A Cleveland Browns fan has claimed that he was attacked by backup quarterback Johnny Manziel’s entourage early Saturday morning at a downtown apartment complex.
According to a police report obtained by Cleveland Scene, officers responded to a call about a fight involving several men and two security guards in the lobby of the complex around 2:30 a.m.
Chris Gonos, 33, told USA Today Sports that he spotted Manziel near the elevators and yelled “Johnny Football” before he tried to approach the athlete. Gonos alleges that he was almost immediately attacked by members of Manziel’s crew. He also claims to have suffered a swollen lip and eye as a result of the fight, which he said that Manziel took part in.
Browns general manager Ray Farmer released a statement that said the team is continuing to gather information about what is alleged in the police report.
"Nonetheless, the time of the incident is concerning to us," Farmer said. "We continually stress to all our players the importance of sound decision-making in an effort to avoid putting themselves in these types of situations. We have addressed this appropriately with the player and will have no further comment at this time."
Manziel has been involved in off-the-field incidents in the past. While at Texas A&M, he was arrested and charged with failure to identify, disorderly conduct and possession of a fictitious driver's license after being involved in a bar fight. He was arrested and ordered to pay a $2000 fine as part of a plea agreement.
The quarterback was selected by the Browns in the first round of the 2014 draft, but has been riding the bench since losing the starting job to Brian Hoyer.