Report: Browns lied about Johnny Manziel’s Concussion to Cover-Up his Drinking

Johnny Manziel never suffered from a concussion.

According to NFL.com's Mike Silver, the Cleveland Browns had lied when they said Manziel had to follow concussion protocols in Week 17 to cover up for the fact that the quarterback had showed up intoxicated at a Wednesday practice.

"Johnny Manziel, going into what would have been a start late in the season, showed up drunk at practice on a Wednesday," Silver said in an on air interview with the NFL Network. "The Browns lied and said he was in the concussion protocol. Let me repeat that: The Browns lied, to try to protect, and I would argue enable, this irresponsible and very troubled young man."

At that time, Pro Football Talk (PFT) reported that the diagnosis announcement was very sketchy. The report pointed out that the timing of the diagnosis and head coach Mike Pettine's comments about having a talk with Manziel regarding his off-field issues hinted to the possibility that Manziel had, once again, messed up.

If the report of a cover-up is true, the Browns could be punished by the NFL.

This report surfaced just a day after details about Manziel's alleged assault against his ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley surfaced.

Crowley's attorney told Dallas-Fort Worth television station NBC5, reported by ESPN that Manziel hit Crowley so hard that her left eardrum ruptured.

The affidavit stated, per ESPN:

"He hit me with his open hand on my left ear for jumping out of the car. I realized immediately that I could not hear out of that ear, and I cannot today [Feb. 3, the date of the filing]. ... I continue to be extremely concerned for my health and well-being."

On top of hitting her, Manziel reportedly kidnapped her by forcing her into his car. He also threatened that he would kill her. Crowley was issued a protective order on Feb. 4.

Manziel is currently being investigated by the league and the police. He has denied all allegations of an assault.

The Browns are expected to cut Manziel once the new season starts in March.