet, finding his real license and arresting him.
Manziel pleaded guilty to a count of failing to identify himself to police officers, and in exchange prosecutors dropped the charge of possessing false identification. He was sentenced to a $2,000 fine and two days in jail but was released on time served after the incident.
Just last week Johnny Manziel found himself in more trouble. He left the Manning Passing Academy early last weekend after missing meetings and planned practices, citing dehydration and illness. Sources say Manziel was really thrown out for excessive partying , though camp officials denied this report.
”The speculation of me being too hung over and that’s the reason I missed the meetings is absolutely incorrect,” Manziel said at the SEC meeting.
As for the missed meetings, Manziel said he fell asleep without setting an alarm and his phone died during the night. He was rooming with Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron, who did not wake him, but Manziel said it was all his fault for not waking up.
After the incident Johnny Manziel was reportedly “very upset” and apologized privately to the Texas A&M coaching staff.