Johnny Manziel represents so much of America. He is privileged, whether he wants to realize it or not.
Manziel’s problems will always be seen by most as something he brought upon himself. To an extent, that is a fair critique. Should the latest reports be true, and Manziel really did repeatedly hit his former girlfriend, he is lucky not to end up in prison. Anyway you slice that kind of horrific behavior, it is wholly unacceptable. Yet, there is more to this story.
The Heisman Trophy winner has issues. Real ones. He is not the headline-grabbing football player who feels good after a workout and turns his girl’s face into a speedbag. Manziel is an addict, and one who desperately needs help. He sought it out last offseason. He would do very well for himself and all those around him to do it again.
Manziel’s issues stem directly from his background, one that so many don’t know about. The 23-year-old comes from an affluent family, with his great-grandfather having immigrated from Lebanon in the early 20th century. Bobby Joe Manziel moved to Texas, hit a well of oil using $400 he borrowed from the great heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey, and became wealthy beyond his wildest dreams.
In 2002, Johnny and his family had to move from Tyler to Kerrville, Texas. Why? Because Manziel’s grandfather was arrested for DWI and evading arrest among four charges, according to John Tedesco of the San Antonio Express News. Manziel’s parents were hoping to shield the young man from all the nonsense.
They had no chance, it was already in his blood.
Sometimes as a parent, you desperately want to be wrong. You see the signs, and there is nothing you can do. Your child has become a runaway train, and the tracks don’t have a prayer. Manziel’s father, Paul, told this to ESPN magazine, per Tedesco’s piece.
"“Yeah, it could all come unraveled,” Manziel’s father said. “And when it does, it’s gonna be bad. Real bad.”"
Then, on Friday, Kate Hairopoulos of the Dallas Morning News reported another quote, this one more chilling than the last.
"“I truly believe if they can’t get him help, he won’t live to see his 24th birthday.”"
All of this coming on the heels of the family twice trying to get Manziel into a rehab treatment facility. Twice, Manziel has declined. On Jan. 29, the second-year Cleveland Browns quarterback allegedly struck his then-girlfriend Colleen Crowley several times. He has since been characterized as suicidal by his father, and perhaps on drugs during the night in question by Crowley. No charges have been filed.
Also on Friday, Manziel’s agent, Erik Burkhardt, released the following statement:
“It is with deep regret that after several emotional and very personal discussions with his family, his doctors, and my client himself, I have made the decision to terminate my professional relationship with Johnny Manziel. Though I will remain a friend and Johnny supporter and he knows I have worked tirelessly to arrange a number of professional options for him to continue to pursue, it has become painfully obvious that his future rests solely in his own hands.
“His family and I have gone to great lengths to outline the steps we feel he must take to get his life in order. Accountability is the foundation of any relationship, and without it, the function of my work is counterproductive.”
This is much more than a quarterback and professional athlete who can’t handle the fame. This isn’t a person with horrific intentions. This is a young man who can’t find himself. Who is swimming in self doubt and paralyzed by a fear he can’t explain. He has a disease, and he needs to be cured.
Manziel is culpable for his actions, but to blindly assert that he’s a monster or an immature malcontent is both unfortunate and incorrect. Manziel is a 23-year-old kid who is frantic. There is something disturbingly sad about that, and it is alright to feel sympathy for him, despite his behavior and privilege.
Hopefully, someone, or something, can save Johnny Manziel from himself before it is too late.