The CFL is set to change the timeline on Johnny Manziel once again.
It went from indefinite to November 30, but now it’s been lengthened again.
According to CFL sources, Ticats rights to Johnny Manziel likely to be extended beyond Nov. 30th to allow him to complete league’s requirements. Priority is process over deadline. #CFL #Ticats
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) November 16, 2017
In late September commissioner Randy Ambrosie said Manziel would need to meet certain conditions in order to have his contract registered.
After an extensive process of due diligence and an in-person meeting with Mr. Manziel, the Commissioner has decided that he will not register any contract for Mr. Manziel for this season. However, Mr. Manziel will be eligible to sign a contract for the 2018 season and, if Mr. Manziel meets certain conditions that have been spelled out by the Commissioner, the CFL will register that contract. The specifics of those conditions are confidential and will not be disclosed. The CFL has extended the stay on the expiry of the 10-day window for Mr. Manziel until November 30, 2017 and therefore Mr. Manziel will remain on Hamilton’s negotiation list until that date.
When/if Manziel satisfies CFL requirements to play in 2018, Ticats 10-day window to offer him a contract would begin at that time. #CFL #Ticats
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) November 16, 2017
Manziel will remain on Hamilton’s neg list until a final decision is made.
The league required Manziel be assessed by an expert in domestic violence prevention as well as meet with Ambrosie before signing a contract with any club after Manziel activated the 10-day window that required Hamilton offer him a contract earlier this year. The league subsequently extended the timeline so it could complete its review.
Under CFL rules, any player on a team’s exclusive 45-man negotiation list can demand to be offered a contract within 10 days. If a contract offer is not received within that period, the player is removed from the neg list. If a contract offer is received but rejected, the player is removed from the list one year from the offer date.
Manziel was charged in January 2016 after being accused of hitting and threatening former girlfriend Colleen Crowley. He reached a dismissal agreement that required him to complete an anger management class, attend a domestic violence impact panel and participate in a substance-abuse program.
The 24-year-old has been on the Ticats neg list since his days at Texas A&M, where he became the first freshman to capture the Heisman Trophy. The Cleveland Browns selected him in the first round, No. 22 overall, in the 2014 NFL draft and he spent two seasons with the club, posting a 2-6 record as a starter before being released March 11, 2016.
