Silver said a Browns player told him that during a week late in the season when Manziel was scheduled to start, the quarterback showed up drunk for a Wednesday practice.

>>Read more trending stories

“The Browns lied and said he was in the concussion protocol,” Silver said. “Let me repeat that: the Browns lied to try and to protect, and I would argue enable, this irresponsible and very troubled young man.”

Former Browns head coach Mike Pettine was asked directly about Manziel being drunk and said the answer was 'no.'