Browns spokesman denies that team lied to protect Johnny Manziel

A Browns spokesman denied that the team lied to protect Johnny Manziel when he reportedly arrived at practice drunk.

A Cleveland Browns spokesman denied Tuesday that the team lied to protect Johnny Manziel when he reportedly arrived at practice drunk late in the NFL season, reports Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.

“The fact that people are saying we lied about [Johnny Manziel’s] concussion is false,” the spokesman said.

Earlier Tuesday, a report surfaced from NFL Network’s Mike Silver that the Browns covered up for an intoxicated Manziel, claiming that he was in concussion protocol instead of admitting to his drunken state.

“The Browns lied to try and protect, and I would argue enable, this irresponsible and very troubled young man,” Silver said.

• Report: Browns lied about Johnny Manziel arriving at practice drunk

Manziel is expected to be released by the Browns in March.