Just as Johnny Manziel’s brief stint in the NFL came to a close, the Cleveland Browns quarterback came under legal fire as he faced charges of domestic abuse from an ex-girlfriend in early 2016. This led to him being dropped by his agent and Paul Manziel voicing his concerns to the press. “I truly believe if they can’t get him help, he won’t live to see his 24th birthday,” Paul told The Dallas Morning News in February 2016.
Later that year, Paul lambasted his son to the media. In June 2016, Johnny was served papers for his domestic violence charges, leading to Paul sharing incendiary words. “He’s a druggie. It’s not a secret that he’s a druggie,” the father told ESPN. Paul said that the family had repeatedly tried to help the troubled football star but that Johnny had fled rehab. “He’s either going to die, or he’s going to figure out that he needs help,” Paul added. He painted a dire picture of his son and said the family was done trying to help Johnny. In fact, Paul believed his son needed a severe intervention. “I mean, I hate to say it, but I hope he goes to jail,” Paul said.
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A week later, Johnny posted photos of him partying in Cabo San Lucas to Instagram. As a subtle shot to Paul, he added the hashtag #hiDad, per The Washington Post. That appeared to be the end of their public feuding.
