Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel will be suspended for the first four games of the 2016 NFL season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, according to TMZ Sports:
Johnny Manziel will be suspended the first 4 games of the 2016 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy ... league sources tell TMZ Sports.
We're told the violation was NOT due to a performance enhancing drug.
Manziel has said he plans to make an NFL comeback -- but we're told if by some miracle he did get signed to a team, he will be forced to sit out the first 4 games of the season.
The good news, we're told the suspension does NOT roll over -- meaning if he signs a contract for the 2017 season, he wouldn't have to miss a game for this particular infraction.
Though Manziel is currently involved in a assault case for allegedly hitting his ex-girlfriend, this suspension is for a substance abuse violation. Neither the NFL or TMZ specified what specifically triggered the violation.
Manziel could also face another suspension based on the outcome of the assault case.
The Browns released Manziel earlier this offseason due to various issues related to partying, drug use and missing team meetings, along with his legal troubles.
He has not been signed by any team, and this suspension further hurts his chances of making an NFL comeback in 2016. Manziel has vowed to go "completely sober" starting on July 1, hoping to get healthy and return to the league at some point, targeting the 2017 season.
The former Heisman trophy winner passed for 1,500 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions in nine games last season, including six starts.
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