Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty ImagesCleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has checked into a treatment center, his camp confirmed Monday morning.
The famous athlete's friend and advisor, Brad Beckworth, released the following statement on behalf of Manziel:
"Johnny knows there are areas he needs to improve on to help him be a better family member, friend and teammate, so he decided to take this step in his life during the offseason. On behalf of Johnny and his family, we're asking for privacy until he rejoins the team in Cleveland."
Ray Farmer, the Cleveland Browns general manager, addressed the news, saying, "We respect Johnny's initiative in this decision and will fully support him throughout this process. Our players' health and well-being will always be of the utmost importance to the Cleveland Browns."
Farmer continued, "We continually strive to create a supportive environment and provide the appropriate resources, with our foremost focus being on the individual and not just the football player. Johnny's privacy will be respected by us during this very important period and we hope that others will do the same."
In late December, amid rumors of his tardiness at team treatment sessions and practices this season, Football Johnny publicly declared his commitment to the Browns.
"It's about action. It's about being accountable and doing what I'm gonna say instead of looking like a jackass," he stated.
"It sucks because of the perception I've based around myself—I've done this to myself—that that was allowed to be reported and people are just allowed to nod their head and act like that went on…Either I'm going to learn or I'm going to be finding something else to do."
At this time, it's unclear what the 22-year-old athlete entered a rehabilitation program for. TMZ was the first to report the story.