NFL teams
Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL national reporter 9y

Johnny Manziel subject of hotel fight

NFL, Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND -- Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel was involved in a fight in downtown Cleveland early Saturday but is not listed as a suspect, according to a police report obtained by ESPN.

The Cleveland Police Department's report stated that Manziel was approached by a fan named Chris Gonos who says he was assaulted by the rookie quarterback and  "his entourage." The incident was reported at 2:36 a.m. from the Metropolitan at The 9 hotel in Cleveland. The report does not indicate that police made any arrests.

A Manziel associate, listed as Dana Kirk, told police "the victim attempted to assault his client and he defended him," according to the police report. Gonos, the alleged victim, told police he was "assaulted by Johnny Football and his entourage" after he tried to approach Manziel as a fan by saying, "I'm the biggest Browns fan ever, I love you, I want to give you a hug," according to the report.

A statement made by Manziel's agent paints a slightly different picture of the incident.

"Johnny and his roommate had been out to dinner earlier in the evening with Johnny's mother, who is staying with him this week," Erik Burkhardt said in a statement. "There was no entourage. Johnny and his roommate were trying to get on the apartment elevator at his home when they were accosted by a very aggressive man and his associates. It was an unfortunate situation and he immediately let [Browns general manager] Ray Farmer and the team know what happened."

Farmer said in a statement that the team is gathering information to better understand what occurred.

"Nonetheless, the time of the incident is concerning to us," Farmer said. "We continually stress to all our players the importance of sound decision-making in an effort to avoid putting themselves in these types of situations. We have addressed this appropriately with the player and will have no further comment at this time."

Manziel, who has been on the field for only a handful of plays this season, traveled with the Browns for their Sunday game in Atlanta. The Browns were aware of the incident before they left for Atlanta and met with Manziel to discuss it, a source told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Browns coach Mike Pettine said Monday that Manziel did not violate any team rules regarding curfew or other restrictions. But on ESPN Radio's "Mike and Mike" on Tuesday, he said he had an issue with the late-night timing of the incident.

"We're never comfortable -- and I think Ray alluded to it in our release -- with guys being involved in incidents that late at night. We trust that they're going to be making good choices. The saying in the league, nothing good happens after midnight. That's certainly the case the closer you get to the game," he said.

Gonos declined to say whether he intended to press charges when contacted by ESPN's Pat McManamon.

"I'm not talking about that right now," Gonos said.

Gonos sustained a swollen lip and swollen right eye, the report said. Cleveland Police Department spokesman Ali Pillow declined immediate comment.

Manziel lives at the hotel, which has several luxurious apartments.

Gonos told police he took one step toward whom he believed to be Manziel and got hit several times in the face by the offender, according to the report, saying that several unidentified males attacked and pushed him. A hotel employee helped break up the fight and reported to police he was struck in the face but did not want to file an incident, according to the report.

Footage of the fight exists, according to the report. A hotel director of security declined comment when reached Monday.

Manziel's late hours and social life became an issue during the offseason as the Heisman Trophy winner was photographed at various nightclubs.

The Browns' concern over Saturday's incident stems partly from the fact that Manziel is one roster spot from being the team's starting quarterback, sources told ESPN. Team officials have urged Manziel to "act like a Brown" and be aware of his behavior, according to sources.

Pettine confirmed that he spoke with Manziel about the incident but declined to offer details about their discussion.

"We've discussed the incident," Pettine said. "It was a conversation between a coach and a player."

Asked Tuesday on "Mike and Mike" if the incident would have an affect on Manziel possibly getting into a game, Pettine said: "Unless something unforeseen comes up, given what I know it would not have an impact on any decision to play him."

Brian Hoyer has served as the starting quarterback throughout the season for the Browns (7-4), who are battling for the AFC North division title and a postseason berth. Hoyer threw three interceptions Sunday but orchestrated a last-minute, winning drive in Cleveland's 26-24 victory in Atlanta.

ESPN's Adam Schefter and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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