BEREA, Ohio (AP) – Browns coach Mike Pettine is defending quarterback Johnny Manziel, saying he’s unhappy with outside chatter about Manziel’s relationship with the team following a rehab stay and a minor confrontation with a fan.
Pettine said Tuesday he’s not concerned after the former college star threw a water bottle at a heckler during a PGA Tour golf tournament in Texas, dismissing it as a ”non-story.”
Pettine says he’s pleased with the progress shown by the second-year quarterback who won the Heisman Trophy in 2012.
No arrests were made or charges filed in the confrontation, but the incident amplified speculation about Manziel’s role that has circulated since Manziel spent 10 weeks in a rehab facility and the team signed Josh McCown as a starting quarterback.
Pettine says he takes issue with the rumors because they can potentially divide the staff and players.
Manziel, 22, declined to speak with the media after a two-hour practice.
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