Cleveland Browns backup quarterback, Johnny Manziel said Friday that he tried to avoid an alleged fight with a fan at his apartment complex a week ago.
ESPN noted that Manziel addressed the issue during his weekly media session. He said that he tried to diffuse tensions with the fan “at all costs” as he waited for an elevator in the lobby of the complex.
Manziel went on to say that the fan "approached me in the lobby, putting his hands on me and kind of toying with me." He also debunked a claim that his face was “smashed” and said that the fan was intoxicated.
As previously reported, the fan, Chris Gonos, 33, told a different story about the events that took place.
He alleged that when he saw Manziel in the building he yelled his name and stepped toward him for a handshake, but was quickly taken down by the rookie’s entourage and beaten. Gonos said that he sustained injuries as a result of the fight and claimed that Manziel joined in the brawl.
The quarterback did not state whether or not he did throw a punch and declined to provide further details about the incident.
The Browns released a statement earlier in the week and said that the team was continuing to gather information about what was alleged and have addressed the situation with Manziel.