Sumlin spoke in a recent interview with Arizona Sports 98.7 FM about his deteriorating relationship with the past Heisman Trophy winner, per ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio:
I had texted him a couple of times and given him a call but haven’t got a return back. So from that standpoint it’s a little unnerving. But there’s gonna come a time where he’s ready to communicate. … Our concern is for his well-being, and has nothing to do with football and has everything to do with life. It’s important that he knows that.
Manziel played two seasons and redshirted for a year under Sumlin before the Cleveland Browns selected him 22nd overall in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft.
Despite showing marked improvement on the field during the 2015 campaign after a disastrous rookie year in the pros, Manziel was waived by the Browns for repeated off-field conduct issues in March.
The 23-year-old went to rehab last offseason but appeared to lapse back into the behavior that ultimately defined his short-lived time with the Browns.
An appetite for nightlife and an indictment on an alleged misdemeanor assault of his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, are among the reasons Manziel has yet to sign with another NFL team.
If his antics away from the gridiron continue, and he doesn’t adhere or even listen to advice from mentors, such as Sumlin, Manziel will find himself officially out of a football career soon enough. Nike terminated its contract with Manziel, as have numerous other endorsers amid his turbulent offseason.
“You guys act like what I’m doing is something new. I’ve been the same person, doing the same things since it all started,” Manziel wrote on Twitter this past Friday.
While he may have been able to get away with an off-and-on work ethic, natural talent and partying during his Aggies heyday, Johnny Football must clean up his act to be a professional.
Manziel’s production in the NFL to date—a 57 percent completion rate, seven touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 74.4 passer rating—doesn’t come close to justifying the baggage he brings with him. All Sumlin and others can do is express a willingness to help. It’s up to Manziel to accept the aid.
Article Appeared @http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2637920-johnny-manziel-not-returning-kevin-sumlins-phone-calls-text-messages