Johnny Manziel has been released by the Cleveland Browns

In the formalization of a decision that has been roundly expected for weeks, quarterback Johnny Manziel has been released by the Cleveland Browns. If no NFL team claims him by 4 p.m. on Saturday, he will become a free agent.

After an exceptional record as an NCAA football player, Manziel rode a cloud of hype into the 2014 football draft, where he was snapped up by the Browns. But Manziel was widely regarded as a disappointment by analysts and fans; in addition to his so-so record on the field, his widely publicized penchant for partying and other off-the-field misbehavior caused routine PR crises for the team. Manziel spent 10 weeks in rehab following his first season, and is currently being investigated on a domestic violence charge.

"I'd like to thank the Browns for the opportunity they gave me — nearly two years ago, we all hoped that we were building what could be a championship team for Cleveland," said Manziel in a statement. "I will always remember the support I received from the organization, my teammates and especially the fans." But today, the support of those fans is questionable; according to ESPN, numerous Cleveland bars are celebrating his departure with "Say Bye to Johnny" parties.

Article continues below

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Explore More

Scott Meslow is the entertainment editor for TheWeek.com. He has written about film and television at publications including The Atlantic, POLITICO Magazine, and Vulture.