CFL commissioner says league would welcome Johnny Manziel
Canadian Football League commissioner Jeffrey Orridge said that his league would welcome Johnny Manziel should he choose Canada as a route to continue his football career.
Manziel was released by the Browns in March after two seasons with Cleveland, and faces a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy should he return to the league.
"We try not to speculate on situations like that," Orridge told ESPN, "and I really can't speculate too much on hypotheticals. But I can tell you that what's paramount to us is ensuring the success of an athlete, while at the same time preserving and promoting the integrity of the league and the game."
Orridge says it is up to the CFL's individual teams to decide if they want to bring in Manziel, but noted he would step in if any situation warranted it.
"It is their charge to evaluate the talent and to bring that talent forward," Orridge said. "To be candid, if there is a situation that we believe warrants additional input, we certainly want to provide that to the team. We're obviously charged with making sure that the integrity of the league and the integrity of our brand is perpetuated."
Manziel, a former Heisman Trophy winner, went 2–6 in his eight career NFL starts. He completed 57% of his passes for 1,675 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.
- Scooby Axson
