TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns have relaxed their media limitations to see rookie Johnny Manziel practice.
Cleveland’s entire practice session on Wednesday will be open to local and national media members. Last weekend’s rookie minicamp, where Manziel made his pro debut, was restricted to just local reporters and photographers as first-year Browns coach Mike Pettine tried to contain the hype surrounding Manziel, the flashy Texas A&M quarterback Cleveland selected in the first round of the NFL draft.
Pettine limited last week’s media access to just 15 minutes. Manziel threw three passes and did some stretching during the period the workout was open.
The Browns received push back from some national outlets upset about being denied credentials.
Pettine believes the situation “was overblown a little bit.” He said the limitations were “more rewarding the local media than it was punishing. The words ‘ban’ and ‘punishing,’ to me that was nonsense.”
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