CLEVELAND: Johnny Manziel was dumped as the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday after video of him drinking champagne in a party atmosphere surfaced.
Manziel, who spent three months in a rehabilitation facility he entered voluntarily in January, was seen in video and photos purportedly partying with alcohol last week during the team's week off.
Browns coach Mike Pettine, who a week earlier had said Manziel would be the starter for the remainder of the season, said he was very disappointed to see the video.
After speaking to Manziel, offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, quarterbacks coach Kevin O'Connell, general manager Ray Farmer and Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, Pettine released a statement saying Josh McCown would start Monday against Baltimore with Manziel reduced to a third-string last case option.
"Everyone in this organization wants what is best for Johnny just like we do for every player in our locker room," Pettine said. "I'm especially disappointed in his actions and behavior because he has been working very hard.
"The improvements from last year to this year have been tremendous but he still has to consistently demonstrate that he has gained a good understanding of what it takes to be successful at the quarterback position on this level. It goes well beyond the field.
"We are going to continue to support him in every way possible, but at this point, we've decided it's best to go with Josh as the starter going forward."
The struggling Browns share the NFL's worst record with Tennessee and San Diego at 2-8 as they prepare to face the Ravens (3-7).
Manziel had been set for a chance to see if he might be the man to lead the Browns in the long-term.
In 16 seasons, the Browns have not had the same signal caller for three seasons in a row.
Last month, McCown started for the Browns and helped produce a victory over Baltimore. He has been out the past two weeks with rib and shoulder injuries.
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