Browns will not volunteer to be on HBO Hard Knocks to protect Johnny Manziel
Cleveland Browns HC Mike Pettine told reporters on Tuesday that they have “declined to volunteer” as the featured team on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series, according to ESPN. Pettine said protecting QB Johnny Manziel from public scrutiny played into their decision to not volunteer for the show.
“We discussed everything that was involved with it. That was certainly something we needed to consider,” Pettine said, via Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland. “…I wouldn’t say (concern about Manziel) loomed large. You just weigh everything in. Because being a part of Hard Knocks, knowing they’re going to look to cover the team’s biggest, current storylines. It’s obvious that he would be a point of attention.”
According to Tony Grossi of ESPN, the Browns have met with HBO producers here at the owners meetings in Arizona and expressed their concerns about doing the show and how it could impact Manziel.
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